Microsoft is not only maintaining one public download repository on the Internet but several. Many of these download sites are offering downloads for a specific Microsoft product or group of users. Some are accessible from within Microsoft products while others are only accessible from a web browser. This makes it rather complicated to create an overview of those download sites. The benefit of maintaining such a list is that these download sites do not only contain downloads for Microsoft computer software programs but also patches, updates, beta software and even prototype software that might only be available for a limited amount of time before it is removed from the servers.
The following overview will list the major Microsoft download portals (Keep in mind that these link to the English language portals):
- Codeplex: Download Portal for Open Source third party software
- IE Addons: Provides information and downloads about add-ons for the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser.
- Microsoft Developer Network: The developer portal. Most content is restricted to subscribers but some can be accessed publicly.
- Microsoft Download Center: Microsoft’s main download repository that contains links to updates, trial versions and service packs.
- Microsoft Office Labs: Office concepts and prototypes
- Microsoft Research: Site for tech demos and prototypes that can be downloaded publicly.
- Microsoft Security: Security portal that provides latest security news and downloads for Microsoft products.
- Microsoft TechNet: Contains resources for IT professionals. Lots of technical stuff plus downloads.
- TechNet Evaluation Center: Download of beta and trial software.
- Microsoft Update: Works only in Internet Explorer. Will scan the computer system for Microsoft products and suggest updates that can be downloaded and installed on site.
- Office Update: The main page for Office updates and downloads of all kind including updates, service packs and add-ons.
- Vista Gallery: Gadget downloads for Windows Vista.
- Windows Live: Download the Windows Live software and install all or selected products.
- Windows Live Gallery: Download and review sidebar gadgets, emoticons, toolbars, display pictures, web gadgets, winks and sideshow gadgets.
- WM Plugins: Codecs, skins, effects and additional tools for the Windows Media Player.
Did we miss a website or portal? Let us know in the comments.
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officelabs.com ;)
Thanks. Added.
Very helpful list, thanx
What about Codeplex?
http://www.codeplex.com/
There is a bunch of good software there and its owned by MS …
:-)
Thanks, added as well ;)
One more: http://connect.microsoft.com/directory/
Its not “public available”, because you have to sign in with a WIndows Live ID, but there is also a lot of good (beta) software available …