title: Best way to license Microsoft software as an independent developer
body: <p>I've recently switched from being an employee of a small consulting company to being an independent consultant and as time goes on I will need to upgrade Windows and Visual Studio. So what is the most affordable way to go about this for a small time developer?</p>
  
  <p>My previous boss suggested I get a TechNet Plus subscription for OS licenses, I've done that and appears to be what I need, but open to other options for the future.</p>
  
  <p>Visual Studio I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what is the difference between Professional and Standard. Also I'd really like a digital version, but seems that expensive MSDN subscription is the only way?</p>
  
  <p>Visual Studio 2008 Professional with MSDN Professional listed <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/aa718657.aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a> appears to be semi-reasonably priced at $1,199. That would make the TechNet Plus subscription unneeded.</p>