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Computer products available for home use at discounted cost

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  There are benefits to working for the Air Force. Military members and civilians who work for Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command or Air Force Reserve Command and use Microsoft software products at work can buy the authorized home use versions of those same programs at a significantly discounted rate. The programs are available through the Microsoft Home Use Program. They can also purchase other Microsoft products at bargain prices through the Employee Purchase Program.

For $9.95, personnel can buy rights to use the HUP versions for as long as they work for AFMC, ACC or AFRC. With shipping and handling costs, AFRC employees will spend approximately $21.50 for the program. Prices for other Microsoft products, bought through the EPP, vary depending on the desired product.

Personnel also have access to antivirus software at no cost. Antivirus software programs include Symantec Client Security for XP, Vista or Windows 7; Norton Antivirus for Mac; McAfee; VirusScan for XP, Vista and Windows 7.

"It's a huge savings and this service is available to them right now," said Dave Fralish, chief of the 72nd Communications Directorate's Chief Information Officer Support Branch. "This program has been around for several years, but a lot of people still don't know about it."

Kevin Smith, chief of the 72nd Comm Directorate's Base Support Branch, said if someone were to purchase the same products directly from Microsoft or a retail provider, it may cost upwards of $679 for Microsoft Office products. Microsoft Office Professional software includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Access. For antivirus software, it could cost at least $100.

To purchase products through the HUP, AFMC personnel should go to the Tinker homepage and click on the PC/Network Support link. There, an individual can find links to information about antivirus, common access card home upgrade program, and how to obtain products through the HUP. ACC personnel should access the Air Force Portal Web site and click on the Products and Services tab, found on the left side. There, personnel can find information about home use and employee purchase programs. AFRC personnel should contact Lucille Green at DSN 497-1562.

While the home use and employee purchase programs share similar characteristics, there is one major difference between the two programs. The HUP is only intended for AFMC, ACC and AFRC personnel while they are employed within the major commands. Once an individual terminates their employment and is no longer working for any of the organizations, the software must be removed from the personal computer and the media, destroyed in accordance with end-user licensing agreements.

"Make sure you read those user license agreements," Mr. Smith said.

Should an individual opt to use the EPP, the product is theirs to keep, even if they leave AFMC, ACC or AFRC. Products available through the EPP include Windows, Microsoft Office, Xbox and Zune.

Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Fralish advised, once these programs are obtained, they are an individual's responsibility and the programs are not affiliated with Tinker. Therefore, should an owner need help with the software or have an issue they shouldn't call an on-base computer support technician. They cannot help with program problems.

"It's between you and Microsoft or the antivirus product you have selected to use," Mr. Smith said.