Best way to license Microsoft software as an independent developer [closed]

Question

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?

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.

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?

Visual Studio 2008 Professional with MSDN Professional listed here appears to be semi-reasonably priced at $1,199. That would make the TechNet Plus subscription unneeded.

Answer 1

I recommend that if VS Express is not good enough, use Professional. Standard is missing some really useful features, like a Remote Debugger. Here is a detailed comparison:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc149003.aspx

I'd say cancel TechNet and get one of the bottom two MSDN Subscriptions, Visual Studio Professional with either MSDN Professional or with MSDN Premium.