Just recently experienced similar process for trying to download and install Microsoft Office for one of my relatives. First hit on Google was Microsoft Office web page which promised 30-day free trial, after that $10 monthly fee. I said "cool, let's try that".
The process was basically the same as OP explains for SQL Server, with the additional step to input credit card/paypal information. At that step, I simply canceled and after some more googling found another microsoft.com site that had MS Office download of 60-day trial without all the registration and payment information. However, Akamai installer was still needed (have no clue why Microsoft forces this, as it's instant spam/virus alert in many users' minds).
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Just recently experienced similar process for trying to download and install Microsoft Office for one of my relatives. First hit on Google was Microsoft Office web page which promised 30-day free trial, after that $10 monthly fee. I said "cool, let's try that".
The process was basically the same as OP explains for SQL Server, with the additional step to input credit card/paypal information. At that step, I simply canceled and after some more googling found another microsoft.com site that had MS Office download of 60-day trial without all the registration and payment information. However, Akamai installer was still needed (have no clue why Microsoft forces this, as it's instant spam/virus alert in many users' minds).