It's been a rough few days in tech, with several well-known services killed off or marked for an imminent death.
IT pros and other software geeks loved Microsoft's (MSFT) TechNet subscriptions, which granted users a slew of tools: early access to software for testing purposes, forums, tutorials, and other support. Microsoft announced on July 1 that it is phasing out the subscriptions in favor of free offerings -- which include a lot less in the toolbox. TechNet fans can buy annual subscriptions, which run from $199 to $599, until August 31 for access through September 30, 2014.