<p>So Windows 7 is going to be available for retail on October 22, 2009 for at least $119.99 depending on which version you get. Windows however is offering a special discount program for college and university students, bringing the cost of Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional down to $29.99.</p>
<p>I have heard of many students being able to acquire Windows 7 for free from their university though, and I was wondering if anyone had information about whether UT offered this for their students.</p>
<p>[Microsoft</a> Developers Network Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) - Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin](<a href=“Custom 404 page”>Custom 404 page)</p>
<p>I don’t know if its just for engineering students. You have to apply for a login. You can download Windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit RTM version.</p>
<p>I got a username and password but, this scares me:</p>
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<p>What is considered “academic”? How could Windows 7 be used for “academic” purposes. I don’t feel like having UT come knocking on my door for “abusing” the system…</p>
<p>That’s intense. I thought as long as you didn’t make any sort of profit using the software that it would be alright, but I wasn’t aware of the periodical check-ups.</p>
<p>I am reading on microsoft’s website and it says, “you are able to obtain free Microsoft software with a license that never expires—even after you graduate!” I think they are just going to make sure your not profiting from it.</p>
<p>Is it really Windows 7 ULTIMATE? I get one of those free upgrade kits from my manufacturer for purchasing the laptop, but its only for home premium. You think its worth shelling out the extra money for Windows 7 ultimate edition? (Also, the “kit” Sony is offering is supposed to come with all the drivers I need, though granted I could just spend some time downloading them all when October 22 rolls around. Dunno, what do you guys think)</p>
<p>Yes, it’s the “Ultimate” version. They have both 32-bit and 64-bit version for the same price. (~$33)</p>
<p>The lady at the desk said that the 64-bit was only the upgrade version, so if you didn’t have the previous version of Windows, you would need the 32-bit since they had the full version of it. </p>
<p>I’m not sure if you should get it. It really depends on what you are going to use it for. Also when you purchase it, it says that the product key isn’t valid. The representative lady said that you can just skip that part and then activate it around October 22 when they officially release it. It should work by then.</p>
<p>hey i filled out the form and submitted it. how long does it take for them to send you an email with the login info? i’m an engineering student btw.</p>