Students Get Windows 7 for $30

Windows 7, the new version coming out at the end of the year is releasing October 22nd. It is widely regarded as the version of Windows that actually works. It should erase the dismal failure of Vista, and keep PCs on par with Apple machines. Microsoft is also including XP Compatability Mode – so your old software will still work.

The upgrade fee for Windows Home Premium (the version most users will buy) is $120. The upgrade fee for Professional (the version most schools and businesses require) is $200.

However, Microsoft is encouraging student adoption by offering 7 upgrades for $30! All you need to authorize your student download of Windows 7 is a .edu email address. Many of my friends are either in grad school or law school, or an alum with a still active .edu email address.  That is quite the savings.

The hidden things they don’t tell you – You can get the Professional Version for $30 as well. On the order page, just click the “I need to connect to my school’s domain” link. They offer you Pro for the same $30. Also, you can order a cd if you don’t feel comfortable downloading 7 for an extra $13.

So, again: if you have a .edu email address. Go to: http://www.win741.com/ and register, and you can get the new Windows 7 Operating System for $30!

From the business perspective, this is very smart for Microsoft to do.

1. They are losing a lot of market share to students. More and more students are buying Macs. By offering a very cheap upgrade to 7, maybe fewer people will feel the need to switch once they see how easy the new windows is to use.
2. By targeting students, they build their young customer base. Younger people are critical because after someone becomes very comfortable using a certain OS they are less likely to switch. If you get enough people using Windows young, they are less likely to want to learn how to use a mac.