Achtung, students

Get your software, ladies and gentlemen; we've got free software to give you!

Get your software, ladies and gentlemen; we've got free software to give you!


One of the main arguments for schools to use proprietary tools has been that the software is industry standard.

One of the main arguments for schools to use open source tools has been that the proprietary software is expensive.

Guess what’s just been announced.

Microsoft has decided to give away its Dreamspark software suite to students.

Dreamspark comprises:
Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
XNA Game Studio 2.0
A 12-month free Academic membership in the XNA Creators Club
Expression Web
Expression Blend
Expression Design
Expression Media
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
Windows Server, Standard Edition

If you’re studying technology, design, maths, science or engineering you’ll eventually be eligible to download the suite from this MSDN page once you’ve registered.

Although it’s already gone live in the ‘States and elsewhere, it’s going to be a few months before it’s released in Australia. Microsoft is still working with universities to set up the appropriate identity verification systems, and it should be ready before the second half of the year.

Microsoft has plans to make the program available to high school students as well, but hasn't provided details. Nor has it commented (yet) on what TAFE students should expect.