Free Software for Students with Microsoft DreamSpark

If you're a computer programming student, odds are you are already on a tight budget. The software you need to get your schoolwork done can be incredibly expensive. With Microsoft's DreamSpark program, you can get genuine Microsoft software at no cost. Think about how great it would be to get hundreds and even thousands of dollars of development software for free.

How to Sign Up

The first thing you need to be eligible for Microsoft DreamSpark is to attend a qualifying school. All accredited schools are eligible to participate, including high schools, vocational schools, community colleges and universities. You can ask your professor if you school participates. The next thing you need is a valid student email address. Only .edu addresses are accepted. You must also be a current student.

Go to the DreamSpark homepage. Press the "Sign In" link on the left side of the page. Use your Windows Live ID or create a new account. Fill out the student verification form. Be sure to select the correct school and type your student email address carefully. If you mis-type it, you will not be verified.

Wait until you hear back from Microsoft, which usually takes 24 hours or less, but in some cases, may take several days. You will then have 12 months to use Microsoft DreamSpark. When your account expires, you can renew for free as long as you're still a student.

What's Free

Microsoft does offer some of its development software for free to the general public; however, it's a stripped down version of the full version software. With DreamSpark, students are able to download the full version of every product, not the express or stripped versions.

Some of the more popular software packages available include the latest versions of Visual Studio, Virtual PC, beta versions of Internet Explorer, latest version of Windows Server and Expression Studio.

When you download the software, you receive an activation code just like you would if you purchased the software from a retailer. Once activated, you can use the software as long as you want or need. Technically, Microsoft asks that you uninstall the software after your account has expired, but the software does not expire.

Discounts

Though the DreamSpark program only offers development software for free, students can still take advantage of discounts through Microsoft. When you visit the DreamSpark website, see the discount section at the bottom of the home page. For instance, students can get Microsoft Office for a deep discount, saving $50 to $100 off retail.