Any way for students to get Windows for free to develop on?

    codysherman
    Aug 23 2011 | 9:41 pm
    I'm working on a Max app (for Mac), and I'd like to develop a Windows version as well, is there any program from Microsoft to give away Windows to student developers? I know my friend got a version from his college, not sure if mine has the same offer. Was just curious if any of you guys knew of such a program?
    • Toshiro Yamada
      Aug 23 2011 | 11:55 pm
      When Windows 7 came out, Microsoft had an event all over US and gave out free copies of Windows 7 Ultimate. That was awesome. But that was my only time I got my free copy of Windows. My university didn't offer any free copies and I don't think they have free academic copies either.
      Also you could get an academic, free version of Visual Studio and other developer applications on Microsoft DreamSpark if you're interested. https://www.dreamspark.com/
    • Tim Lloyd
      Aug 31 2011 | 9:18 am
      You should just ask your Uni/College :)
    • oli larkin
      Aug 31 2011 | 9:37 am
      lots of universities have a MS campus agreement, and often you can purchase MS products for very reasonable prices.
      oli
      ---- Endless Series v3 out now - A unique synthesis and effect plugin based on the Shepard Tone auditory illusion.
      http://www.olilarkin.co.uk
    • vektoren
      Aug 31 2011 | 12:03 pm
      If you just need Windows but not the desktop effects etc. then you can download a 60 day test version from "Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2". You can install Max on that and develop and that free for 60 days.
      But I don't know if this also works with the Windows 7 for the desktop. Most universities have a "MSDN AA" account for each student. If so, you get access to most Microsoft products for free.
      From Microsoft, you get allmost anything for the development for free, for example the Visual Studio 2010 Express etc. pp. but not the operating system :(
    • vektoren
      Aug 31 2011 | 12:05 pm
      Here is the link for the trial version of the server: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/default.aspx