Virginia Tech’s Software Distribution made Microsoft Windows 7 Professional available to the student body today.
The price of Microsoft’s latest Windows operating system is $38. The price also covers a physical copy on a disc for installation. Students who previously purchased a bundle through Software Distribution are eligible to download the software upgrade online free of charge.
The physical disc costs $7 extra for these students.Eligible students may only purchase one copy of the software, available in 32- and 64-bit variants.
The listed price of the software online through Microsoft is $29.99 for a promotional student discount. However, the physical disc is not included and is priced at an additional $13. Consequently, the $42.99 total for an online purchase through Microsoft exceeds the $38 deal offered through Software Distribution.
“The choice to purchase the software through Microsoft or the university depends on each individual need,” said Patricia Branscome, Software Distribution associate director.
The price of Windows 7 as offered by the university is expected to double by the end of December when the Tech discount expires.
Microsoft’s own student discount expires Jan. 3, 2010.Based on past upgrade trends, there will not be another operating system overhaul from Microsoft for at least three years, said Jon Krallman, director of information technology acquisitions.
