Still using Microsoft Vista on your home computer because you don’t want to pay for an upgrade to Windows 7?
If you are a student, you can abandon Windows Vista (with all of its annoyances and shortcomings) and get one of Microsoft’s latest versions of Windows … for free!
Currently Microsoft is offering students a chance to download and install Windows Server 2008 R2 absolutely free1.
And thought this isn’t Windows 7, by the time you’re finished, your friends won’t be able tell the difference.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is the latest operating system from Microsoft–and with a few tweaks it can look and act just like Windows 7. You’ll also gain experience with an operating system designed for enterprise use, which could be a side-benefit for you, depending on your eventual career goal.
One thing to be aware of: Windows Server 2008 R2 will only run on 64-bit processors. So, if you have an older machine (probably something with 2 GB of RAM or less), then this “upgrade” may not work for you.
To download your copy of Windows Server 2008 R2, go to Microsoft DreamSpark. You’ll need to register using a Windows Live ID, then confirm your enrollment in a high school, college or university.
According to Microsoft, “DreamSpark provides professional-level developer and design tools to students and educators around the world at no charge. These Microsoft tools will help you advance your learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering activities.”
While you’re visiting DreamSpark, be sure to check out the other products that Microsoft offers free for students, like Visual Studio 2008 Professional (for programming) and Expression® Studio 4 Ultimate (for Web Development).
To install and configure your new copy of Windows Server 2008 R2, check out this guide from zdnet.com: Convert student-free Windows Server 2008 R2 into Windows 7.
There are some Windows 7 consumer features missing in Server 2008, notably Windows Media Center. For more information on tweaking your Windows Server 2008 installation, here are a couple of good resources:
- A quick checklist from a Microsoft blogger on Using Windows Server 2008 as a SUPER Workstation OS
- An Online Manual to “Use Windows Server 2008 R2 as a Lightning Fast Workstation”
And More Useful Links:
- Microsoft official Windows Server 2008 R2 Product Information
- Microsoft official Windows Server 2008 R2 System Requirements
- Microsoft DreamSpark: Free Download for Students of Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition
- ZDnet: Convert student-free Windows Server 2008 R2 into Windows 7
Notes:
[1] According to their website, Microsoft is providing free software for students to “use in pursuit of increasing education, skills, and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or design” (i.e. not for business use). See Microsoft DreamSpark FAQ for complete details.
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