Windows 7 for Less (in Canada)

October 22, 2009 7:09 AM

Is there anything like Win741 for students in Canada?

Does anyone know of ways to save on buying Windows 7 in Canada, either as a full time student or not?
I don't qualify for the Upgrade edition, and want to buy Windows 7 Pro. I don't think I want the OEM version, because I upgrade my computer every year or two and don't want to have to buy it multiple times.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

posted by smitt to computers & internet (10 comments total)

There might be something available at your university/college bookstore, as they usually work out deals with Microsoft for discounted prices.
posted by urbanlenny at 8:12 AM on October 22

Yes. If you are part of the Computing/CS/Software Engineering department at your school chances are you are a member of MSDNAA, which lets you download a whole heap of Microsoft software for free (Win 7 professional included). If not, then you might want to find a friend who is.

Otherwise you might want to check with your on-campus bookstore as urbanlenny suggested to see about possible discounts.
posted by shoebox at 8:58 AM on October 22

If are in any way connected to a retailer of Microsoft products, you can sign up for an ExpertZone account. It's a training resource site for salespeople and whatnot. Go through their Windows 7 training courses (about an hour of listlessly clicking on 'Next' buttons and some easy multiple-choice tests) and you'll be rewarded with some points, which you can redeem (along with $10) for a legit copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.*

*NOTE: You usually can't redeem your rewards right away, so you might have to wait a couple of weeks. Also, even if you aren't working for a retailer, I have heard that getting a store number from any old Best Buy will get you in the door.
posted by Monster_Zero at 9:10 AM on October 22

Do you know anybody who runs a small tech company (<1>BizSpark and politely ask them for one of their 10 free Win 7 Ultimate licenses.
posted by b.an.dekker at 10:19 AM on October 22

Sorry, don't know how I trashed that message.

Do you know anybody who runs a small tech company (less than 3 years old, fewer than 10 staff)? Get them to sign up for Microsoft BizSpark and politely ask them for one of their 10 free Windows 7 Ultimate licenses.
posted by b.an.dekker at 10:22 AM on October 22

Thanks everyone! The tip on MSDNAA let me to make some calls around campus, and I found out that I can have Windows 7 Pro for free through the school!

(I'm not even a member of any of the math/engingeering departments, it's available to all active students.)

simpleton: I do use Ubuntu and OpenOffice on my aging laptop, and do agree with you on many points. However for my home use, I default to Windows. What can I say, I was raised on Windows and it's where I feel most comfortable, heheh.
posted by smitt at 11:32 AM on October 22

If you're interested in other Windows operating systems (2003, 2008, 2008R2) you can get them for free here: https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx
posted by blue_beetle at 12:37 PM on October 22

DreamSpark is very cool too, and worked for me here in Canada. Thanks!
posted by smitt at 1:35 PM on October 22

One more, for students you can get Windows 7 Upgrade for $39.99 via the "Ultimate Steal" program. (click additional products)

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-ca/default.aspx
posted by blue_beetle at 2:41 PM on October 22

So, AskMe wants a followup...

I got Windows 7 Pro for free through my school's MSDN-AA.

However, I also received a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate for $10+tax through Microsoft ExpertZone and suggested above. :D

Thanks for the help, folks.
posted by smitt at 1:09 PM on November 21