Bill Gates talks about Free Software, Students, and Technology

Posted By: Max Zuckerman | Feb 18th, 2008 @ 9:01 PM | 133,276 Views | 33 Comments

Formats:

How would you like a free copy of Microsoft Visual Studio 2008? How about the entire Microsoft Expression Studio? Not enough...... how about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and more?

For once, something that sounds too good to be true really is this good and really is true. Starting today (or soon in some areas), students worldwide will be able to download our professional development and design tools for free! It's called DreamSpark and it is upon us.

We got a few minutes with the guy himself, Mr. Bill Gates, to talk about his thoughts on this student opportunity. We also discussed the fast pace of technology and how students can best deal with that. Finally, I gave him a chance to think about what he would do if he were 17 years old again and starting up the next big company. His answer was--are you sitting down because this one was a real shocker--software!

We figured since one 8er already won a PC and another 8er won a Zune, we should hook you guys up with something cool too... I better see some smiles in the comments! Smiley

Tags: developers, DreamSpark, Expression, free microsoft software, free software, microsoft, Visual Studio, windows server

Rating:

freakie

YAHOO!!!

Trix

OMG Free Server 2003!

Sampy

Just use that handy link in the upper right of your screen Smiley

Trixie21

Wow....this actually makes me like being a student for once Smiley

Now if only I knew how to use this stuff.

Chadk

Wow, this is awesome!

I think its awesome that you can get free VS08. But also expression AND Server 2003? Damn awesome.

Now they just need to support my high school, and my life is complete.

madd0

Cool! Finally!

Well, some of this software has already been available through MSDNAA or local programs, but now it's starting to become global. I like the "think global" approch that Microsoft is adopting toward student programs such as Microsoft Student Partners.

Nice work. Congratulations to the Academic Team Wink

TheContempt
Geek by birth, Microsoftie by choice!

Wow! The things coming out of Microsoft target specifically at students is simply AMAZING!! First Channel 8, The Student Union and now Dreamspark! Keep up the incredible work guys!

+Josh (Wa)

gogole
Dude outside, Geek inside :)

I was so happy when i saw this but then all the excitement went down the drain because Africa wasn't selectable (the continent i'm on ).Please Microsoft make this available to students in Africa (especially Ghana,that's where i am).Till then i'll have this Face Sad

NeoDarkSaver

Thanks Bill!
here is the smile!
Smiley