About 6 months ago in Australia, Microsoft released a program called “It’s not cheating” which was aimed at stopping student pirating their software. Well obviously it has been a success because Microsoft have announced that they will be releasing similar programs in the UK, US, Italy, France and Spain where they will offer Office 2007 for a measly £30 (USD 60) which is around 90% less than the original RRP price.

Microsoft feel that if the user is likely to get the software for a cheap enough price then they will more likely purchase it rather than go through the process of pirating it as many students do nowadays.

There are alternatives, personally I use Open Office but that is because I use Linux so I cant use Microsoft Office without MS frowning upon me. Although I believe that the future of software is online, MS Office 2007 is by far one of my favourite programs or suite of programs but for many students it is not necessary to use the more advanced features seen in the latest MS Office so are more likely to go for cheaper alternatives (MS Works) or free software (Open Office or a nice number of online alternatives).

The programs come under some strange names, “It’s Not Cheating” and “The Ultimate Steal”, designed to attract students to the rather scamming style of the websites and logos. The offer will end on my birthday next year (30th April 2008), so get in their quick.

To save money, you will have to download the software from the internet rather than getting it packaged. For “The Ultimate Steal” go here: http://www.theultimatesteal.com/, you will need a student email address to get it. Hey I’m a student, woop!