Why More Parents Should Read This Windows 7 Buying Guide

Buying Guide To Windows 7

by SoftwareGuru


There are so many articles being written this week on Windows 7 that it's possible the most important issue will be missed: The Price.

Obviously, the price of software is always higher for businesses than for home users.

Any retailer can sell home user software but only Official Microsoft Partners like Software4Students are allowed to sell to parents and guardians via an academic licence in the UK.

Let's take a look at the prices around the web for Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade.

Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade has a RRP (Recommended Retail Price) in the UK of £199.99 and most retailers will discount this to some degree.

It's also worth noting that even OEM versions for PC builders, available from PC hardware retailers, are still more expensive than the Software4Students deal.
 























More Expensive Buying Options

All of the following prices and information are correct at time of writing on Oct 22nd 2009 - the week of Windows 7's official launch.

Tesco.com:         £152.97 
Amazon.co.uk:    £190.83
Currys.co.uk:      £153.18
Dixons.co.uk:      £153.18
PCWorld.co.uk:   £153.18
Comet.co.uk:      £199.99
Misco.co.uk:        £169.98
Play.com:            £169.99
CCLonline.com    £143.78 (32bit OEM)

*last checked 23/10/09 at 2:57pm

As you can see, even the PC World deal for Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade is a lot more expensive than what Software4Students can offer.

Aside from the "Academic Use Only" branded Microsoft DVDs complete with shiny hologram and orange serial key sticker, it's the exact same software.

Obviously, if you are not a student yourself, or if you don't have children in education, or act as a guardian than you are not eligible to buy.

However, a lot of people in the UK who are eligible to buy official Microsoft Windows software at hugely discounted prices will end up paying more simply because they recognise the Amazon name online or see PC World's television ads. 

If you're a student, parent of guardian looking to buy software then Software4Students should always be the first place you look.

A Victimless Crime?

The final section of this article is aimed squarely at people who do not use Genuine Microsoft Software.

No-one can hide the fact that fast broadband speeds have enabled software piracy on an unprecedented scale.

On the one hand people are struggling to find jobs during a recession and yet on the other, people are not respecting intellectual property and copyright, thinking that illegal downloading is a victimless crime.

Thousands of people in the UK employed throughout the IT and knowledge economy would argue differently.

Buying official software or paying for goods or services online generally is not only good for economic recovery in the short term, it sets an example for the next generation in the long term.

Corporate greed is always an emotive issue.

The fact remains that Win7 Ultimate for £59.95 represents incredible value for money when you consider that you'll likely use the software nearly every day for several years.

Even putting all the above aside, using non-genuine operating systems is such a massive security risk that unless you plan on never connecting to the internet, it's simply a terrible idea.

It's a bit like taking the lock off your front door where you live and in some cases, removing the front and back doors altogether! 

For more information, visit our Windows 7 Ultimate product page and save money on your purchase.











Why More Parents Should Read This Windows 7 Buying Guide.

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