Have others pay for your computer (for college)

Don’t pay for your computer…if you’re a college student…here’s how to have others pay for it:

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Microsoft announces Chip In student PC crowdsourcing program

…Chip In, a new seasonal buying program to help students get the Windows PC or tablet they need for school…students crowdsource contributions from friends and family toward the purchase…

Students can participate in Chip In exclusively at http://www.windowschipin.com

Chip In runs now through Sept. 1, 2013. To participate, students need a valid .edu email address or documentation to prove enrollment in a university or accredited institution…

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2013/Jun13/06-03WindowsChipInPR.aspx

 

Prices to increase for Windows 8…

A Communications Manager at Microsoft, Brandon LeBlanc, has posted some information about the upcoming changes for the cost of Windows 8…

Per “Blogging Windows“:

>If you bought an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2nd and January 31st, 2013 – be sure to register for the Windows Upgrade Offer and upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99…

{The last day to register for the Windows Upgrade Offer is February 28th, 2013.}

>…If you upgrade to the Windows 8 edition or buy a PC with the Windows 8 edition pre-installed and want to move to the Windows 8 Pro edition– you can purchase the Windows 8 Pro Pack (previously known as Windows Anytime Upgrade) directly within Windows 8 by going to the Start screen and typing “Add Features to Windows 8” and at participating retailers for $69.99 MSRP (U.S.) until January 31st. If are running Windows 8 Pro and want Windows Media Center and DVD playback, you can add the Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free until January 31st.

Check for the upgrade offer at http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/

Upgrade path information (from Windows XP, Vista, and 7) to Windows 8 is available at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj203353.aspx

Before purchasing, and attempting to install Windows 8, run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.  It will scan hardware and applications to try to determine if they are compatible.

Until January 31 (2013), using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a promotional offer to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro via Windows.com for $39.99 is available.  Also (until January 31) DVDs at retailers will cost $69.99.  DVDs can be purchased from http://windows.com/buy

Beginning in February, the prices for Windows 8 upgrade editions will be:
Windows 8 upgrade edition (available online and at retail locations) for $119.99
Windows 8 Pro upgrade edition (available online and at retail locations) for $199.99
Windows 8 Pro Pack will cost $99.99
and Windows 8 Media Center Pack will cost $9.99

Windows Upgrade Offer Registration Now Available

“…registration is officially open for the Windows Upgrade Offer…If you purchase or have purchased an eligible Windows 7 PC anytime between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 you will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99 (U.S.)…

“Registration for the Windows Upgrade Offer is only for those who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2nd and January 31st, 2013.

“Did you already buy an awesome Windows 7 PC prior to June 2nd (or have a Windows 7 PC not eligible for the offer)?…Starting on October 26th, you will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99!”

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/08/20/windows-upgrade-offer-registration-now-available.aspx

https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/

 

Pricing for Windows 8 could win your money

Microsoft is trying to make it very worth your while to upgrade to Windows 8:

…Starting at general availability, if your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99 in 131 markets. And if you want, you can add Windows Media Center for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after your upgrade.

And now, the “catch”:

When you use Windows.com to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro…

I am familiar with some upgrading scenarios and procedures that did not end well, so I warn you to CREATE THE BOOTABLE USB AND/OR DVD!!!

After your download finishes, you can choose to proceed with the upgrade (“Install now”) or install later either from your desktop or by creating your own media. If you choose to create your own media, you will be able to create your own bootable USB or .ISO file which can be burned onto a DVD for upgrade and backup purposes. If you prefer, you also have the option of purchasing a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling.

If you prefer to shop at a local store, a packaged DVD version of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be available for $69.99 during this promotion.

In the past, some decided to upgrade their operating system via a download from the internet. The DID NOT create installation media (DVDs). The installation procedure failed, and everything on their hard drive was lost: including their data, programs, and the operating system (Windows).

This upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at retail runs through January 31st, 2013.

 

Windows 8 for only $15? YES!…(maybe)

I heard that this was coming, had been watching for it, and (as of yet) haven’t seen it…but, I found the info:

BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A NEW COMPUTER, check to see if you can upgrade to Windows 8 for about 15-bucks.

“…The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just $14.99 (U.S.)…

“This program…is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period June 2, 2012–Jan. 31, 2013, and redeemed before the program expiration at the end of February 2013…”

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I have been using Windows 8, and feel the need to warn you that I believe some will LOVE the new interface…and for others, it can interfere with productivity. As much as you can, be sure you are ready to be committed to Windows 8 before you install it.