Software for Home Use
How do I buy Microsoft Office?
As long as it is available, the best price for students who want to purchase Microsoft Office is available here: http://theultimatesteal.com/
All UW students can buy Microsoft Office Standard or Professional for a significant discount through UW's licensing agreement. Purchase MS Office online.
Note: Don't pay to upgrade to Windows Vista! The Information School's agreement offers Windows Vista as a free download.
How do I download other Microsoft programs for free?
Students in Information School programs and classes are allowed to download programs (everything except Office). View license terms. Students may download the following programs for free:
- Operating systems (such as Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008)
- Microsoft Access
- Visio Professional
- OneNote
- Visual Studio.NET
- Most Microsoft servers such as SQL Server and Exchange
A few programs may be ordered online on disk at very low cost (under $15). Note: Downloads work better with high-speed connections, such as DSL or cable broadband. Otherwise, order disks or go to the Information School labs to download and burn CDs or DVDs.
Shortly after the first week of the quarter, all students in Information School classes are sent a userid (your UW email address) and password. Software is distributed by e-academy. Download free software. Follow the directions in the iSchool KB. If you don't remember your password, click the forgot password link to send it to your e-mail. If you have problems logging in or with your userid, contact us.
Who offers discounts on other brands?
University Bookstore Technology Center offers other brands of academic software titles. Academic pricing typically allows you to buy a copy at an "upgrade" price.