Last February, Bill Gates announced a free software giveaway to college university students and high school students as well. Here is what was offered to them:
Microsoft developer tools. Visual Studio is the Swiss Army knife of computer programming. These professional-grade products provide a security-enhanced and reliable environment, enabling students to program everything from a cell phone to a robot or to create their own Web page. Students will also be able to invent compelling new gaming content and make their dream game a reality by porting their creations to their Xbox 360 console.
Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
XNA Game Studio 2.0
12-month free Academic membership in the XNA Creators Club
Microsoft designer tools. This ultra-versatile suite of tools will enable students to vividly bring their creative visions to life in vibrant new Web site designs and more effective digital content, including animation, imagery and photography.
Expression Studio, including
Expression Web
Expression Blend
Expression Design
Expression Media
Microsoft platform resources. The foundation for development and design platforms, these products deliver a security-enhanced, reliable and manageable environment for students to more quickly turn ideas into reality.
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
Windows Server, Standard Edition
To date, no high school students has received this because of the lack of planning Microsoft had to distribute this software to high school students. Last spring, when I went to the Microsoft MVP Summit, I tried asking as many softies as I could as to when this would be made available. No one knew.
This is a wonderful give away to students and I wish that high school students will be part of the give away as well. In a couple of months it will be a year for the announcement.
Can anyone help?