Dreamspark from microsoft.

I love linux and just about everything open source and would love to use that primarily but can't until there is A, full Direct X for Linux or B, OpenGL takes over. Until then I am forced to use Windows, only I would prefer to not finance my entrapment, plus I'm cheap. Dreamspark is a Microsoft program aimed at indoctrinating Microsoft software into young minds, I mean not officially of course. While the program's aim seems to be at university students this is not a requirement, all you need is a valid International Student Identification Card. Now while I am likely the only one here young enough to still be a full time student I figured this information could be useful to any fathers here. From the ISIC page:
"If you are a full-time student at school, college or university, aged 12 or over, you can apply for a student card with ISIC. It's a hassle-free process, and in no time at all you'll be enjoying thousands of discounts and benefits at home and away."

Its not free, for instance I had to pay $16CDN to get my card, minor compared to what they give you: https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx
For me this has payed off plenty, I'm right now using Windows Server 2008 and since Dreamspark is getting regular updates I would expect to be able to upgrade to 2008R2 when it comes out.

Anyway this might be something to keep in mind if you have access to a 12+ year old, you might want to read the EULA before using this with company machines though. Although if I remember right it is a fairly kind agreement.