If you're studying computing, or any IT related qualification, you might be pleased to know that you can get your hands on professional Microsoft development products for free (including Visual Studio 2010 Pro, SQL Server Developer 2008, Expression Studio 4 Ultimate, Windows Phone and Windows Server 2008) through Microsoft's very own DreamSpark program. This program entitles students to use these tools at no charge at all, as long as it's for academic and non-commercial use only. Simple sign in (with your Windows Live passport), select 'The Open University', and Download!

Links/Further Reading:

1. Microsft Dreamspark - See: http://www.dreamspark.com/