Amit Agarwal from Digital Inspiration wrote an article on “How to Get Windows Vista for Free”. The article is plain lie and doesn’t inspired at all. And worst, in my humble opinion, the article is just a link bait and a trick to draw Internet traffic in his blog. The 5 methods that he listed in “How to Get Windows Vista for Free” as below, is either not workable, obsoleted, expired, unachievable, or factually wrong. Here’s why.
The first method mentioned is asking you to buy a new Vista Capable PC from branded hardware vendor such as Dell and HP now, and upgrade to Windows Vista for free with Express Upgrade coupon. This is factually incorrect. Firstly, you need money to pay when buy a computer. Even is this is discounted, almost all hardware vendors, including Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony and etc, will require you to pay at least shipping and handling charge when order for the Vista upgrade DVD.
Second method is to become an exhibitor in Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007, largest technology industry’s conference in the US which will run from January 8 to 11 in Las Vegas. Microsoft will provide free Windows Vista copies to all exhibitors. This is also factually incorrect too. In truth, Microsoft will provide free copies of Vista to run on computers exhibitors are using in their booths at the show. Furthermore, you will need to pay for exhibit spaces in CES.
Third method asks you to nominate yourself or ask a friend to nominate you for the Microsoft MVP program. I am not an MVP, so not sure whether you can download full licensed Windows Vista with product key from MVP downloads. But according to MVP Program Benefits (dead link), you’re only entitle to MVP Source Licensing Program which allows access to source code, instead of binaries. Beside, if you keep searching for free Windows Vista DVD downloads, it usually mean you will be too busy to contribute to Microsoft, and hence disqualify yourself to win the MVP award during the annual review and nomination for MVP awardees, which evaluate your contribution and performance for the past one year. If you know how to become a MVP, then you likely no need a free Vista too.
The forth method is to submit a bug report during beta phase of Windows Vista in order to get a free copy of Vista as an appreciation. Wake up! Windows Vista has been released to RTM, which mean it’s now final, and no longer in beta. Or does Amit has time machine?
Fifth method is to register for webinars at PowerTogether promotion where Microsoft will ship full license with legit product key and Windows Vista DVD to you. I wonder if Amit is actually living in the past. The Power Together site has crashed once released to the public for registration, and all 30,000 free copies of Windows Vista and Office 2007 giveaway have been snapped up within first few days of the launch.
Final method is to transform and convert Windows XP into Windows Vista with Vista Transformation Pack. Well, your wife or your girlfriend is your wife or your girlfriend. Paris Hilton is Paris Hilton. Can you ask your wife or your girlfriend to go for transformation or operation to become a Paris Hilton? Even if it’s possible, will she be the real Paris Hilton?
LK is a technology writer for Tech Journey with background of system and network administrator. He has be documenting his experiences in digital and technology world for over 15 years.Connect with LK through Tech Journey on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
