This is something Windows lovers would find interesting (I for one, do use Windows from time to time, but I prefer to use my Mac for day to day work).

Amit of Digital Inspirations writes how you can get Vista for free. There are five ways:

1. Buy a new Vista capable PC.
2. Attend the 2007 CES conference in Las Vegas.
3. Get nominated for the Microsoft MVP programme.
4. If you were part of the Vista Beta tester program, Microsoft will send you a complimentary copy.
5. If you register for PowerTogether webinars, Microsoft will ship you a free copy.

Of course, most of these options are not exactly “free” in the sense that you don’t have to shell out anything in order to get your copy of Vista. You’ll still have to shell out some money for buying a new PC, attending CES, and registering for PowerTogether. Getting nominated for the MVP programme means you must have had some accomplishment in the IT industry, and if you were part of the Beta tester programme, this means you spent some time and effort actually looking for bugs!

Still, it’s a good idea to have options. But as for me, I probably won’t be installing Vista anytime soon. I’ll wait for a few months until Microsoft releases major patches or a service packs. First generation software (and hardware) are usually not as stable and reliable as mature ones.

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