A few people have asked me today where to find the $30 student copies of Windows 7 referred to in today's review of Microsoft's new operating system.

The deal is available through a special Web site -- win741.com -- that's run by a Microsoft vendor. To get that deal on the $200 software -- which is the Home Premium version of Windows 7 -- students need a university e-mail address.

Tuition for a single credit at Seattle Central Community College is $81, plus a $2 enrollment fee, by the way.

Here are the eligibility rules listed on the site:

"You qualify if you have a valid .EDU e-mail OR an e-mail address through one of the educational institutions listed here.

You are enrolled in coursework, current proof or enrollment may be required in the United States."

For people out of school who missed the 50 percent pre-order discount Microsoft offered during the summer, there are ways to pay less than full price.

Keep an eye on the PC store ads. Big-box retailers have been advertising promo deals on the software.

If you don't mind upgrading, you could also order Windows Vista Home Premium for $110 to $120 and get the equivalent version of Windows 7 for free.

Or you could just buy a new Windows 7 PC for about $300 if you shop around.