Psst, wanna get a deal on software?
Educational versions of software sell at greatly reduced prices. They are exactly the same as the commercial versions! You’re supposed to be a student to qualify for buying them, however gray market educational versions of software are freely available at many computer shows, no questions asked.
The savings can be major. For example, at a recent L.A. computer show the educational version of a popular high end program went for $250. The full commercial version goes for $900 and the upgrade is $450.
Educational software is available in full version only, with no upgrade version. This is because the price is already is so low it’s pointless to also have an upgrade version.