In late August, some users of the Microsoft DreamSpark program could start downloading the RTM version of Windows 8 for free However, those downloads were limited to those people who had DreamSpark Premium level access. That meant only college students and teachers who were involved in science, technology, engineering and math departments could take advantage of downloading Windows 8 using this particular source.
Now there"s word that the RTM version of Windows Server 2012 is also available for download for Microsoft DreamSpark for free. The big difference is that Windows Server 2012 can be downloaded and accessed by anyone subscribed to the DreamSpark service, not just the premium members.
As Neowin forum member Lprd2007 points out, Windows Server 2012 is basically the server version of Windows 8, with a few differences. With some adjustments, DreamSpark basic customers can turn it into a working version of Windows 8. There is already a way to turn Windows Server 2008 R2 into a working build of Windows 7, as described on ZDNet, and we suspect that most of the procedure can carry over with making over Windows Server 2012 into Windows 8.
Microsoft also waives the $49 Windows Store publishing registration fee for DreamSpark student subscribers, to encourage them to submit their own Windows 8-based apps for free.
Source: Microsoft DreamSpark website | Image via Microsoft