I absolutely refuse to write a misleading title just to get you to read my article, so I made sure to clarify the "free" Visual Studio software is for students.

Students interested in a future as an IT tech or computer support specialist require skills in Microsoft technologies. Training for these technologies are intense and constantly updated. Purchasing all the necessary Microsoft tools can also be quite expensive especially for students who don’t already have a career.

Fortunately, Microsoft offers free licensed versions of Visual Studio, Expressions, SQL and other great software to college students through DreamSpark. DreamSpark is a website that provides professional-level developer and design tools to students and educators around the world at no charge. These Microsoft tools help IT professionals in training advance their learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering activities.

While this free software offer isn’t new - every time I mention it to students enrolled in a Microsoft bootcamp, almost everyone lights up with surprise. So, if you know someone in college - surprise them by sharing this incredible gift. Signing up is quick and easy. When registration is complete, you will be given access to download the software. Pretty cool.

Programming technology changes at a pace faster than books can be published which make tools like this indispensable. If you’re looking for additional training or Microsoft certifications on Visual Studio 2010 or other Microsoft technologies then look into some of the online Bootcamps available. As for achieving the Microsoft MCPD Certification it is important to look for a Microsoft Bootcamp that has a very high first time success rate for students passing the exam.

The majority of successful Microsoft Bootcamps are successful for two very simple reasons; smaller classes and the best instructors. If you search online you will quickly see dozens of Microsoft Certification camps that boast high volumes of students. Look for class sizes limited to 12 students per instructor for the best learning environment. When you’re investing this much into your training - you deserve better than 30+ students in your class.

It’s a great idea to jumpstart your IT education by signing up for Free software and taking advantage of these tools of the trade. To make the most of your education and training, and to ensure you start your career on the right track, be sure to enroll in a program that offers smaller classes for technical training, new equipment, more workspace and one that has a proven higher test pass success rates by your instructors.