Aiming to cash in on the student market for its forthcoming Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft is planning to announce a student edition of its Windows 7 Home Premium, which will be available at a discounted rate of $29.99!

Going by the Microsoft Web site, the student-specific offer - which will be available for a limited period October 1 onwards - would enable students in the UK to preorder Windows 7 for 30 British pounds.

Though the Web site did not specify the offer for US students, Microsoft said in a Twitter post that they will be able to purchase the software for $30. All those students who order the upcoming OS will be able to download once Windows 7 starts shipping next month.

Microsoft also intends announcing similar offers in Canada, Australia, Mexico, Germany, France, and Korea, though at different prices.

With the Windows 7 OS scheduled for release on October 22, several Microsoft online resellers, like Digital River and Win741, have already started offering the student- specific version of the OS for $29.99.

Noting that to avail the offer students would require a valid college e-mail address, a Microsoft representative said: "This offer is specifically designed for those students who are not planning to purchase a new PC this year, but would still like to take advantage of what Windows 7 offers."