Just weeks ago, the new Microsoft operating system, Windows 7, hit the shelves of the IUS Bookstore.

The new software is being offered to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff at IU campuses statewide at the discounted price of $20 — a far cry from the starting retail price of $119.99.

The item has been selling at a steady pace, but the bookstore was never completely sold out of the product.

Lydia Miller, assistant manager, is in charge of software and general merchandise ordering. She said she is seeking an ongoing pattern in order to prevent completely running out of the software.

“We weren’t sure how to anticipate this software because when [Windows] Vista came out there was some hesitation in sales,” Miller said. “There seems to be a lot more interest in this upgrade.”

The upgrades in the IUS Bookstore are available in both a 32- and 64-bit version.

The discounted price is set by IU and is offered due to a contract between Microsoft and IU.

The bookstore has already received two shipments of Windows 7 and Miller has ordered 175 new units.

“You don’t know how the response will be to new software so you have to see how it goes,” Miller said.

By DESIREE SMITH
Staff Writer
demismit@ius.edu