Hehe, I frequently use freeware. As a student, I'll probably only use a fraction of a features available on commercial products. Most of the 1000 bucks software aren't meant for students.. they are meant for professionals! Even if you use them at college, use the ones provided by the institution. They have paid ALOT on licenses (probably from your fees), so take advantage of them
Windows XP OEM Pro is around what, $140? I'm sure some can use the effort to save money. Limit the times you go to Starbucks, movies, arcades, cybercafe, and you'll probably get enough after a while. Even when you buy a new comp (*gasp* how did you get THAT much money to buy it??), the OS is preinstalled.
If you find Win OS still too expensive, try Linux. Im sure as CS/IT students, one MUST try a distro of linux. You guys know more about it's advantages over Windows or Mac than the rest of us!
If people find a way to pirate computer hardware, they would. They'll just try to find more excuses for doing so
*ahem*
Goooing back on topic, which game do you plan to play after NFS Carbon suyash? GTA-4 issit? lol