Something else I thought I should mention is software deals. When you buy a system or motherboard you can qualify for OEM prices on operating systems. There are also deals that you may get through work or school.

My company has a microsoft site license. Because of this I can buy for my home computer one copy of Windows XP $25 and one copy of Office Pro $21.

My daughter is a full time student at UT. She can buy a first copy of each software for around $25. She can get up to 4 additional copies each for $69 and install on 5 machines total.

If she sends a copy of her student ID to Acadenic Superstore she can buy the following:
Maya Unlimited 8 Student edition $389.95
Cararra Pro 5 $129.95
Lightwave 9 $194.95
Cinema 4D 10 $694.95
3D Studio Max 9 $389.95
Rhino, Penguin, Flamingo and Boingo bundle $369.95