Microsoft is gearing up for the lucrative back-to-school season with an exciting offer that may soften the blow of another summer over and a school year taking its place. Students who buy a new PC will get a free Xbox 360 console and a $14.99 upgrade to the upcoming Windows 8 operating system, courtesy of Microsoft.

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The deal aims to attract more students who might be in need of a new computer, and several PC vendors are on board. Those interested will have to buy a new PC worth at least $699 from Dell, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Best Buy, Newegg, or, of course, the Microsoft Store. The deal is exclusive to students, so you will have to provide some proof that you are currently enrolled as a student - a school e-mail address or ID number should do the trick. Once you show the proof and make the purchase, you will get your free Xbox, along with the $14.99 offer for upgrade to Windows 8, set to debut in late October.

The $14.99 Windows upgrade offer is valid for anyone who buys or has already bought a Windows 7 computer between June 2012 and January 2013. The free Xbox offer is exclusive for students. 

The deal is available with the retailers listed above, and will go through Sept. 8, or until supplies last. If you already have an Xbox, or if it doesn't seem all that appealing to you, you can find a different deal at Staples. Instead of an Xbox, Staples will give you a $100 Visa prepaid card with the purchase of a new PC.

This is not the first time Microsoft has cooked up an enticing offer to attract students. The software giant made a very similar offer last year, throwing in a free 4GB Xbox 360 console for anyone who purchased a new PC between May 22 and Sept. 3. 

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