According to Ars Technica, Microsoft users in Iowa can cash in on some sexy, sexy Class Action Settlement cash. Oh, my!

Under the settlement, individuals and businesses that purchased certain Microsoft software between May 18, 1994 and June 30, 2006 are eligible for benefits, as well as Iowa state and local governments that purchased software between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2006. The OSes included in the settlement range from MS-DOS all the way up through Windows NT and Windows XP, and the other applications include Word, Except, and various versions of Office.

Customers can claim $16 per copy of MS-DOS or Windows, $25 per copy of Excel, $10 per copy of Word, and $29 per copy of Office. For claims up to $100 over the Internet (or $200 via snail mail), customers will not need to provide a proof of purchase, but they will need to sign a document verifying that the claim is accurate.

We don’t live in Iowa, but maybe you do. If so, go here to check out the lawsuit’s website. If there’s any money left over it’s going to go to the Iowa Department of Education. We think that’s lame. It should go to the Stephen And Melinda Gates Foundation. —MEGHANN MARCO

Microsoft to pay out $180 million to Iowa individuals and businesses [Ars Technica]

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