If any of you have access to the November, 2005 issue of DIGIT magazine you can get a completely FREE copy of MAYA 7 PLE [Personal Learning Edition] that comes on the CD with the magazine. It requires registration and a code to unlock it. BUT, it has at least nearly all the features of the full version but can only be used for non-commercial projects.
For those unfamiliar with MAYA, it's the de facto program that is used to create the many CG effects in the many theatrical movies you enjoy so much.
So, if you want to try your hand at creating CG animation and such, and don't want to spend the money before you go pro, this is the chance to do it.
Here in the US the DIGIT magazine comes available nearly a month delayed as it's published in the UK.
www.digitmag.com