N1K, here is an alternative theory to what could happen. If PM is a pain, then perhaps people would take their conversations to email or IM? A higher PM limit would at least keep people on the site.
For additional clarity, please note that you also need the compatibility pack as described on that page. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en
I understand that. That is why my post specifically addressed the issue of foreign students. And that school does most of their coursework online. Not sure if that is an option for you.
I've been using Litestep for years. Fast, stable and pretty. A friend of mine loaded Aston and it was *very* pretty with lots of features. I've tried some of the other less-popular ones but they weren't robust enough for me.
Many libraries (in USA) have study guides for those tests. Sometimes even DVD videos. Have you tried a library? I don't know too much about international studies but I do know that a lot of foreign students attend this school: www.bellevue.edu Not sure why...but they likely have a good/affordable program for foreign students.