Is there any way to learn more about SW for free?

I know a while back SW had the "Stimulus program" that allowed unemployed workers to use a learning edition of SW at no cost.  However that program seems to have ended, and the only comparable thing I find now is the student edition, which costs \$140.

Being unemployed, the \$140 is an issue for me.  I consider myself very knowledgable about SW, so it is not really something I need to find a job. But, beyond the features of the basic version of SW, I would love to learn more about the mechanical simulation and FEA features that I have never been able to use professionally since the companies I have worked for didn't feel the additional expense was worth it.

Since I haven't used these features, it is hard to judge if they are really worth the effort and expense. Note that I am considering the time involved in learning and actually doing a project with these features.  Since I have the time now, I would love to evaluate these things on my own.

Currently, Is there any way to access these things for free?

Joe Dunfee

SolidworksDocumentation, Certification, And Training