/me is an expert at labVIEW, however i would not buy 8.5 This version new menus system is just one huge mind blowing cluster*edited*. 8.0 was a really nice version. I got it for free from a buddy. I can send you the disk if you would like.
but remember, you can open and create files in 8.0 and open and edit them in 8.5 but if you do anyhting in your class on 8.5 you will not beable to open the file on your 8.0 copy.
whats the class you taking?
I had to use it in my automation and engineering analysis classes. It really is a good piece of software to own.