Where can I get a free download of IOS 7.1 software?

Here's how-to:
Update the iOS software on your iPhone iPad and iPod touch
video:
Get iOS 7 on iPod Touch 4G and iPhone 3GS FREE AND EASY

To update you will need:
1 iOS tablet (iPad, etc)
1 wifi internet connection
1 power source

1. power on your tablet device.
2. connect to the wifi internet connection.
A. Open settings
B. Open general
C. Select "software update"
You should now see what update is available. If you are below iOS 7, you will need to update to version 7 to be able to see iOS 8 as available on some devices.
3. Locate iOS 8.x.x (on my tablet it is 8.1.3 as I wrote this)
Make sure your tablet is plugged into a power source (you don't want it to lose power while updating)
4. Under the iOS update you want to install, select "install now" "download now" or "download and install"
5. Select "agree" when presented with the terms and conditions

You should see your device "downloading update" or "verifying update"

I have seen occasions where it will download but will not install until the process is repeated. (On one device I had to "install now" 3 times because the update failed to download or failed to install.

If your device will work on iOS 7, go to:

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/ios-7-download-links-and-installation/

The iPad 3 can be updated to iOS 7. don't use your data bundle, unless you have a unlimited use every month. When you have WiFi, in the settings, click general, then second line update, click that oe and then install now.
When you have iTunes on your computer, connect the iPad. When iTunes starts, it will tell you it has new software for the iPad. Click the tab, download and install.
Itunes is free, the updates are free.

Be aware, update is always at least one version up. NEVER down.
So you won't be able to downgrade the iPad, since iOS 6 was installed. Lower versions, could be downgraded, bacaus you could reset to a low level, and put in a iOS version you should have already downloaded. (I saved most old versions, but they are model specific)

For the iPad first generation (A1219) before iOS 5 to update is only possible with connecting the device to iTunes on a computer. Plug it into your computer and open up itunes under devices click on your ipad and then click on check for update.
- but this model supports only iOS 5
- NO iOS 6/7/8 !

- depends on the model of your iPad:
For the iPad first generation (A1219) to update is only possible with connecting the device to iTunes on a computer.
- but this model supports only iOS 5 - NO iOS 6/7/8
---------------------------------------------------------------
for all other models:
There are two ways to upgrade the iOS version of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch - via connecting the device to iTunes on a computer
- or directly from within the device, but only snce iOS 5 it is possible to upgrade the iOS version without the need to connect the iOS device to a computer (over-the-air update)
just go to: settings - general - software update

depends on the model of your iPad:
For the iPad first generation (A1219) to update is only possible with connecting the device to iTunes on a computer.
- but this model supports only iOS 5 - NO iOS 6/7/8
-------------------------------------------------
for all other models:
There are two ways to upgrade the iOS version of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch - via connecting the device to iTunes on a computer
- or directly from within the device, but only snce iOS 5, it is possible to upgrade the iOS version without the need to connect the iOS device to a computer (over-the-air update)
just go to: settings - general - software update

There are two ways to update the iOS version of your iPad 2:
- via connecting the device to iTunes on a computer
- or directly from within the device
but only since iOS 5 it is possible to update the iOS version without the need to connect the iOS device to a computer (over-the-air update)
just go to: settings - general - software update

- meanwhile you may download the iOS 8.1.2 which is good and some Apps require it....
------------
There are two ways to upgrade the iOS version of your iPad
- via connecting the device to iTunes on a computer
- or directly from within the device, but only since iOS 5, it is possible to upgrade the iOS version without the need to connect the iOS device to a computer (over-the-air update)
just go to: settings - general - software update

Firstly sync all your data. Sometimes updates wipe your data. Secondly, since iOS 7 has been introduced it will download the latest update available (the new software), iOS 7) if you are willing to update.
Now to update go to your settings and then go into "General". Under "About" there should be Software Update, Click on that it will take you to the information about it. Then click "Download and Install'. I also suggest you are charging it as this update can take hours and some minutes. It all depends on how long you havent updated the iPad or iPod.
Enjoy