http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3554084.stm

I just don't get it.
Why would somebody pay for a cut down Windoze XP that's got reduced functionality when you can get a fully functioning Linux for nothing?

Gates must be desperate - either that or he's running low on cash...

The Beeb is a bit behind the times - this was announced (though in less detail) a while ago. It's more to do with the fact that practically every Windows user in those countries are using pirated versions. I think MS did a deal where the governments will crack down on piracy and MS will produce a cheaper version.

Since networking is even worse than the Home version and you can't have more than 3 programs running at once I can't see where the market for this is. Good luck MS, you'll need it

They probably figure that people in developing countries are complete idiots. If I say my frank opinion, the stunt os stupid. When just three programs running at once can be used, it makes normal office work a lot, lot harder. I usually have four, five or six programs running at the same time when I work and I really do have to go from program to program.

But this is like preaching to those who are already converted. Fun but useless.

So well put XavierP!

Microsoft's new software - dubbed "XP Lite"

http://xplite.com





It will also limit users to running three programs concurrently

Antivirus, firewall, anti spyware....

well. at least should crash less then ...

lol.

finally a more secure m$ - the system is limited to running security apps, so the user can't actually run any other apps which would compromise security.

they finally figured it out.

it would seem that with SCO backing down from 'sueing' any more users of *nix that M$ is starting to realize they are not all powerful and that Linux is gaining on them by leaps and bounds.

this is very possitive for linux IMHO.

I like that. It has a real desperate ring to it.
Three programs at a time, no less, I want it!

I KNEW IT WAS COMING!!

I told you with competition comes response. Microsoft had to go this route because their license fees are too steep for some countries and with IBM selling cheap Linux notebooks in places like Thailand and with the Chinese and Japanese government planning an open source project they had no other choice. Its sink or swim in the business world. They've done this in other countries where they were asked to reduce their fees, MS said no, and then the country would say okay and start using SUSE or whatever and then MS would come back with a counter offer.

When you're on top and have little or no competition you can play the card that you please but when you start getting competitors you have to reasses your strategy. Look at CableTV companies. I work for one but back in the day I would get so mad at the high prices and then Dish and DirectTV came along and cable companies started offering digital, more channels etc. How I love competition in the business world! No one should have a monopoly on anything!!!

Like I have said before many many times, Linux will soon surpass windows in users. Linux is free, and its qaulity. You get all the free support you want on websites like this one. You can download free documentation.

Linux is already better than windows.. Now we just have to convince the hardcore windows users of this..

Compete..yes, surpass soon I dont think so. Not in the US atleast. I cant speak for Europe or Asia.
Windows is on over 90 percent of desktops. Linux is something like less than 5 percent. the other being MAC. Microsoft is to OS and Office what Adobe is to graphics suites. It may have competitors but its not going anywhere.

I don't see why more companies don't switch to Linux, it would save money, and personally I think OpenOffice.org is a lot better then Microsoft Office.

Sorry but if they both were free I'd take MS Office. Excel and Word mainly over Open Office versions. Yeah more companies need to make the switch. It would save them money in terms of license fees, save them worries from viruses and hacks etc. And the learning curve wouldnt be anything to sweat over if all they were doing is office apps (word, spreadsheets etc)

I have a friend who does alot of work in poor communities and he wants to purchases a bunch of used older PC (Pentium III's) for cheap and I told him to get them without the OS and to put Mandrake on them to save money. Basically they will be used to teach kids in a boys and girls club. He wants me to help him. The center right now has a cable modem and one PC running Windows 98 and every kid is waiting to use it for homework research. He's going to purchase 7 more at $200 a piece without the OS (or $300 with Windows) Anyhow I'm going back in forth with him on why he should go ahead and get them without Windows XP or whatever and let me install Mandrake or Fedora to save money and not have to worry about viruses.

surely MS are just pushing the developing countries to adopting Linux ?