MS To Supply Software For $3 To Third World Nations

[GhostShip]

Is this a sign that MS are concerned with the expanding threat from Linux Users ?

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1634018120070419

Microsoft Corp., trying to meet its goal of doubling the number of computer users to 2 billion by 2015, promised to cut its software prices to governments in developing countries that provide free computers to school children.

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said it plans to offer a software package called Microsoft Student Innovation Suite for $3 to governments purchasing and giving Windows-based computer to primary and secondary students.

The software bundle, which will be available in the second half of 2007, includes Windows XP Starter Edition, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, Windows Live Mail desktop and other programs.

"This is not a philanthropic effort, this is a business," Orlando Ayala

Thats right folks its all just business, this effort is an attempt to divert the poorest nations youth and students from a free resource that they can expand locally at no cost (linux) into the windows sphere of influence, where they will be perpetually reliant on MS and other large companies.
Why become a beggar at the table when its possible to host your own feast in the long term ?

This may have been helpful some years ago but now its clear this is just a selfish move that in the long term will cost those taking it up more than they think.

[SamSeeSam]

Yeah right. It will hopefully boot up alright. The XP starter edition was cheap, but according to my cousin had one small, tiny winy, fineprint, minor problem.
It refused to run more than 3 programs at a time

If thay think that they are going to fool people a second time, they are fools

Cheers