Microsoft tries to limit Linux on cheap laptops
Microsoft is launching a program to promote the use of its Windows OS in ultra low-cost PCs, one effect of which will be to limit the hardware capabilities of this type of device, IDG News Service has learned.
Microsoft plans to offer PC makers steep discounts on Windows XP Home Edition to encourage them to use that OS instead of Linux on ultra low-cost PCs (ULPCs). To be eligible, however, the PC vendors that make ULPCs must limit screen sizes to 10.2 inches and hard drives to 80G bytes, and they cannot offer touch-screen PCs.
The program is outlined in confidential documents that Microsoft sent to PC makers last month, and which were obtained by IDG News Service. The goal apparently is to limit the hardware capabilities of ULPCs so that they don't eat into the market for mainstream PCs running Windows Vista, something both Microsoft and the PC vendors would want to avoid.
By offering Windows XP Home Edition at bargain prices, Microsoft hopes to secure its place in the ULPC market and reduce the use of Linux, according to an official at one PC maker, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to discuss the program.
Microsoft declined to comment on the documents. "We don't speak publicly about our agreements with [PC makers]," the company said in a statement via its public relations agency.
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Common sense approach to simple cheap computers? Tiny OS ?
Who can squeeze in a do it all operating system; if computers are only cpu, drams and flash cards? All USB devices hotplugged had their own firmware.
Microsoft Windows 7 microframework(packet oriented) will be simplified but not like XP. XP will be replaced June 1, 2008, even if Dell will still preload it. My WinME is still supported by the new Windows Server 2008. The fact of life is that technology is marching on, but we still need backward compatibility built-in.