RSSLatin America Gets Slimmed Down XP
By Nate Mook | Published June 29, 2005, 10:37 AM
In an effort to quell rampant piracy throughout Latin America, Microsoft has introduced a Spanish version of its slimmed-down Windows XP Starter Edition. The low-cost version of Microsoft's flagship operating system strips out home networking and limits the number of programs that can be opened simultaneously.
Starter Edition also includes a number of features for first-time PC users, including a redesigned help with a detailed Getting Started Guide. Microsoft has also localized the system with country-specific wallpapers and screensavers.
Previously, Microsoft has targeted Windows XP Starter Edition at individual countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. A version for Brazil was also launched in April. The new approach -- enabled by language similarities -- means that a single version can be deployed across the continent.
The idea, Microsoft says, is to bridge the digital divide and reach the underprivileged populations, along with teaching customers about the dangers of software piracy. About 65 percent of Microsoft software used in Mexico is pirated, according to company statistics.
Windows XP Starter Edition will not be sold in retail form; computer manufacturers will distribute it with new PCs. A number of local OEMs have already signed on to use the low-cost operating system.
Despite its altruism, Microsoft has been criticized by Gartner for the software's inability to grow with users as they advance their technical skills. A Gartner report recently concluded that due to its limitations, users may become frustrated and feel that Microsoft is attempting to push an upgrade.
Nonetheless, Microsoft remains optimistic about the program. "It is an initiative that provides access to technology for more Mexican homes, and through that, it sees towards a more competitive Mexico," said Felipe Sanchez Romero, CEO of Microsoft Mexico.
I think they are limiting it because otherwise those who would normally buy their regular OS would start buying this.
-Rajiv
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|I think they are limiting it because otherwise those who would normally buy their regular OS would start buying this.
-Rajiv
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|No one here, in Latam will buy this OS. In Argentina MS is trying to boost XP supporting a government program called MiPC (MyPC), which basically is the opportunity to buy a cheap PC (don’t ask about quality) with legal XP installed.
I don’t know how successful is it going to be.
Here, most people don’t want, and don’t have the money in many cases to buy MSFT OSes. So, many of them goes for a pirated W2k.
But, this idea of a Starter Edition is a crap. Imagine to Ford trying to sell a cheap car in Latam, with a speed limit of 50 mph. Stupid, no?
At least, if you’re going to pay for it, MSFT should provide XP N (like in Europe). Sell a good OS at a reasonable prize for the region.
Is it because we are poor countries? Second class consumers for M$?
I think that brazilian government is in the right direction by supporting Linux.
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|XP N is just XP w/o Windows Media Player and it costs the same as regular XP. As for people choosing to pick up a pirated Win2K, that will work until people start developing for Avalon which will only run on XP and Longhorn. Of course the interesting thing is that if these machines are as bad as you've hinted, they might not be able to run Avalon (or run it well at least) any way.
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|you mean ford never sold a tempo or an escort down there? LOL.
but seriously, the track you suggest (similar to win xp n) is better then this start edition crap. although i think xp n is a dumb idea, WMP is free anyways, and as stated here, it doesn't even change the price.
but stripping may be good, but how much can one strip out of the lowest xp edition, home edition, i don't think there is much left to strip, at least things that aren't free anyways...
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|LOL... They sold a lot of escorts here...
Going back to starter edition... Here the mainstream press mentioned that this XP version won´t allow to open more than 3 programs at the same time, and won´t allow to make a LAN with it. It simple won´t work.
So, you open a browser, e-mail application and a text editor and that´s it. If you want to open Messenger, you have to choose one of the three programs running and close it.
So IMHO MS stripped to many things here.
They newspappers also said that this OS will work only in the cheapest Intel and AMD processors. The slowest models.
Other limitations will be the screen resolution (1024 x 720).
I heard that this OS was developed in order to sell in Easter Asia, but I didn´t work.
If the equation is -less quality = - prize, I don´t like it. I don´t know how it will help to underdeveloped countries to be more competitive as Felipe Sanchez Romero (CEO of MS Mexico) mentioned.
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