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This section is for asking OLPC new questions. Before adding a question here, please take the time to skim the page to see if your question has already been answered. There is also an archive of older questions, at Ask OLPC A Question Archive. An older archive, in the process of being consolidated, is here.

RSS / OLPC News Feed?

Would it be possible to give LAPTOP NEWS RSS feed capability? I use a NewsGator RSS reader, and I like it very much. It saves me a lot of time, and the releases in each feed are always the most current when I log on. I try to check my feeds at least every 2 or 3 days. Thanks!

Is there now or are there any plans to make OLPC news available as an RSS feed? I would very much like to provide my site's readers with up-to-date news on OLPC's progress. Best regards! MT

PenguinTV is one of the activities already running on the laptop; you can run an emulator and download the latest image of the OLPC environment to try it out for yourself. Sj talk

Check out Olpcnews.com, an unaffiliated site with frequently updated OLPC news and opinion. You could search in Google News for OLPC and capture and copy the resulting RSS feed to your aggregator of choice. Finally, you can also read planet OLPC, an aggregator of selected developer-oriented OPLC blogs.

Will Limited Storage Impact Feeling Of Ownership?

I have been impressed by Seymor Papert's idea that the relationship that users have with their personal computers makes them more powerful. I also note that the storage limitations of the OLPC mean that some portion of the materials of an individual student are likely to be stored on the server. What I am curious about is how this will impact the student's sense of ownership and whether the software will be designed to mitigate this limitation by blurring the distinction of local/remote storage. I imagine that this might be done by something simple like establishing a virtual volume that contains the local and remote materials. Of course it may well be that this isn't an issue at all.

The objective is to have the 'server' space transparently integrated into the 'user' space, so that accessing a resource (ie: a file) stored in the server will be transparent. For more info, you can read OLPC Human Interface Guidelines#Automatic Backup and Restore or OLPC Human Interface Guidelines#The Laptop Experience for a broader view. --Xavi 22:46, 31 May 2007 (EDT)

My first 386 had an 80 MB HD. That was plenty for me to write Basic programs, draw scribbles in Kid Pix, and feel like I owned the machine. I wouldn't worry about space vs. ownership. Ben 01:36, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

I haven't read Papert, but as a Mac user, I can tell you that I'm well aware how much I have fetishized and bonded with my machine. =) Anyway, there are two modalities to this: hardware and software. If allowed, a kid might "customize" her or his laptop case with decorations of some sort. If allowed, they might also upgrade or customize the hardware, if they were so inclined. Obviously this could lead to problems, but what is allowable will probably be determined at the local level. In terms of software, it is much the same, but much more fluid. Kids will want to control the decoration and functionality of their computers, but these settings can be easily stored on the server if more than one child is using a laptop. It's not just the access to files that is important, but the ability to create and save personal configurations. --216.175.82.30 13:27, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Game Jam

Can Game Jam games be accessed through FireFox in a format that people can can try it or see an in action demo of the games themes? If not as many programs can be presented for view in different system formats do you think because of the Google link that the program is not being relistic in the real world of internet? In some ways the clanist social pratices of many people and nations is a mid level part of their problem. By following this type of only if you.... belong to the group ,have this kind of system, have a laptop ect... may not be progressive. WHAT DO YOU THINK? jULY 7,2007

Wireless on/off switch?

Does the X0 have a hardware option to turn the wireless off and on? If so, what key(s) are used? If not, is there a simple software option?

Zane

There is no hardware option. It is possible to turn off wireless in software, once you have gone to the terminal and logged in as root. I do not know the precise command required. For most users, wireless on/off will be handled completely automatically. Ben 01:23, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

A software method is in progress, based on recent kernel patches seen on the developers' mailing list. --Quozl 06:37, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Multiple users per laptop?

I know the philosophy is "One Laptop *PER CHILD*". However, we were wondering about getting just two or three XO's for our preschool, and having the kids share. Is that feasible? Would all the kids have to share the same file space, or is it possible (with user profiles, or separate flash memory cards) for them to have their own space?

Once G1G1 opens, you will be able to order a handful of XO's for any purpose you desire. OLPC's "Sugar" interface is designed to reduce complexity by only having one account per computer. However, I do not think preschoolers really require separate accounts, filespaces, usernames, and passwords. I suspect they would do just fine sharing a few XOs. (In principle, you could provide each of them with their own SD card, and instruct them to save all their files to it, but this seems a tall order for a 4-year-old). Ben 01:21, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

SD card size?

How large an sd card can the xo use?

Any size SD or SDHC card you can buy should work, and we've tested up to 8GB which was the largest we could get at the time. --gnu 29 Nov 2007

Will G1G1 XO recipients be able to use dial-up connections to the internet?

Sorry if I'm dumb. If I do the "buy one, give one" thing, and I don't have wireless access, will I be able to access the internet via dial-up?

You can use a USB to serial (RS-232) converter to connect to a modem for dial-up access. Chris 21:25, 14 October 2007 (EDT)

However the software as shipped will not include this, you will have to build a solution using Linux based tools. --Quozl 06:38, 27 November 2007 (EST)

It's not obvious what Quozl means by "the software" or "this". I hope that doesn't mean that "the browser" doesn't support "dial-up as a method of access". I recently purchased a Zoom USB modem because it specifically identified Linux as a supported operating system. It comes with Linux drivers but the instructions talk about several things that I don't understand because I'm not knowledgeable about Linux. It comes with three flavors of driver packaging (rpm, Debian, and tar). Which is appropriate for the OLPC? It also asks you to "enter the Linux source build directory that matches your running kernel". What would that be for the OLPC? Finally it says to configure your PPP client to use the USB modem. What would that entail?--198.152.13.67 16:04, 7 December 2007 (EST)

Dial-up is not included in the software that is shipped, but you can add it if you wish to. On my desk here is an XO with software version ship.2-650, which is what you should receive, (or a later version), and I see that:

• the Browse activity does not support any particular method of internet access, but works with whatever internet access that the operating system kernel provides,
• the kernel provides wireless internet access, but only for 802.11g and 802.11s,
• the kernel provides USB ethernet internet access, but only for certain models of USB ethernet,
• the kernel provides USB serial port internet access, but only for certain models of USB serial devices or modems, along with the PPP modules for serial links using the point to point protocol, but the PPP client (pppd program) needed to set it up is not present.

The PPP client can be installed using a command yum install ppp ... and this worked for me, but I don't have a USB modem to test further.

While the Zoom USB modem you have may be supported on some versions of Linux, it may not be supported on this version of Linux. Also, while the Zoom USB modem you have may work on some versions of Linux, it might not work on this version of Linux, because OLPC have removed things that are not expected to be needed for deployment to the target countries. These things can be added back, but that is extra work. --Quozl 00:29, 8 December 2007 (EST)

Fascinating idea though, so I've started a Dial-up access page as a focal point for people who may have the same goal. --Quozl 00:56, 8 December 2007 (EST)

ayudenos a ayudar

Distinguidos Señores de wiki.laptop.org

Mi nombre es Patricio Sharup, vivo en el canton taisha, provincia de morona santiago, amazonia, pais-ecuador. Mi pregunta es, como dar inicio a una apertura de dialogo con esta empresa para ver las posibilidades de cooperacion por parte de wiki.laptop.org.

Saludos cordiales... PATRICIO SHARUP

Posiblemente quieres ir a OLPC_Spanish_America, o a #olpc-es por IRC en freenode.net Ben 01:12, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Boot Time

As of this date, October 12, 2007, as OLPC prepares to undergo full production, what is the boot time of the XO?

What a good idea, each build boot time could be graphed. Feel free to contribute such testing. Boot time should not be that important though, now that we have reliable suspend and resume. --Quozl 06:40, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Donating the income of free ad space

I would like to use some free space on my site to place ads. I want to let the income of these ads be donated to the OLPC project. Is there a possibility for me to ensure that the advertisers paid for their ads by donating to your project, without transferring the money to my account first?

Thank you for your interest in donating to OLPC. We recommend that you transfer the money through your account. First, it will allow you to ensure proper credit for a possible charitable donation (please make any donations payable to the OLPC Foundation). Second, tracking and confirm third party payments would introduce an overhead that our small, already multi-tasking team can not take on.

One Laptop in America

It would be nice if we could concern ourselves with providing children in America before we worry about everyone else. My wife is a teacher and cannot even get a single computer in her classroom much less a laptop for every child. Why can't we fix this problem first. I saw the report on Dateline (I think that was the show), and the question was asked if we can purchase them for Americans, and the response was we have to buy two. One for us, and one for someone in another country. Are you kidding me?

OLPC is an international project, not an American project. It so happens that many of the developers are US citizens, but many are not. In all cases, OLPC's philosophy is to deal with Departments of Education. If you would like to see OLPC deployed in your state, you must lobby your Department of Education. If your state wishes to order enough laptops for all entering school children, OLPC will almost certainly be happy to help. Ben 01:08, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Give 1, Get 1 - warranty/support

For people participating in the Give 1, Get 1 program, how will warranty and support issues be handled? As I understand it, other countries buying XOs for students will buy spares and handle maintenance and repairs themselves. What will be the warranty period for the US purchased XO systems, and will there be some type of mail-in or depot exchange/repair program available (possibly through Quanta)?

G1G1 laptops are currently planned to include a 30 day warranty. Full details will be provided to participants before ordering opens. Ben 00:59, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

I did not see any further information on warranty and/or repair options. Can this information be provided? Sales have already begun (I'm proud to have purchased a G1G1 option) but it would be nice to know how to fix these puppies.

After reviewing the current terms and conditions on the G1G1 program, have you any questions? OLPC has addressed warranty and service options, in line with it being a charity. --Quozl 06:44, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Library content: is there a way filter information by age or grade?

I am a parent of 7-yr old and a teacher/educator. I was going through the library grid. The info there is quite useful for children (and educators). I am wondering whether it would be possible to make it in to auto-capsules that are age-appropriate and adequate? For example, I was going through module on animals, the info is vast and a child of say age 7-8 may not require all that is there, may be he/she would be quite thrilled to get some exciting bits of it to begin with. How we can filter? of course one way is through teacher intervention, but typical parental tendency would be to make available all that is out there on the wiki. I would be keen to know any such efforts are made in this direction to sort the info grade wise/age wise? thanks

There are efforts being made in this area by the "OLPC Content" group. You may want to visit Curators and coordinators or visit the #olpc-content IRC channel. Ben 00:55, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Alex - russian (e-mail removed)

Добрый день. Как можно приобрести ваш компьютер вне правительствненной программы? Очень нужно. salt2002@ukr.net

До сих пор есть одна возможность получить этот компутер вне правительственой программы, покупить в США. [1] Конечно, вам нужен помошник в США и деньги чтобы так делать.

Up to now there is only one way to get this computer outside of government programs, buy it in the USA. Of course, you need a helper in the USA and money in order to do this.

Note: this query seems to come from Ukraine, not Russia, judging by the email address.

Making a donation from a group

As part of a discussion in my Bus Adm 230 "Introduction to Information Systems" lectures, I talk about the digital divide. As part of this discussion I mentioned projects designed to help bridge this chasm - and of course - talked about the OLPC program. I have collected over $100 dollars from my students for your project! I will add enough money to bring the total up to $200 - enough to provide a child with an XO laptop. I would like to know the best way to donate this money in the name of my class. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to make a difference!

Wonderful! You should go straight to XOGiving.org and click "Donate". Ben 00:51, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Antennas, plugs

Why do the antennas have to be sticking out, as it makes them easily breakable / fragile ? Couldn’t you put them alongside the screen like it is done on other laptops? Although it gives it a fun look, it probably cost more if they can resist real life bending and tearing? What about dust /sand in the plugs, are they isolated from the rest of the case? Are these plugs safe if a child puts in a paper clip? Hope I don't offend anyone in asking trivial questions.

I don't know much about the decisions behind the antennas, but there are several facts that may help answer your questions: The antennas serve double duty; they both provide wireless networking and cover the plugs to provide some protection against dust. Unlike typical laptops, the XO has almost all of its electronics in the screen portion (only the keyboard and battery are in the base), so having an antenna around the edge of the screen might not have been an option due to interference. If I recall correctly from when I last saw an XO, the antennas are rubberized and quite rugged; this is apparently a recent design change in reaction to field tests. This photo shows that the plugs are directly on the motherboard, not really isolated at all, but they may still be adequate for keeping out dust. According to the hardware specification, the laptop conforms to child toy safety standards, among others, which hopefully test for the safety of the ports as well. —Joe 14:04, 17 October 2007 (EDT)

Will the OLPC be able to boot something like PUPPYOS via a USB stick?

Before I consider the purchase of two OLPC laptops, I would like to verify that the hardware will support booting Linux via USB flash devices. I know PuppyLinux was unfortunately quickly dismissed as a possible candidate to run on the OLPC hardware; however, since the AMD Geode is a x86 processor, I am in hopes I can boot PuppyLinux from USB attached devices, IE... USB Flash, Compact flash using USB adapter, hard drive/cdrom/dvdrom using sata/ide-to-USB adapter, etc.. Has anyone on the development team tried to boot any of the later PuppyOS releases on the current OLPC hardware? If so, how did it work?

Thanks Very Much In Advance Regards Ron

It can definitely boot from USB sticks; we do it all the time. It doesn't use a standard BIOS, so see the documentation for Open Firmware (Forth) about what files to put on the stick. Or download and poke at the Autoreinstallation image, which is booted from a USB stick.

The laptop has run Debian by using the OLPC kernel and kernel modules, and everything else from a standard Debian system. As far as I know, nobody has done the similar exercise with PuppyLinux. Most of the changes required for the hardware have been pushed upstream into the original packages. You may need to upgrade the X server in PuppyLinux as well as the kernel. It will definitely NOT work "out of the box". It will definitely work if you do some integration work. Go for it! -- gnu 19 Nov 2007

Give 1: Get One program --> how to run another OS on my olpc XO

While I am fascinated to try the sugar UI paradigm, I feel that I may wish to run a different light linux distro on an olpc that I get through the "Give 1: Get 1" program in order to work with a broader and more current selection of packages. This raises a number of questions which I haven't been able to find answers for:

• What distros other than the stock image will install easily on the OLPC? I know fedora is related to the OLPC stock image, but is fedora light enough? What about DSL or another light distro?
• What drivers and other software may need to be hand added to these distros to take advantage of the networking and display optimizations of the XO?
• Does the XO hardware have the capability to work with more standard network topologies and use standards such as WPA?

"Easily" is a relative term, and even more so when combined with the words "installing Linux". :) There is a page on the wiki that tells how to install a fairly vanilla Debian on the OLPC (and there's also one for installing Fedora Core, but that is quite old and uses a custom image). Given that Debian goes on fairly easily (where "easily" requires command-line work, a USB key, and an additional Debian machine), I imagine other Linux distributions could be made to work as well. I have seen the XO running off of commodity 802.11b wireless networking, and I understand it also works with ethernet if you have a USB adapter (but not just any adapter will work). —Joe 15:01, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

JVM in XO

Is there any way to install JVM (Java Virtual Machine) or similar tool in XO o run java software?

The Java page implies that there is. —Joe 14:00, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

If a developer wants to use a JVM, one way to do it is by leveraging the technology from dotFX, Inc. dotFX enables developers to deliver live applications packaged as a link or direct to the desktop. An XO user can obtain an always updated JVM for example, managed by our technology, if a developer wants to package his/her software as secure, live software on our technology. Since the technology is not pre-loaded with XO, the first time a user comes to a website for example with your application packaged as link, he/she will get an initial download we call ClientFX which has the parts of the JVM dynamically loaded to use your app. After that, the user can click on any live application link and access software as easily as he/she access content today. See www.dotFX.com to download the ServerFX product for free. Or, email me with any questions. In addition, I check this site frequently, because I think what OLPC's mission is awesome. Thanks. -Pete President/co-founder dotFX, Inc pete@dotFX.com

setting up web proxy in the OLPC machine

Our network is under proxy settings.. could you please help us how to set up web proxy in OLPC machines

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but there is an answer to a similar question about configuring the XO's web activity for web proxies further up on this page. —Joe 19:21, 24 October 2007 (EDT)

WHY?

WHY don't you just buy pens, paper and textbooks? In Calgary kids get along really well without laptops!

First of all, it is not clear that the economics of printing and distributing textbooks is favorable relative to distributing laptops. Second, there are many more things you can do with a laptop than you can with just pen and paper: explore, express, compute, communicate etc. Third, I would guess that most children in Calgary have some access to libraries, computers, cell phones, newspaper, television, radio, etc. and teachers! This is not the case for most children in the developing world, for whom we have designed the laptop.

Porting exiting Java-based learning software to the XO

Dear Sirs,

I sent the following email to technology@laptop.org as directed by your web site. I received in return an autoresponder email that offers the ability to give laptops away. As you can see by the email I sent, this was not my purpose in contact. Aprend would be happy to contribute whatever it can in the future, but realistically, without software and a purpose, the XO will make a good boat anchor (for a very small boat at 3lbs.) How do we get in touch with a human (not autoresponder) to investigate at which level we may be of assistance? Sincerly, Rod Gilchrist Email originally sent:

My name is Rod Gilchrist. I have a small company in Austin, Texas named Aprend. We have developed a learning management system with integrated authorware. Our software is written totally in JAVA. Due to the features of JAVA, the translation of the GUI is a snap. Localization of language of the GUI, regardless of the language or dialect is very easy. The ability to create content is also very easy with the integrated authorware, localization of the GUI for the content creation software is also very easy. in addition, due to JAVA, our software runs under virtually any OS on any hardware.

It appears to me that the OLPC XO project could possibly use our software to deliver education to children using your laptops all over the world, in their localized language. I would like to investigate an alliance between Aprend and your project to possibly provide our software with the XO laptop to enable educators at the user end of your project. Please contact me if you are interested. I have attached a trifold brochure word file in hopes of explaining the features to you.

Sincerely, Roderick E. Gilchrist, CEO

Aprend Software / (512) 328-5119 / rod@/email/aprendsoft.com

Java is not supported.

Rod - I am the President of dotFX, Inc (www.dotFX.com). We innovated a technology which can take existing Java applications and make them live - accessible as a clickable link or direct from the desktop. If the Aprend Software solution is placed on the dotFX framework it becomes "live" software. We manage the delivery of the application and underlying JVM/JRE dynamically. Currently OLPC does not support Java; however, I am a believer in their mission and think that access to free software for kids around the world, securely, is very important. If your software is packaged as a live application, then OLPC kids can access a JVM to their machine organically. The policy decision for OLPC for Java one way or another can be made over time; however, in the interim, there is a path. Let me know if you have any questions. -Pete / President, co-founder, dotFX, Inc / www.dotFX.com / pete@/email/dotFX.com

Rod, Pete - It may help both of you to know that the stated requirement for software included on the XO laptops will all be open-source. That said, there are developers who are working to make their proprietary software able to run on the XO, with the understanding that for the foreseeable future those programs will not be bundled. In other words, the XO is not a platform for profit-seeking companies or individuals to capitalize upon at this time. Best regards, RKV

RKV - Thanks. I had a dialog with Joe on that too. Our ServerFX is for free. We have no API/IDE needed, so unlike any other IDE vendor I know of, there is no future risk of developers / users being forced into payment, since the developer can at any time choose to stop using our technology and it does not set back his/her code base, since we did not cause change in the first place. In fact, developers can use us speculatively at any point in the lifecycle of software - design, build, or service post launch. The 30k existing Java applications in open source for example can be packaged as a live clickable link (eg OLPC icon on the desktop) where OLPC and 3rd party open source developers could publish live apps as links into for free for OLPC users around the world, eg games, productivity software, etc -- all types at sourceforge.com for example. As I mentioned to Joe, we are not allergic to making ServerFX open source; however, we want to make that decision if there is enough demand with OLPC and other channels we are discussing. We manage the update issue with the framework, any JRE version running, and the applications. I have not yet Rod from Aprend yet, so I am not sure what he is thinking. In my case however, also because of my non profit work in global education (eg board member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, etc), the OLPC mission is consistent with my personal interests in access and success for all kids, especially via technology as one tool. I love your guys mission - whether dotFX can help or not. - Pete, dotFX

Usability testing

Can anyone tell me if, how, and when usability tests will be (have been, are bring) conducted for the OLPC project? Keith Karn

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but there have been a number of field trials of the XOs, the feedback from which are used to improve the hardware and software. And feedback is solicited at various showings of the device, such as at the Boston Game Jam. I'm not sure if there is any formal usability testing in place, though. —Joe 00:27, 26 October 2007 (EDT)

Digital Radio Mondiale

I am interested in making a cheap DRM using avalable AM/FM radio and use it with line in of PC. Can anyone help me regarding the Hardware and Software of the DRM.

If your device only uses the line-in, there will be a standard activity that can record from that port and play it back, like the Record activity. If the device needs an additional communication route (for example to specify tuning or encode/decode radio signals on the CPU), the best route may be through one of the laptop's standard USB connections. There may be more information available via the Peripherals page; the Hardware and Software pages may also have the basic information that you're looking for. —Joe 00:53, 26 October 2007 (EDT)

MP3 files

I noticed that one cannot download speech podcasts in mp3 format to the xo. Is there any way to download these mp3 files, or download software that will allow it?

There is MP3 software that can run on the laptops, but it's not clear whether it will ship with the laptops or, if not, how easy it will be for a user to install. See the RestrictedFormats page. —Joe 12:55, 26 October 2007 (EDT)

Microsoft Windows XP on XOs

Microsoft has been talking about getting the XP to work on the XO systems. I personally would consider Microsoft having anything to do with this project as a mistake. One of the core principals is free and open source software and any moves to work with Microsoft on this project would run contrary to this. Will the OLPC initiative be staying open source and sticking with Linux? -- Thomas (New Zealand)

According to the list of OLPC myths, the officially distributed OS is still Linux. However, an open system means that anyone (including Microsoft) can develop for it. —Joe 17:25, 26 October 2007 (EDT)

Wireless networking health safety

Is there also a wired network card on the laptop ? I heard that wireless connections can cause brain tumors.

First of all, there is no wired network card built-in to the laptops, but USB ethernet adapters can be used. —Joe 12:55, 26 October 2007 (EDT)

The wireless system we do use is entirely safe. It is certified for safety in the US by the FCC and Underwriter's Laboratories. Ben 00:46, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Also, wifi does NOT cause brain tumors. The idea that it does is a myth. ffm 15:40, 9 December 2007 (EST)

dotFX Java Framework

dotFX, Inc. (www.dotFX.com) has a free framework product called ServerFX which allows the 6 million java developers to take existing java applications and make them "live" software, i.e. desktop distributed through the Internet securely. For example, there are 30,000 existing Java applications (desktop apps / "dead" apps) which can be packaged as a clickable link / icon on the desktop or within a browser. This provides extreme ease of use and ease of access for OLPC users to many free software applications, not previously accessible. Please let me know if you would like to learn more. I am interested in leveraging the dotFX innovative technology for the OLPC mission.

Very truly yours -- Pete Hartigan, President, co-founder, www.dotFX.com, pete@/email/dotFX.com

I can't say whether or not the OLPC people are interested in your product, but note that the XO laptop is being distributed only with open source software and it is not currently shipping with Java. —Joe 12:31, 27 October 2007 (EDT)

If there are java developers interested in distributing their software, we can package their software as a "link" in a browser, or as a desktop icon. We manage the JVM for the developer and OLPC. It does not need to be distributed upfront. That is a decision OLPC can make either way, since our free installer and live update features can handle all of this pain for developers. As far as open source, we are not allergic to that consideration if there is proper demand. The key however is the value for the end user --- there are 30,000 existing java applications in open source for example which no one really uses -- we can package these as "links" and make them accessible to the common user -- ie they get free software, live from the network, in an easily accessible manner & updated for them with only deltas each time each user clicks on an application. Our framework provides mechanism for developers to run the apps offline or online, and provision in other ways if they want - yet at a high level the value for OLPC users around the world is straight forward. Get access to free software easily and none of them need to learn how to manage the software. For OLPC project - it is more value for basically no cost. For OLPC and developers, since we can publish services inline at runtime - if people want to monetize their work, we can package an ad object, license object (for premium services), and other revenue generating mechanisms on demand. - Pete

Few highlights for OLPC kids and developers:

1. Environment is secure - so kids around the world can click on apps and have a true security model (vs abdication of security with a trust/no trust decision being forced upfront)

2. Online / Offline

3. Low network footprint - eg if a child is in Africa, India or China for example with low bandwidth - this technique gets full functionality to them in low network availability areas of the world.

4. Infinite number of applications possible on a small hard drive - dynamic applications / servcies - taken on and off as required

5. Applications are monitorable if desired - In the context of social networking applications with kids involved, the browser is generally not good enough to ward off the risk of preditors for example. A developer may choose to want a more monitorable environment for safety purposes. We provide the mechanism if developers want it.

Why pay $150 for what is a 10-year-old machine?

There's no need to spend time considering the pro's and con's of selling this computer to the general public. It won't be offered up for sale. Why? For EXACTLY the same reasons they are not being peddled to developed nations: buyers will ask legtimate questions BEFORE buying and then the truth about these computers and their great limitations will be exposed. Why would anyone pay $150 for what is essentially a re-packaged 10-year old machine? (in terms of computer power/storage/software).

If you only restrict your analysis to computer power, storage capacity and bundled software, then you might be right although I do think that you undervalue the bundled mesh networking software. But the real point is that the OLPC has conciously accepted constraints in computer power, storage capacity and bundled software in order to be innovative in other areas. The XO laptop leverages current interface technology far more than any other PC. Nowadays it is common for WiFi interfaces to be built around their own CPU but only the OLPC leverages this so that the main computer can be powered down while the satellite CPU continues to transmit/recieve data. Only the OLPC has the innovative dual-mode LCD technology that allows normal use, as well as a special low-power black and white mode for ebook reading. This is one of very few modern laptops that have no moving parts and therefore are likely to last a long time which means they provide better green value for money.

P.S. I actually picked this question up from a blog comment that I saw, because I think it nicely sums up a widespread view which is also an ill-informed view that undervalues the leading edge technology in this laptop.

Please consider adding "childsplay" to software packages...

The "childsplay" package is a wonderful Python based package that has kept my 3.5 year old productively engaged for the last couple of months and it seems that it would be ideally suited for inclusion in the OLPC software suite. More info on it can be found at:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/childsplay/

http://koji.fedoraproject.org/koji/packageinfo?packageID=1463

Thanks for considering this suggestion.

Sincerely,

Dominic Caffey, dcaffey_fl@yahoo.com

The author of childsplay, Stas Zytkiewicz, has expressed interest in porting it to the XO and apparently has had a preliminary version of it running, so I think there's a good chance it will eventually be available. —Joe 16:28, 28 October 2007 (EDT)

Update: Schoolsplay. —Joe 08:33, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Can the technology be adapted so students with language-based learning disabilities can use this?

My niece attends a private school for children with a wide range of learning differences. I would like to purchase one for her but am not sure how adaptable it will be. Can additional software be installed? The application for this population of student in that school setting would be wonderful. Not only could we provide the assisted technology to help LD students learn, but as well help all children around the world! I am most interested in pursuing this!

Yes, support for children with disabilities, both learning and physical, is a priority, and something that is being worked on. Yes, other software can be installed, it just wont necessarily fit the Sugar theme. is for Insects 17:01, 14 November 2007 (EST)

What Will Ship With the G1G1 Laptop?

What items will be inside the shipping box if bought from give one get one?

High-res unboxing photos of a G1G1 production unit were posted by Morgan Collett on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Here's a direct link to the flickr set. Looks like we'll get a battery, an AC adaptor, and a 4-page manual. ~ Hexagonal 11:19, 5 December 2007 (EST)

See the Activities page to get a sense of the range of software that will come installed on the laptop.

Protecting children from bad content on the internet

Does the sugar XO system effectively protect children from pornographic or other adult material on the internet and how is it done? Is it possible to circumvent these filters by adding new browser software or in other ways? With geek and source code buttons these children are being encouraged to look under the hood, I feel it of utmost importance to protect vulnerable children from pornography.

Information on the Internet and Peru trial pages suggests that the countries themselves will be responsible for providing an Internet connection that is appropriately filtered. —Joe 18:17, 28 October 2007 (EDT)

Follow-Up Question

Can a filter that works with the XO browser be added manually? Is there an open source version? Was this decision to not offer a filter a First Amendment issue or something else? To rely on countries/schools to do this, I think, is misguided. My son spells by sound and he is bound to make a URL error at some point that leads to a site that is inappropriate for him to see. Thank you, SB

For innocent mistakes there already is a filter. The browser normally opens things via Google search. Google tends to fix misspellings, and will not return porn sites when queried as the laptop does.

Unfortunately the search that I tried was, "Sex" and the first websites were not informational but porn sites and cam sites and not educational sites about the subject. It is this that I would prefer to filter.

There are lots of reasons why a heavy-handed filter is not supplied. Filters tend to block "legitimate" topics, like breast cancer. Filters make computers slower. We can't agree on what "inappropriate" means; some people feel that Christian sites are inappropriate. (no kidding -- for example many people are non-Christian) Kids are very good at bypassing filters anyway, and will simply visit a friend's house if they need to use an unfiltered computer to escape mom. Kids aren't so fragile that an inappropriate web page will ruin them. You probably saw a few inappropriate things when you were a kid. (maybe photos on paper, or some kind of live performance) It's part of learning and growing up.

Thank you for your answer and I think we can agree to disagree. More to the point, can software be added to work in conjunction with the Browser Activity or any other activity? Can software be loaded on an SDCard or USB key for extra storage?

Shipping give one get one

How long is the shipping once I purchase a $100 laptop from give one get one?

We will be setting up a first-come-first-served queue; but until we know the scale of the interest, we won't know the degree to which the volume will impact our production pipeline. We will develop a schedule for shipments and share it with the public as soon as possible.

Is the Get 1 computer the same as the Give 1?

I will participate in the Give 1 Get 1 program, and plan to take the Get 1 to my sister in Laos, who builds libraries there through her non-profit (www.thelanguageproject.org). Currently Laos is not among the governments that are participating in the OLPC program. For obvious reasons, I would therefore like to make sure that the Get 1 computer that I receive is exactly the same as the Give 1 computers that are sent to developing countries. Can this be arranged?

I don't think you get to choose where your "give 1" goes - you won't ever see it, it won't be shipped to you.

The laptops are the same, minus some key arrangements on the keyboard (like special charecters). ffm 13:36, 1 December 2007 (EST)

Battery

What type of battery will the Give 1 Get 1 laptop come with? Will it have the LiFeP battery or the NiMH battery?

I guess quite some people would like to know (me included), so is there any answer?

No answer yet. Good question though; but it may have to wait for production availability and component costing. The price of the raw materials can change a bit. Given the average temperature of the target country, NiMH will charge properly. The answer will be one of either (a) mixed, (b) LiFePO₄, or (c) NiMH. --Quozl 05:18, 13 November 2007 (EST)

ASUS Eee similarity

I saw a small laptop called the ASUS Eee PC. What is the difference between that and the $100 laptop?

You may want to look at the XO's hardware specs and the ASUS Eee's specs. As I see it, the main difference is that the XO is designed to be deployed as part of an educational program, especially in areas without a lot of technological infrastructure, while the Eee is designed to be used as a conventional ultra-portable laptop. So the XO has a spill- and dust-proof rugged case, a long battery life, mesh networking, a sunlight-readable display, and a tablet mode, while the Eee has a faster processor, more storage, a VGA port, an expansion slot, a more versatile card reader, maybe more memory, and a keyboard that may be more comfortable for an adult to type on. The Eee appears to be more expensive, but much of that may be overhead related to sales, advertising, and support; it's not clear how much it actually costs to make. They both ship with a Linux variant and other open-source software, although the Eee apparently includes other software, like Skype and Windows Media codecs. As the Wikipedia article says, the two laptops aren't really intended to compete with each other. —Joe 13:44, 3 November 2007 (EDT)

Age range

What is the age range you are targeting ?

According to the Our Market page, it is ages 6 to 16 years. —Joe 15:53, 4 November 2007 (EST)

German localization

Exist a german software version of the OLPC? I like to get some for our clas here helping at same time with OLPS´s for Peru. Norbert

In Which Stores?

Where or in which stores will the XO be sold?

See the Ask OLPC a Question about Distribution page. —Joe 15:47, 4 November 2007 (EST)

I've heard of no firm plans by any stores to sell the XO laptops. It would be neat though. Interested stores could contact OLPC ... but be serious with quantities, and don't expect OLPC to cover risk like other manufacturers do. --Quozl 06:53, 27 November 2007 (EST)

How Does Wireless Work?

Do you need to sign up for wireless internet? If not how does the wireless work?

The XO laptops can communicate several ways using wireless networking. They can communicate with the internet through a nearby wireless router, or they can communicate directly with other XOs nearby (the wireless "mesh"); if any laptop in the mesh is near a wireless router, the others in the mesh can access the internet through this connection. The countries participating in the OLPC program will be setting up the wireless routers in their schools so that the students can access the internet. (If you are asking about the laptops received through the Give-One-Get-One program, you will need to find your own wireless service. Some libraries, coffee shops, and internet cafes provide this service to their patrons; otherwise, you will have to ask your local internet service provider about setting up wireless networking.) —Joe 15:27, 5 November 2007 (EST)

Note: According to a news article on the front page of the wiki, T-Mobile is offering a year of free wireless internet access for the Give-One-Get-One machines in certain locations throughout the U.S. —Joe 17:46, 7 November 2007 (EST)

Computer Usage

Do you have concrete stats on the level of computer access/usage around the globe? By country?

Drinking Water and Healthcare?

Why is giving a laptop to a child so important when issues such as safe drinking water and healthcare remain problems in so much of the world?

This is answered on the OLPC Myths page. —Joe 09:37, 6 November 2007 (EST)

May I (being simply a person at home on the computer and just learning about the project) point out that though it's beautiful to notice water and health problems, the fact is, we know about them, and you and I aren't doing anything about them, either. So ... at least OLPC is trying. I quote an old friend, "Well, you don't like how I'm doing it. Then, how are YOU doing it?" The assumed response is, "In all honesty, I'm not." to which the old friend replies, "Well I like the way I'm doing it a lot better than the way you're not doing it." -- Anonymous

Support for Give 1 Get 1 units?

My niece is interested in this program for her boys. What technical support is available for units purchased this way? What warranty?

Thank you, that's an important question, and we have a prepared answer. Item 9 of the terms and conditions handles support, and item 6 covers warranty. If after reading those items you still have questions, please ask. --Quozl 05:04, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Augmentative communication for special needs children

Please address how these laptop computers might help special needs children with their communication. Our daughter has had various augmentative communication devices but enjoys and seems to prefer using the computer. Her communication devices have voice output; are accessed using a dynamic touch screen and have word prediction capabilities. Her new device called the Chat PC is housed in a hand held Dell computer. The touch screen keyboard is so tiny that she has to use a stylus to type in the letters. It can be frustrating to use because of its size. Wouldn't your lap top computer be easier to use because the keyboard and screen are seperate? How much does it weigh? If it is easier to use it might be an even more powerful tool for communication than a hand held device. We would like to purchase one if possible but we need more information.

If possible I hope that your company will address the very important issues that these children face as they struggle to be understood. Molly Dobrowski

Judging from the Accessibility page, the OLPC plans to address a number of possible impairments, but, judging from activity on the mailing lists, some necessary details are still being decided. At the least, it sounds like some form of speech synthesis will be available on the production machines. It's not clear whether a trackpad would be easier to use than a touch-sensitive screen; one disabled user on the Talk:Accessibility page found the XO's trackpad difficult to use. (However, according to this page, a future version of the laptop may have a touch-sensitive screen.) The size and weight of the laptop is given on the Hardware page. —Joe 16:42, 7 November 2007 (EST)

About Jobs in OLPC

Hello.

I am interested in localization career. The career page says that I need to send my cover letter and CV. But I want further job description and have some questions. Can you please give me the HR department E-mail address. Thanks.

Muhammad

Impact on school culture

Hello, What's been the impact on school culture or environment: have teachers' perceptions changed concerning their environment since using OLPC; how are principals measuring the level of learning; do you have designated individuals contacting you regularly with progress data?

While perhaps someone else knows more about impact and ongoing feedback, there are a number of initial reports from pilot sites available in the Pilot Site section. —Joe 22:05, 7 November 2007 (EST)

What age group in the United States is this XO laptop appriate for? Can an adult keep a journal"

How much memory do these computers have? Can you create files to email and to access on this computer? Can you access the internet like any other lap top?

What age group in the United States, is this appropriate for?

Can a child in USA interact and communicate to a group of kids in a different country?

Can you download different software packages.

Basically haw is this similar to a regular lap top, because the demo makes it look completely different, unless the demo was just illustrating the educational teaching feature.

I definitly support these lap top for the kids in other countries, but I am trying to figure out how I can ustilize the Get One Give One program, and if this laptop would be something I could use, as a writer, and my 12 year old would benefit from.

Thank you

According to the Our market page the laptop is being designed for ages 6-16. Others can of course use it, but note that the keyboard is designed for small hands, so it may be uncomfortable for an adult to use for long periods. According to the Hardware page, the laptop has 256Mb of RAM and 1Gb of flash storage. There is currently no built-in e-mail client (although there may be in the future), but webmail (like Google mail) can be used. The laptop can use standard 802.11b wireless networking and it comes with a web browser based on Firefox, so it can access the internet in a manner similar to other laptops. To my knowledge, there is no system expressly set up to allow XO owners in different countries to communicate with each other, but there are existing pen pal services on the internet that could be used. There is additional software that can be downloaded and installed on the laptops—and in fact the laptops are designed to allow the children themselves to write software if they want—but note that most existing software (e.g. Windows programs) will not run on the laptops. The user interface to the laptops is quite different from traditional laptops in the hope that it will be easier for children to use.—Joe 14:30, 8 November 2007 (EST)

Update: EPals—an established online pen-pal service—is now apparently working on a pen-pal activity for the XO. —Joe 14:05, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Time wasteth, 1 business day before merry XO-mas

Is there any hope of more complete answers on purchase-related questions in the one business day that remains?

Can you be more precise? Sj talk

I can, and I was, but they have moved the question set.

There's only so many ways I can ask these, but this particular question was about hope. The project brings hope to the young of a small country - that's wonderful. I kind of hope to get one too, but I despair if I can't actually help the child I know.

Note: SJ moved your list of questions to the Give1Get1 page and answered them there; he noted the change in the page history, but it's understandable that you didn't know to check this. I imagine that he didn't notice that this section was posted by the same person. (It's easier to sort these things out if you sign your comments and keep them together.) —Joe 13:16, 9 November 2007 (EST)

Since Joe notes the moved location now, I've trimmed it, go look there. It doesn't appear that non-staff can move their own questions side-by-side here though. (It was probably the same IP address; I did these from work.)

My real frustration is an understandable effect of few volunteers and a complex world - nobody ever asks me the *easy* questions anymore ... nor in a timely fashion. They happen when they happen, and those aren't always next to each other. sorry.

I'm not gonna dream of asking how anyone would help my friend's kid's German autistic school programme. If the OLPC doesn't survive her youngster it would hardly expect dozens of them to survive the batch of them :) and if the Germans can't afford any computers they want in whatever "Give Many" they'd want I'd be pretty surprised. (If someone wants to dream of answering this anyway, I hope you live in Germany and know how to make the XO pass the local whatever-it-is for general purpose use.) -- Heather

Laptop capabilities

I live in the U.S.A. I was thinking of getting a laptop for my 8yo. Can you connect to the internet as you could on any other laptop?

yes.

Does her friend(s) have to have one of these (OLPC) laptops to communicate or will it talk to any computer and do the same basic activities my home computer will do?

it can talk to other computers and to the internet. it comes with activities that are probably different than those on your home computer.

I would love to be able to help an under privledged child while helping my own, but I am not sure of the capabilities of your laptop----can you please give me more information and specifics....What a GREAT idea you have had and a dream come true for many children. Who knows, we could have some intelligent leaders in our future because of you!!!!

Thank You
R. Compton
Fairhope, Alabama

Depending on your level of computer literacy, you might want to consider looking first at the Activities page, to see what applications are native to the XO, or put another way, what applications will run on the XO without additional support. The Software components page will then tell you what other programs are being developed for the machine.

Regarding the XO itself, you might want to look at the Hardware specification page to get a better feel for what the XO hardware is capable of. --Valichi 16:39, 9 November 2007 (EST)

Battery life?

When I unplug my MacBook from the wall, it tells me how much battery time I have left. Usually this is around 3 hours. Does the XO do this and if so, on a full charge, how much time does it take during heavy use for the battery to discharge fully? In other words, how long does the battery last, worst case scenario? Thanks!

It does not tell you remaining time in minutes, but in percentage of charge; currently, if you do not use any power saving modes, it would last roughly as long as your macbook. Sj talk

Computer Friendly?

How user friendly are these computers? If I purchase one and donate one, do I have to add programs and download software? Do I have to add this computer to my current wireless program?What if you know nothing about computers, is this a good computer to learn on?

For the provided school-age kid activities, they are extremely user friendly. This includes web browsing. For other stuff, such as business use, they are more complicated and will likely require use of the command prompt. This is a good computer for learning if you really wish to understand how computers work.

what can I do with it?

Will it do secure online shopping? Will it work with YouTube?

Yes. No, unless you add extra software.

Internet connection in a no wifi ambient

Can I use usb port to connect OLPC via cable? In a lot on country (in china for example) is easier to meat a lan cable connection. The usb to lan adapters work on OLPC?

Yes. See USB ethernet adaptors for a list of adapters known to work. —Joe 12:04, 9 November 2007 (EST)

possible to download a mapping program?

Can tne DeLorean mapping software be loaded into your computer?

You would have to ask the software manufacturer that question, sorry. --Quozl 18:29, 18 November 2007 (EST)

Microsoft compatibility

Would it be possible to load a Microsoft Windows OS on these?

While Microsoft is reportedly working on a version of Windows XP for the XO laptops, it is not known how successful they have been or if they plan to make the result available to the public. So for now the answer is no. —Joe 14:25, 9 November 2007 (EST)

Microdonations

Where is the buy one tenth donation button? I see the buy one give one, 100+, and 1000+.

Sorry, we have not provided a way to buy a tenth of a laptop, but you can just give a donation. You are welcome to join with others in your community to give one get one. --Quozl 07:07, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Wireless WPA Security

I really haven't seen this answered yet. Does the network driver support wireless security protocols??? WPA??? How easy & specifically what app is used to configure it as a security-enabled wireless access point?? All I've seen so far is nebulous answers.

I haven't seen it addressed, either, but apparently there is a closed trac ticket to fix WPA, so it seems reasonable to assume that WPA is possible with the XO's network driver, although it may not be easy to configure via a user interface, yet. This mailing list post implies that making advanced wireless security protocols easy to use is not a high priority, as of about a year ago. —Joe 03:36, 10 November 2007 (EST)

EN FRANÇAIS

J'AIMERAIS PARTICIPER AU PROGRAMME GIVE ONE GET ONE EN FRANÇAIS. Par exemple, offrir un ordinateur à un(e) enfant dans un pays FRANCOPHONE et en obtenir un pour une enfant francophone. Sera-t-il possible de le faire LE 12 NOVEMBRE?

Babelfish says: I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN PROGRAM GIVE ONE GET ONE IN FRENCH. For example, to offer a computer to one child in a FRENCH-SPEAKING country and to obtain some for a French-speaking child. Will it be possible to do it on NOVEMBER 12?

I live in France and would really like to back up the last comment, when can I get the opportunity to show my support for this education project, I have been following your progress religiously since I heard about your objectives, my son is only five but I know where this program is going and I want to be able to contribute to it, G1G1-Europe can anyone give me a possible timeframe for expansion plans of this two week North American Only launch?

People in Europe have been getting them. The keyboard has the required accents and Euro, though it is QWERTY. You'll need a friend in the USA or Canada. There are mail forwarding services that may help. You may need a PayPal account or Credit card that is associated with the USA.

Babelfish indique : Les gens en Europe les ont. Le clavier a les accents et l'Euro exigés, bien qu'il soit QWERTY. Vous aurez besoin d'un ami aux Etats-Unis ou au Canada. Il y a des services de expédition de courrier qui peuvent aider. Vous pouvez avoir besoin d'un compte de PayPal ou d'une carte de Degré de solvabilité qui est associée aux Etats-Unis.

Buy 1 Give 1

During the Buy 1, Give 1 offer, can an individual buy 2, give 2 or buy 3 give 3 or is it limited to one?

There is no limit. See SJ's comment on the Give1Get1 page. If you are planning to give large numbers (100+) of laptops, you might want to look at the Give Many page. —Joe 14:44, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Mentorship program for children

Getting a laptop opens the gateway to free resources on the web. However, at least in short-term, I think a mentor is needed for the child to guide them through. It could be done on a voluntary basis. Currently there seems no such focus in your voluntary services section. What do you think?

XO and PXE/Etherboot

Is it possible to network boot the XO using PXE and/or Etherboot? I ask because I'm a long-time K12LTSP user and would like to continue to provide this environment as an option to my teachers (and - who am I kidding - myself too!).

Best Regards, Mark

Booting over the net is certainly possible, but probably not with PXE or Etherboot. The XO uses OpenFirmware instead of a PC BIOS. (like a PowerPC Macintosh or a Sun SPARC) The laptop can not directly run LILO, Grub, DOS, or Windows. There is no VGA-compatible video hardware. The built-in storage does not act like an IDE or SCSI device.

Language

Is the software on the XO translated into the child's native language? When the XO is used to search the Internet is it being translated into the native language?

A great deal of effort is being put into localizing the core XO activities, so that the children can work in their native language. You can read more (or participate) on the Localization page. When browsing the internet, the XO displays the pages in the language in which they are written, but the children can of course use free online translation tools like Google to get rough translations of the pages. —Joe 14:39, 12 November 2007 (EST)

WHEN will the Give 1 Get 1 initiative be available in other countries also?

We living in other countries will also like to participate in the Give 1 Get 1 initiative.

You are starting in the US and Canada. But declared that you will try to expand the program globally over time. Any chance that us living in Scandian Countries can be able to join before christmas 2007 ?

I don't know when G1G1 might be expanded, but note that according to point 5 of the G1G1 terms and conditions, there is no guarantee that the participants will receive the laptops before Christmas. —Joe 15:14, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Wireless internet availability in Kabul Afghanistan

I will be sending three of the laptops I ordered to a "Tent School" in Kabul, Afghanistan. There is no internet connection at the school. I am told the universities do not even have internet connection. I know that my friends use an internet cafe when they send email. Does One Laptop have a satellite or some other sort of wireless connection set up so that the children at this school could connect to the internet using the computers wireless capability?

When laptops are supplied in bulk, they come with school servers. A school server has 3 wireless antennas. It will often also have a satellite link or other internet connection, allowing the laptops to use the internet. A regular wireless access point device (wireless router device) can be used instead.

Some of the students and teachers speak some English but I am not certain as to their fluency. Will they be able to get their own Arabic language on the computer?

The laptop is intended to support Arabic, but you won't get the Arabic keyboard via G1G1. You'll get a "US international" keyboard. It's QWERTY with extra stuff like the Euro symbol and numerous accents. You can draw Arabic symbols on the keyboard with a black marker, then switch the language. NOTE: Arabic is far from universal in that area. The students may need Pashtun, Farsi, etc.

The main languages of Afghanistan are Dari (Eastern Farsi), Pashto, and Hazaragi. Arabic is not required for secular purposes, but should be available for religious studies.--Mokurai 06:23, 23 November 2007 (EST)

If they don't need Arabic, they shouldn't get it. Those fonts take up space. The keyboard would be awful with 5 or 6 symbols on each key. Besides, we don't need to encourage violence and oppression. 24.110.145.202 15:13, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Will directions for the operation of the computer (owner's manual) be available to them in their native language?

The laptop does not ship with any paper at all. Paper would get lost or damaged, and would cost extra. The laptop is easy to use.

Users still need an electronic manual. See OLPC Publications for proposed documentation. Localization is indeed a requirement. OLPC has a localization portal and a localization mailing list.--Mokurai 06:23, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Other colors

I would love to purchase one for my daughter, but she favors fushia or pink. When this color is available will I still be able to purchase a computer from your company?

No, sorry. The software does allow your daughter to choose fushia or pink to identify herself on the laptop, and a random colour pair is used for the logo on the outside of the panel, but the case colors are the same across production. See The Theft Problem for why we are doing it this way. --Quozl 04:47, 13 November 2007 (EST)

disk space?

how much disk space is on the OLPC?

According to the Hardware page, the XO has 256Mb of RAM and 1Gb of flash disk space. —Joe 15:27, 12 November 2007 (EST)

In addition, one can add external or portable storage via the three USB sockets or the wireless network. We frequently use this feature during development and testing, so we know it works, but the software we supply is intended for simple use by children, not complex use by adults. The software can be changed. 1Gb of flash disk space may not be sufficient for your application, but we believe it is a reasonable tradeoff between cost and utility for our deployment. --Quozl 04:36, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Give one Get one Expansion plans - A G1G1-Europe?

When can the rest of the World get the opportunity to show support for this education project? I have been following your progress religiously since I heard about your objectives a couple of years ago. I spent last summer reading the following two books which I can fully recommend: (1) "The Connected Family: Bridging the Digital Generation Gap" by Seymour Papert, and (2) "The Children's Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer," by Seymour Papert. My son is only five but I know where this program is going and I want to be able to (have an OLPC laptop for my child) and contribute to it; G1G1-Europe, can anyone give me a possible timeframe for possible expansion plans of this two week North American Only launch?

Too many computers? (An idealistic, down the road question)

I am very interested in seeing 4 billion or some other large number of these laptops making it out in the developing countries. I see each child that has one of these machines as being a tiny piece of proof that this world is really one world. With a potential huge number of these out there, all connected to flickr, sharing their pictures, and blogging about their education, their region, how they care for their goat . . . I see it being almost impossible to conceive of this world in the singular country view.

So, in the event that this happens, I can easily see there being too many people to have flickr still allowing free accounts, or allowing as many free photos to be shared and things of the like. I know this is in the realm of fantasy at this point, but I'm wondering if we will end up with countries and regions being blocked from service and being relegated to a lower/lesser internet.

If a school is delivered too many crayons, they would send some back, or find new ways to use them. If a society is given too many telephones, they begin to find new ways to use them too ... for even more trivial calls, or telesales. So yes, expect an increase in photo sharing. As for what flickr and others will do, it is best to ask them. I'm sure they can think up regional focus services. --Quozl 19:10, 18 November 2007 (EST)

How to keep the laptops in the hands of the children?

How will OLPC ensure that children, and especially little girls, are not pressured to give away their laptops to fathers, uncles, and others who might sell them or use them for business or other purposes besides educating children?

I'm not sure if there is a plan to specifically address this situation, but some countries have requested a general anti-theft system where the laptop stops working if it goes for a length of time without receiving a signal from the local school. You can read more about it in the Bitfrost specification. —Joe 19:22, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Battery Life

What is the battery life on the OLPC (how long will it last per charge)

Per SJ's answer to a similar battery question above: about three hours of use on a full change. Note that the battery is supposed to last longer in the various power-saving modes, and battery use may improve as the system software gets better. A note on the Arahuay trial page implies that the battery may last quite a bit longer (5-12 hours) in recent models for certain usage patterns. —Joe 19:37, 12 November 2007 (EST)

What can be done to keep the laptops with the children?

In the third world, donations can become the local currency. Theft is more common. No one even has a car radio. In the third world, a laptop computer has a high value. What can be done to prevent the laptops from being stolen from the children and being used as black market currency or business computers?

See the grey market section of the Our market page as well as the Bitfrost page. —Joe 19:44, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Mesh interoperability

Hi, Would the wireless mesh network work with any standard wireless router or wireless switch? Is the mesh network only internal between the mesh laptops and than some of the laptop's are connected to standard wireless routers as standard stations (not Mesh, so any wireless AP can be used)?

According to the Wireless page, the laptops implement 802.11b/g wireless networking standards (which are used by standard wireless routers) as well as the 802.11s standard, which is used for the mesh. From the info on that page, it seems that any laptop that can connect via 802.11b/g will offer "portal service" to other laptops through 802.11s, so that the mesh effectively extends the connectivity range of the standard 802.11b/g stations. See also Mesh Network Details and the Active Antenna. —Joe 21:37, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Personal Uses

would the XO laptop be a good note taking device for let's say, college courses?

Maybe, maybe not. One advantage is that it is silent; it has no fan, and the keyboard may be quieter than a traditional laptop keyboard. One disadvantage is that the keyboard is built for small hands; it may be difficult for an adult to use, let alone touch-type. Keyboard size aside, if you just need to enter text, you should be fine with the software with which the laptop ships, but if you are expecting to be able to take handwritten notes, formulas, and diagrams, you may be better off with a more traditional tablet PC; the XO does have a stylus-capable surface, but I'm not sure there are activities that use it yet. The XO can record audio, although the amount it is limited by storage capacity (and that goes double for video). —Joe 21:23, 12 November 2007 (EST)

Changing Shipping Information

I ordered over the phone, how do I change my shipping address? ~LDoran

BATTERY

I'm new to Laptops, so: what's involved in 'recharging' the battery? what's needed? (I'm also new to this system so i hope I can find the answer(s) to this question.)

• the laptops include an AC adaptor to charge the battery, and charging will happen if the AC adaptor is connected, regardless of whether the laptop is on or not. There is a battery indicator on the front and back that shows this. For more detail, or alternate ways to charge, search for battery or charging in this Wiki. --Quozl 04:18, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Get 1 Give 1, mesh network safety concerns

I am considering getting a computer for my child through the Get 1 Give 1 program, but would like to know more about possible safety concerns. From what I understand, the mesh network allows the computers to contact each other, even without internet access. Is it possible to turn this off, or limit it? I don't really like the idea of strangers in the area being able to message my child -- not everyone with these computers will be other children. Also, will there be an easy way to set up an internet filter?

• That is an important issue. The current software builds provide automatic association with nearby XO laptops, as this is what is required in mass deployment to the target countries. The software can be changed to either disable this, or to force association with your home access point. We haven't described how to do this yet, and it is a technical software task, not for the inexperienced. You can filter with your home equipment fine, as item 10 of the Terms and Conditions describes. In the mass deployment we use school servers to do this filtering. The software is open source, so if we can't help you, the community of other owners will be able to. --Quozl 03:48, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Note that the ability to turn off the wireless networking is a planned feature for the control panel software under development. There is apparently existing software that will do this, but it is not currently easy for children to use. —Joe 10:28, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Success of G1G1 program

I have read several articles about your project, and the last one I read this weekend (a month old Newsweek since I have been traveling) and I have given to the G1G1 program. Will you be posting information on your website as to the success of this program? How many are given, whether the 2 week window was uniformly used or if it peaked then ebbed or vice versa, etc.?

Good luck with your program.

Dr. Elisa H. Barney Smith

G1G1 charging technology?

Will the shipped (vs donated) XO come with any of the off-grid charging technologies (crank, pedal, pull-cord) or an option to get the solar panel? If so, which one(s)? Will they be available for separate purchase as accessories? Thanks.

• High-res unboxing photos of a G1G1 production unit were posted by Morgan Collett on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Here's a direct link to the flickr set. Looks like there's no alternate charger. ~ Hexagonal 11:24, 5 December 2007 (EST)

1-800 service # doesn't work from Canada

Any word on when I can speak to a service rep. about my order? The 1-800 service number doesn't work from Canada.

This is not an official answer, I am just a user like you, but a workaround for dialing 800 numbers outside of US borders is to use Skype. You need an account and it costs a little money, but it works in a pinch.

Email confirmation of order

Will I recieve an email confirming my order through the G1G1 program?

A general confirmatory e-mail was sent to me at 11:30 pm on Thursday, November 15th, from "OLPC Customer Care." No new details were provided: "Laptops will be delivered on a first come, first served basis. While early purchasers have the best chance of receiving their XO laptops in time for the holidays, quantities are limited and we cannot guarantee timing. We will provide you with regular email updates. If you have any questions about your donation, please contact OLPC at service@laptopgiving.org." Hexagonal

On-line payment secure socket layer (SSL)

I would like to make my payment on-line. But the website does not appear to be SECURED through SSL? I see the PAYPAL option, but I do not want to register with paypal. If I use my VISA card directly, I do not know that your site is secure? Who provides the SSL?

Please POST the confirmation LINK of your SSL provider on the website, so that I can confirm payment security.

Extra batteries..

Will we be able to get extra batteries and replacement parts if we participate in G1G1? Extra cables and such? What is included with the XO in the boxes shipped to North America?

A laptop and a single charger. The battery lifetime is expected to be 5+ years, so it is built to last. The cables are standards, so just show the plug to your local RadioShack. ffm 13:54, 1 December 2007 (EST)

Graphical Terminal Client Availability?

Would Sugar support a remote graphical terminal client a such as NXClient (to connect to a NoMachine NXServer) or Remote Desktop Connection (for connection to a Windows Terminal Server)? It would seem to me that in contexts with more developed IT infrastructure, the XO's integrated WiFi and minimal local computing power would make a nearly ideal rugged, lightweight thin client device. A school with a robust wireless network and capable server infrastructure could run Windows Terminal Services or NXServer on central network servers and deliver a complete application environment with enormous data storage capacity with minimal network bandwidth requirements if one could install a Remote Desktop Protocol or NX client on the XO. While this approach fails to leverage the research & effort OLPC software engineers have put into the Sugar user interface, it dramatically lowers the barriers to adoption of the XO hardware in developed countries by potentially allowing schools to deliver very nearly the same computing experience that students and teachers are already accustomed to receiving, but on the low-cost, lightweight, child-friendly XO hardware. --Keith.Gillette 15:35, 13 November 2007 (EST)

The XO is general purpose in that respect. Both rdesktop (RDP) and VNC have worked for me on the XO, and I imagine that NXClient would work but it isn't in the Debian repository I used, presumably because of license restrictions. But while use as a Thin client is possible, it isn't really where the big benefits lie ... we want these units to work without network connection as well. Such countries with already deployed infrastructure would figure out how to re-use it. --Quozl 20:31, 13 November 2007 (EST)

How is the Give 1 Get 1 signup going ?

How many have been ordered so far or are you going to wait until the end of the offering period.

According to an 11/24/07 Wall Street Journal article ( currently found here, though this may be an expiring link), "Mr. Negroponte says there were about 45,000 two-laptop orders in the first nine days, with nearly half coming on the first day." ~ Hex

"Off Grid" charging for G1, G1 computers

I have been checking the blogs--official and unofficial--for this answer. So I'll ask it again and I hope that someone will finally give us a real answer. Here it is--do we get some sort of charging device other than AC adapter for the computers purchased during the Give One, Get One program? This question has been asked over and over and over in every way, shape, and form, on official and unofficial blogs, but it has never been fully answered.

The answer is no. Your G1G1 laptop will arrive with a battery and an AC charger. If you want to supply it with off-grid power, you will have to find and buy that power supply yourself. OLPC has been working with a variety of manufacturers of alternative power sources, but so far none of them are recommended by OLPC. (One may work just fine for you, and yet not meet OLPC's cost or manufacturability or durability or repairability goals for developing country use.) I am a volunteer developer for OLPC so I don't speak for them -- but they're busy and your question deserved a straight answer. -- gnu 19 Nov 2007

Bloggers express interest in taking their computers hiking, camping, etc. and just charging them in the most "off the grid" way possible. Just because we have abundant power available in the US and Canada doesn't mean that we have no interest or need for the alternate charging devices. I think it is rude of OLPC to keep ignoring this simple question. If you haven't got an answer yet because you haven't decided--then tell us that so we can know what the heck is going on.

I did notice that you have a new feature on the Give One, Get One page on the OLPC site. This has a feature that allows you to "explore" the XO by clicking on tabs on graphics of the computer. This is a fairly good explaination of the computer--except for the issue of the charging system. It states that the computer can be charged with an AC adapter and with alternate devices. But, it doesn't tell us if we will get one of the alternate devices.

So, please will someone "in the know" get a straight answer and tell us once and for all--Just what will we see when we open up the box that comes in the mail? Will we get a charging device in addition to the AC adapter? Will we get a coupon to order our choice of alternate charger (extra cost or no extra cost)? And please update that "explore the XO" feature to be more specific about what we are actually getting when we open up the box.

Thanks for your question. Sorry you think we've been rude, but we've got lots to do. Your question has been seen, as have others that are similar, and your detailed explanation helps us to answer. But a final answer is not yet available. My opinion as a volunteer project member may help set your expectations, but I'm not talking on behalf of OLPC: the box will include an AC adapter and a single battery, the battery will not be in the XO. The alternate power devices are not mentioned in the offer. While we know there is interest, we certainly don't want to increase the cost by including something that not everyone will use ... and including a coupon means additional cost as well. Remember this isn't our "core business" ... the kids in the developing world are. What they need they will get. On a more technical level, all you have to do is provide 12V DC to the laptop for it to operate or charge the battery. During testing in the Australian outback I connected the units to the car 12V DC supply, and they performed flawlessly. Tests have been done to ensure a wide range of voltage is acceptable ... that should be in the specifications somewhere. --Quozl 22:24, 13 November 2007 (EST)

In other words: if you have a source of power that gives anything between 5 and 25 volts of power, just hook it up. A crank generator - a solar panel connected directly - or whatever, and a multimeter to watch the voltage to make sure it's not straying too much over. For more discussion, see Battery and power.

Hey, good ol' 12-volt D.C. juice from a car battery will run this thing straight! Very nice ~ implies a cigarette-lighter car plug can be used, without needing a transformer. What shape does the plug need to be? ~ Hexagonal

I've not got the specifications, but I do have the plugs of the B4 model, which should give you some idea ... so working backwards from the cable to the tip of the plug using a vernier caliper, a green plastic shank 5mm long and 9.5mm diameter, then shiny metal 10mm long and 5.5mm diameter over all but the last bit (tapers inward slightly in the last few mm), then black plastic 1.5mm long and 5.2mm diameter, then inside that a hole with 1.8mm diameter of unknown length. On the XO, there is a circle opening in the green plastic up to 4.6mm deep and 10.5mm diameter (meets the shank), then a tighter circle opening 5.9mm diameter and unknown length, with a metal pin 1.7mm diameter and 7.6mm long ... total depth 15.1mm from outside of case to maximum penetration point inside the socket. There could be errors in my measurements. You could do what I did and cut the cable off the AC adaptor and rejoin it with another connector ... but this isn't official. --Quozl 23:22, 20 November 2007 (EST)

It will, but a car battery is optimized to deliver a HUGE current for a very short period of time. You'll ruin the battery if you abuse it for running electronics. (don't leave your car headlights on without the engine running, etc.) You should use a deep-cycle battery. These are the ones used for UPSes, electronic devices on boats, powered wheelchairs, the Segway, and so on. BTW, be aware that 24-volt truck power may go above 25 volts. 24.110.145.202 22:48, 20 November 2007 (EST)

It isn't that bad. Do the math. A car battery that can't take a few hours of XO use and not start the engine is either a very old battery that might well need replacing, or is cranking an engine in very bad condition. In my opinion, just do not use more than about a quarter of the car battery stored capacity. See Car battery. --Quozl 23:22, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Sorry to insist on that point but i want to stress out an important flow here : power super IS critical in most of the developing countries ! A major characteristic of the 100$ laptop was the hand cranked power device ! Whether it is attached to the laptop or external is a design DETAIL ! But the XO laptop - besides the fact that it costs now about 180$ - seems to have simply got rid of it and there is no mean of power supply other than the AC adapter...

It is very very unclear and alarming, at the stage of post-production and while the give1-get1 program has already started, to see that there is no answer regarding power supply ! I know that the laptop i get is going to be plugged in my wall socket... but where is the laptop i am going to give going ??

Thank you for your concern for those in developing countries. We agree that power supply is critical to deployment in those countries. Yes, hand cranked power devices are one of the options we will deploy if needed. We do have such devices. There are many other devices we can deploy, and we have pointed you to further information. We will use the best ones for the situation. We will not tell you at this stage what we choose for each deployment, because this is not yet finalised. The "give 1" portion of your payment covers the deployment of one laptop and appropriate power supply, in combination with the other donations it also covers school servers, school networking, school charging arrays, and all the other things needed for the deployment to succeed. We have changed our plans as a result of careful research and development ... and as you point out those changes include the removal of a crank from the case, and an increase in the per unit cost ... a cost that was initially estimated five years ago. The dream is for the kids, and we do not stick to plans if they are proven wrong. If you are still alarmed after this answer, then you should either be more precise with your question or decline to participate in the program. --Quozl 06:29, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Thank you for you quick answer ! I was alarmed about the fact that the laptop currently costs 189$ without the power crank so when we pay 400$, it leaves you 22$ for it (without counting the other costs including shipping...) is it realistic enough ? From the Battery and power page, the cheapest solution currenly available is the freeplay freecharge which is 29$... What is your cost projection for the manual power supply for the laptop given away ?

Costs change continuously. It may be that you gave 90% or 110% of a laptop. You're giving approximately one laptop. Even during the 2 weeks of the G1G1 offer, the value of the US dollar changed. 24.110.145.202 22:48, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Please don't make such calculations, they are meaningless because you are basing them on figures that are unrelated. Leave this sort of decision to OLPC rather than spreading your alarm. The $189 value was a measure of the manufacturing cost per unit for prototypes, see Myth of Price Rise. Especially read the bit on forward pricing. The actual mass production costs are not final, there may yet be unrecognised costs though we sure hope not. The $29 price of the charger you mention is retail rather than a volume price. I've seen similar crank charging units in Australia for $USD 11, imported from China. Costings for deployments are not yet published, to my knowledge, and besides the information would be private to the country government education ministry. Not all deployments need a manual power supply. --Quozl 20:02, 20 November 2007 (EST)

The laptop you are "giving" will go to a student in a school where there is enough infrastructure to use it. Whether that infrastructure will be grid power, solar panels, animal- or diesel-powered generators, hand cranks, or something else, is unknown to all of us at this point. Each country's situation will be different -- particularly in the most rural areas of those countries. -- gnu 19 Nov 2007

RAM upgrades

Can you upgrade the RAM in the XO Laptop?

No. The RAM is permanently attached on the main circuit board. This cuts cost. If you have a program that needs more memory, you must either fix the program to reduce the memory demand, use a different system, or add external slow memory, otherwise known as swap space, via the USB or wireless. --Quozl 19:51, 13 November 2007 (EST)

I'm sure if you're handy with a soldering iron, you'll be able to expand the RAM. Of course, soldering surface-mount chips is quite tricky...

You will need to find which chips are the correct ones to use, and make sure that all the required copper traces are on the board, and make sure the firmware can setup the registers to match refresh requirements, and test that it works over all operational temperature ranges ... this task is entirely unlike upgrading the RAM of a common PC ... Good luck. --Quozl 00:32, 16 November 2007 (EST)

The Donate one get one program says it does not include shipping

but gives us no way of finding out how much shipping is beforehand. Given it is likely that our refund period will be over by the time these computers ship, is there any way of getting a shipping quote? I am uncomfortable with making an open ended promise to pay some unspecified shipping and handling charge in a couple of months.

The donation page should quote you shipping before it asks you to confirm your donation (maybe it needs your address to calculate the shipping?). I have seen some reports online that shipping is around $25. —Joe 09:52, 14 November 2007 (EST)

• • The shipping for my XO was about 35 dollars when I paid for mine through Paypal, but I am in Alaska. --03:55, 24 November 2007 (EST)--Lylah 03:55, 24 November 2007 (EST)Lylah

Alternate power sources availability

Will North American purchasers involved in the donate one get one program be able to also buy the solar recharger or pull string recharger? If so, how can we order this? If not, where can we get the same?

See Quozl's answer to a similar question above. It looks like for now you may need to experiment; the Hardware page says that the XO works with a 11-17 volt DC power source. You might try searching for "portable solar power" or "portable hand generator" online. —Joe 10:10, 14 November 2007 (EST)

North America is the land of plenty. You should have no trouble finding a third-party charger that works with the XO-1.

Surfing around the OLPC News site I found http://www.potenco.com/ who is apparently the manufacturer of the yo-yo that the XO uses. According to Potenco's site, current supplies are limited so all available stock needs to go to the OLPC machines being shipped to the developing world. The site indicates that as soon as their supply catches up with demand, the yo-yo will be available for individual purchase. They have a mailing list you can subscribe to for updates.

Module PIL and search beta-tester

Hello,

I am in the process of developing a didactic program for recognition of images for olpc . this is my diploma work. This activity's name is Ghost because an image is hidden by a ghost.

1)In my code i'm using the PIL module to resize and save images and I would like to know if this module is already default installed with python 2.5

2) I would like to find a beta-tester to test my application on a real machine to see what I need to change so that it runs on OLPC.

Thank you for your responses.

Email: cihan.akkurt@gmail.com

I don't think PIL is installed by default, but you can include it with your activity, although this will increase the file size a bit. Alternatively, you could do your image manipulations with the built-in gtk/cairo Python libraries. An easy way to test your application without having a real machine is to run your application in an emulated XO image; see the Emulating the XO page. Emulation would also show you exactly what Python libraries are available. If your application already runs in an emulator and you want to see if it runs in a real machine, you can ask on the Sugar mailing list or on IRC, where I'm sure someone would be willing to try it out. Note that the Sugar interface is quite a bit different from traditional windowed interfaces, so your application may require some changes; see the activity tutorial for one example, and see the source repository for others. —Joe 09:46, 14 November 2007 (EST)

How to get this PC for my girl from Germany? (I am an Egyptian )

I will be in Germany after 10 days and I do have a 200 $ So , I want to by this PC for my Girl (Egyptian Girl)

my e-mail is : Eman.ghozzy@gmail.com and the phone at Germany is: 02 166 - 420761

(this is the House owner telephone Fr. Heldgard )where I will be by 23 Nov. 2007

Would you please help me to get this PC

Dr. Fr. Eman Ghozzy

I am merly another user like, you but I think believe that you would have to have her ship it to you via mail, but the G1G1 is only only in North America and it is $399 + shipping and handling. I hope this helps though.

Power

How is the laptop powered and are any of the alternative power sources available as part of the give one get one program?

The laptop can be powered by a range of voltages, and the Give One Get One laptops come with AC adapters. See Quozl's answer to a similar question above. —Joe 12:20, 14 November 2007 (EST)

speech therapy through your webcam progrm,and other internet services

We provide speech therapy to many non-speaking or emerging english. The children are very low on the economic scale and do not have access to the same computer resources that other children maydo have.

I would like to know how I could offer this to our therapists to use with the children in need and then to enable us to somehow give them to the children who are in desperate need right in this country.

My Company is called InSpeech, Inc.

There are parents who would like to volunteer in some way. I know that you have opportunities to do so and could you provide an opportunity that could be geared to the children at hand. We work in Arizona. The demographics make many parts of it like a third world company. These children need help and resources like what you have corrected.

The webcam would make it possible to help children throughout the world who need to speak english. Our therapists could work with them.

Leslie Londer MS-CCC-SLP CEO/Founder InSpeech, Inc. 1520-885-9567 or cell 520-603-1050 lesliel@inspeech.net

Available to travel to project target countries

Please contact me if you are looking for a talented Instructor Volunteer willing to travel to remote communities where OLPC is targeting insertion.

glennrobins@optonline.com

Power source in other countries

So great we get an AC Adapter but what does the kid in Kenya get? How will they power their laptop?

See the Battery and power page for a discussion of alternate power sources for the laptops. —Joe 12:15, 14 November 2007 (EST)

The kids in Kenya will get a power source that works for them. This is figured out during deployment planning. We have far more choices in this than with previous laptop designs. --Quozl 22:29, 15 November 2007 (EST)

Windows on the XO?

I just saw an interview on 11/14/2007 of Mr. Nicholas Negroponte on CNN just before noon EST. While the information I've found here says Windows will not be available on the XO, it was clearly stated in the interview that the XO DOES run Windows? Which information is true? Will it run MS Windows, or will it run Windows apps like Word and Excel? My mom is severely computer challenged and I had hopes that getting one for her through the Get 1 GIve 1 program would enable her to do email and the internet.

Technically both are true. Microsoft is reportedly working on a version of Windows XP for the XO, so "the XO runs Windows". But the XO is not shipping with Windows and Microsoft is not yet distributing their version of Windows for the XO, so "Windows is not available". Because of this, we have no idea whether it is capable of running Word or Excel or any other Windows software in particular. The XOs ship with a web browsing activity based on FireFox, so they can e-mail (via webmail like Google) and browse the internet. —Joe 13:43, 14 November 2007 (EST)

Will it Work in Morocco?

Have a educationally challenged grandson in Casablanca Morocco. Will this laptop work in Morocco, Northwest Africa?

As a Canadian,Will i get canadian tax deduction and is the one year internet acces is offer in canada as well as in the u.s.?

I 'd be happy to contribute as my Americain friends may do but i would like to meke sure that as a canadian i will get the same "threatment.Alain ,surrey,Brtithish Columbia,Canada.November 14 2007

Answer A Canadian donor may claim charitable tax credits for a gift to a recognized US charity, provided that the charity would have qualified in Canada if it had been a Canadian charitable organization. The charitable credit is limited to the donor's US-source income, and subject to the normal donation ceiling. Any excess credits can be carried forward and used in subsequent taxation years. (Article XXI(6) Canada-US Income Tax Convention). If the Canadian government has made a gift to a US charity, a Canadian donor may, in the same year or the following year, make a contribution to the same charity. The donor is eligible to claim charitable tax credits based on the full amount of the gift. The claim is not limited to US-source income. Since 1991, however, the Government of Canada has not published the names of any foreign charities to which a gift has been made, so while obtaining charitable credits for donations to US charities based on this criteria is still possible, it is likely remote.

Source: http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/research/rleg8.html

NetJet and other USB add ons

I ordered one of these computers throught the G1/G1 deal (which is awesome btw) for my son... for Christmas I bought him a Internet Game Controller (NetJet) which uses a USB connection to connect to their secure website in order to play online games, there is no software to download. MY question is, will it work on the XO? The NetJet packaging specifically says its will not work on a MAC, and its preference is Windows... but would it still work through Linux?

thanks much, keep up the great work :)

gina.

Sorry, from what I see online, it looks like the NetJet system is a Windows-only affair. (And even if Windows were available for the XO, it's unlikely that the XO would satisfy the other product requirements, like processor speed or 3D-accelerated graphics.) —Joe 18:17, 14 November 2007 (EST)

Internet

Is it possible to use the laptop at times without being hooked up to the internet? Can you access software that is included or that has been downloaded while not on the internet?

Yes, and yes. I've done it frequently, in the Australian outback, in locations that have no internet service. Applications (we call them activities) that require sharing as part of their design won't work unless there is another XO nearby or an internet connection is available. --Quozl 22:32, 15 November 2007 (EST)

camera

does it have a camara

Yes. Hardware specification has more details. The included software can take pictures, record video for a short time, and play both back. The results can be shared. Other activities have been tried, such as time lapse photography. I've done motion detection photography on a birds nest using additional software that isn't in the current build. See MotionDetection --Quozl 22:37, 15 November 2007 (EST)

more clarification for question 11.71 Kabul, Afghanistan

You say that a server comes with bulk orders of computers. I doubt the four computers that I have ordered and will be sendng to a tent school in Kabul qualify as a bulk order. Is it true there will be no server supplied with my order?

Correct. School servers are supplied with the mass deployments only. They are not available separately. It is possible to convert 1 laptop into a low-powered school server for a small school; there is a page somewhere on the wiki which explains how. (currently a rather technical procedure)

The school does not have internet access. Do the laptops have a component that would give them access to wireless internet if it is available somewhere in Kabul? 24.110.145.202 23:17, 15 November 2007 (EST)

The laptops can be used with a wireless internet service apart from that provided by the school server. --Quozl 22:45, 15 November 2007 (EST)

Someone who answers questions on your phone lines thought that if wireless access were availabe within ten miles of the computer perhaps it could be accessed. Any truth to that or should I assume that there will be no internet access for these computers in this location?

Ten miles does not sound impossible, though it would be unusual without some form of antenna system. Half a mile would be safer. --Quozl 22:45, 15 November 2007 (EST)

It depends on the amount of obstructions and radio noise. Forests and cities are bad. Going over an unpopulated valley is good. Level farmland falls somewhere in between. 24.110.145.202 23:17, 15 November 2007 (EST)

My teacher friends in Kabul have said there are many other lessons to be taught with the computer and internet is not necessarily important for them. Would you say that is a true assumption?

Yes. I've placed kids in front of these units without internet, and there is a lot to keep them entertained and learning, even without a teacher present. Add a teacher, and even more learning can happen. --Quozl 22:45, 15 November 2007 (EST)

You mentioned Pashtun and Farsi as languages these students may speak, can they get those on the laptop?

It is intended that students and teachers can help translate. Thus, if it doesn't immediately work, it can be fixed. 24.110.145.202 23:17, 15 November 2007 (EST)

warranty, virus, downloads, support

I have a few questions about the XO that were either not clearly answered or addressed on the site.

I noticed that the warranty is only for 30 days.

1)Is there an extended warranty plan available for purchase on these units?

No. See paragraphs below. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

2)In the event that the computer malfunctions after the 30 days, where can the computer be repaired?

Nowhere at this time. See paragraphs below. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

2)What type of virus, spyware, or other computer protection software is available?

None at this time, since the operating system has been designed to be resistant to such attacks, but third party or open source software may become available later. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

3)Can you download software such as MS Suite, or Norton Anti Virus, or games.

MS Suite, no, but check with the software manufacturer. Norton Anti Virus, no, but check with the software manufacturer. Games, yes, there are games being written and released regularly. The architecture is open, and new game developers are welcomed. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

4)What type of customer support is available?

Fee based service. See paragraph below. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

Thank you

Your questions are quite important, but they show a misunderstanding of what we are trying to achieve. Please read the following paragraph from our terms and conditions. If what we are offering is not for you, don't buy a laptop from us. --Quozl 21:48, 17 November 2007 (EST)

Neither OLPC Foundation nor One Laptop per Child, Inc. has service facilities, a help desk or maintenance personnel in the United States or Canada. Although we believe you will love your XO laptop, you should understand that it is not a commercially available product and, if you want help using it, you will have to seek it from friends, family, and bloggers. One goal of the G1G1 initiative is to create an informal network of XO laptop users in the developed world, who will provide feedback about the utility of the XO laptop as an educational tool for children, participate in the worldwide effort to create open-source educational applications for the XO laptop, and serve as a resource for those in the developing world who seek to optimize the value of the XO laptop as an educational tool. A fee based tech support service will be available to all who desire it. We urge participants in the G1G1 initiative to think of themselves as members of an international educational movement rather than as “customers.”

Give One, Get One Implementation Questions (split)

Estimated G1G1 Shipping Date

When will the G1G1 units start to ship?

Shipping dates will depend on order date. Laptopgiving.org lays out delivery windows here. I've moved the rest of this long thread to the archive ~ Hexagonal 5 December 2007

Walter Bender's weekend community news update for December 8, 2007 -- found at Current_events -- (also available here along with all previous updates) asserts that shipping of G1G1 units was meant to start on Monday, December 10, 2007. ~ Hex

Availability of Spare Batteries and Other Accessories

Will G1G1 Participants be able to buy spare batteries? Will we be able to buy any other accessories? How soon? How much will batteries cost?

T-Mobile

If we've ordered more than one XO through G1G1, will we be able to use one of the free T-Mobile hotspot credits for a year, then use the other one the year after that? Or does T-Mobile's gift have a cut-off date? (They're welcome to structure it any way they want; I appreciate their support. I'm just curious.)

Some additional info on the T-Mobile offer is available on the T-Mobile website. Note that this link uses a specific promotion code that may not be the one we'll need when really activating the thing. ~ Hexagonal 09:33, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Child security

Is my child secure with the XO? I am concerned about the connectivity or community feature and the ability to somehow use the XO and its features to target children nearby since the community feature provides the ability to see who is nearby, and these computers are targeted for children specifically.

You are right to be concerned, and we take this issue very seriously. Anything that increases the reach of a child also increases the reach of attackers ... a laptop, the internet, a cell phone, a walkie-talkie, an ordinary house telephone and the front door. There has to be a balance though, protecting a child from all these would not prepare them for adulthood. The following paragraph from our terms and conditions is our answer. Does it help you? --Quozl 22:15, 17 November 2007 (EST)

10. The XO laptop is designed for easy-to-use wireless connection by children to the Internet and other networks. Internet access must be purchased separately through an independent Internet Service Provider (ISP). In selecting an ISP, you should remember that, in addition to the many wonderful sites and educational resources on the Internet and World Wide Web, there are places where you wouldn’t want your child to go and people you wouldn’t want your child to meet. That’s why many ISPs offer “filters” that assist you in monitoring and/or controlling your child’s Internet access. So your child can have a safe and healthful experience, OLPC FOUNDATION RECOMMENDS THAT YOU USE AN APPROPRIATE INTERNET FILTER, REMAIN INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD’S USE OF THE INTERNET AND, OF COURSE, STAY ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION.

What % of donations go to cover administrative cost?

When I donate $200 what portion gets to the child and what portion goes to cover administrative cost.

The Give One Get One FAQ says "Currently, One Laptop Per Child is able to allocate 95 cents of each dollar raised to acquire and distribute laptop computers for children in need." Presumably the other 5% goes to cover administrative costs. —Joe 11:18, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Distribution

When countries request computers, what insures that these countries will actually distribute these to their needy children (as opposed to say "special interest groups")?

The majority of the laptops are purchased by the countries themselves with their own money, so it is in their interest to ensure that their investment is not wasted. The impression I get from the Give-One-Get-One FAQ is that any donations will be used to reduce the cost of starting up laptop programs in other countries ("expand the programs, reach, and overall mission of One Laptop Per Child"), not to entirely pay for the cost of laptops in any one country. Another factor that helps the laptops reach children is that they are built for children; they have small keyboards, they have bright toy-like colors, and they don't do many of the things adults expect laptops to do, like play DVDs or run Microsoft Office. —Joe 14:28, 19 November 2007 (EST)

User Friendly software - boot process

I would like to re-install the software (from scratch) but I have been bouncing allover...

It is hard to make a valid point when we, the enthusiastic about it have serious limitations to learn about the device itself...

Any ideas or help how to re-install the OS?

Developers should be referring to the Autoreinstallation page in the wiki. The production laptop will have an auto-installer.

Class project

im doing a class project and what are some of the feachers on the computer???

The Hardware and Software pages have information on the laptop's features. —Joe 14:58, 17 November 2007 (EST)

Is there an adequate criterion for deciding whether Sugar is "user friendly"?

Dear OLPC,

Like everybody else, I am really thrilled to see how far OLPC has come toward having an impact on real children's lives.

Let me pose a question, however. In past generations, "development" was flawed in delivering more technology transfer than it did transparency or usability. My perception is that OLPC needs to dedicate more resources to bringing laptop users an experience that will aid them in making sense of how a laptop actually works, and how one might make use of the device's extensibility.

I am to understand that there are, in essence, the usual "help" scripts built into Sugar -- some that describe the applications, and others that show one how the laptop does what it does. Nevertheless, it has taken me 20 minutes with this Wiki site just to decide that there is little additional information about the help functionality in Sugar, and then to find a place to ask the question, "Where do I find out more about these features?" Right here we have the first and most formidable barrier to any child's quest to learn about computing and electronic devices -- our cypher-like info glut, with no key to unlock its secrets.

It would make a tremendous amount of sense to put as much effort as you have into this Wiki into a parallel effort to design an online "learning community" for the kids who are going to be the device's wireless users. Without it, kids will be confined to thinking about the inner workings of computing technology as though it were just another "magic" technology delivered from afar, that is totally out of reach of their communities.

There are a few counterarguments to this line of questioning that need to be rebutted.

One is that most of the users won't be in range of WiFi anyway, so any proposed online hub for XO / Sugar users would be moot, and wouldn't be worth the investment. The answer is right here, underneath the hood: The XO has wireless. Anyone who is at all curious about XO will look for the opportunity to get on the web and find out more about the device.

The second counterargument is that a curious child has plenty of opportunities to find answers online to her questions. Oh yes? Where, in fact, shall they turn? To THIS Wiki? To the "activities download" page? To magazine articles about Fedora Core 7? None of those materials is likely to be at all informative to the child whose curiosity is piqued by the XO in her hands. In fact, these materials are likely to turn her off to investigating the very questions she's burning to ask -- in the very same way that functional adults in the West have been turned off by the Linux developer scene because of its cryptic terminology (grub grep gimp gnu....) This has become such a familiar litany that most folks in the open source community just tune such criticism out. But give it some thought again, in light of the very different social and technological goals that OLPC has: This entire endeavor is geared not toward bringing a useful "tool" to the "user" in a generic sense, but toward educating kids of all ages, all around the world, who all share the same burden of dealing with poverty and scarcity in their communities.

In rolling out a new generation of their OSes, both Apple and MS take enormous pains -- far more than the open source community does -- to actually informing the public about how they can get the most out of their OS. PR of this sort boosts profits in unacceptable ways, but along the way will also generate an intuitive understanding of an OS's functionality -- that a black box alone will not.

In the case of the XO, what is needed above all is an equivalent commitment to "open source for kids." If this simple point makes sense, then the investment MIT and OLPC need to make should be instantly clear: We need a global, multilingual homepage for Sugar, geared to teaching kids at various stages of their education exactly how their OS and their laptop work, under the hood, and what other kids using Sugar are discovering through it. This is a big ticket item, if one considers the amount of person-hours and server bandwidth that are required to make it pedagogically sound. Nevertheless, I think groups like MIT & Fedora should be ready to pony up for this project. Heaven knows, even adults would want to know how this or that technology actually functions. I imagine a whole world of questions a hub for Sugar should address, from the mundane to the profound.

How would I get started ... in Python?

... In building a Linux system?

... In assembling a motherboard?

... In bringing wireless into my own community?

... In building a webpage for my community?

... In getting a computer built that could ship to hundreds of thousands of people exactly like me around the world?

... In bringing other solar or human-powered innovations to my community?

... In getting people organized to find solutions to these kinds of problems?

... And is anyone else out there around my age also trying to figure these things out?

This is a discussion that could unfold over time, but I urge you to take it up as soon as possible. We are handing people a powerful tool. But accessibility -- and open source -- are about much more important questions. How do we make sure these kids know all that they can do with this tool?

Kindest regards and best wishes to the whole OLPC community.

M.E.S.

P.S.: A minor asisde. I also hope that there is something like an automatic OS update process established for Sugar users. Families and educators should not have to go hunting far and wide for updates to Sugar or for fixes to problems.

Hi -- it's clear that you've put a lot of thought into this post. Even after several re-readings, however, I think it's hard for me to find chunks of this post that are questions that you'd like answered. You make several good suggestions for OLPC program deployment here as well, intermingled with questions. You might consider placing some of these suggestions in the OLPC_Idea_Pool. As a fellow-poster of questions to OLPC, might I also suggest that you consider re-working this post in a way more likely to elicit a response? For example, you could ask something like "what level help and support will kids in LDC recipient countries be getting?" Hexagonal

Volunteer developers

Is there a process where firms with appropriately skilled staff (related to the needs of the project) could help by providing volunteer resources (possibly on a global scale) to OLPC?

Yes, contact us. For skills relating to teaching content, see Educators. For skills relating to software or hardware development, see Developers program. --Quozl 22:32, 17 November 2007 (EST)

Sell 3 Give 1 to OLPC

I read that Quanta may start selling $200 laptops in 2008. Mr. Michael Wang - Quanta's President - said the low-cost machines would not remain limited to developing markets. “There are a lot of poor people in developed countries, too.” he said. Will Quanta help OLPC with an initiative like G1 G1? For example Sell 3 Give 1 to OLPC? Why not? I'm sure they will sell a lot of these laptops at that price in developed countries. M.Mancuso/Italy

Maintenance and Training

No matter how robust and stable the XO laptop is, it is a computer, it is software that crashes and hardware that breaks. A computer is a tool and you often compare it to a pencil that every student should have... meanwhile it is a complex device that not everyone is able to maintain and fix.

What happens when the laptop crashes ? What happens when a part breaks ?

What is the plan in terms of maintaining and fixing all these laptops ? What is the plan to support the countries where IT is new, hence where qualified human resources is very rare or inexistent ?

This planning is unique to each deployment, but from the perspective of the XO hardware design, it is simpler and more straightforward than many potential designs, it has been tested for disassembly and reassembly using an ordinary screwdriver and a pair of kids under the age of ten, and cheap enough that replacement of a whole unit is practical. IT is not new to every country, there is always a core capability, which can be used if it has to be. Training can be delivered to in-country people that are critical to the long-term success of the deployment. Software and hardware maintenance is usually multi-tiered these days, so a continuous triage process is involved. In the meanwhile, the kids can revert to pencil, if they can find paper. --Quozl 06:10, 19 November 2007 (EST)

It is often said that "this is not a latop project, it is an education project". I totally agree with you when you say that training is critical to the long term success of the project.

No, I said the people that were critical would have training delivered to them. But I do think that without training a deployment might fail in some way. On the other hand, the laptops are discoverable, and documentation is public, so even without training a deployment might succeed in some ways. --Quozl 19:27, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Could you tell us about the resources (i.e. money, manpower, activities...) that are planned/allocated to that ?

Myself, no, I couldn't tell you. My view of the project has been confined to hardware and software testing, because these are my skills. I've done a few interviews because I'm comfortable talking. But I have not been involved in a trial deployment. Others have, perhaps they can answer. Perhaps though there is little to share ... perhaps the training is so well understood that nobody has bothered to describe it in detail ... or the plans are not in my language ... or the plans do not need much distance collaboration ... this may make them not as obvious as our hardware and software plans. What an odd effect. Anyway, your question is one of policy, and so I can't really answer it. --Quozl 19:27, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Differences between G1G1 XO's and the XO's that will be sent to Least Developed Countries (split)

Terminology

What's the best shorthand way to refer to XO's being sent to least developed countries as distinguished from XO's being sent to North American G1G1 participants? "G1G1 XO's" and "In-Country XO's"? "Donor XO's" and "LDC XO's"? (I don't really care what the terms are, but if there's a convention already established I'll be happy to use it.)

Developer Keys

Will we in fact need developer keys for our G1G1's if we really want to tweak them? Is it expected that the ordinary G1G1 participant will be needing that level of control? If not, are developer keys trackable and discoverable for the subset of G1G1 participants who might really want to go to the extra effort?

G1G1 laptop developer keys might be made available on a web server. 24.110.145.202 12:51, 19 November 2007 (EST)

G1G1 User Manual

Will the XO's shipped to North American Give One, Get One participants include a user manual? If not, how about posting a pdf manual at a dedicated web page?

Hey there's an idea -- the fractured, open nature of this wiki is too loose for G1G1 folks to be able to find the info they need. Can OLPC establish a new website specifically for those of us who are getting a G1G1 laptop sometime in the next few weeks? It could house the downloadable manual, firmware updates, and a set of downloadable activities that are known to work well (with off-site links to more buggy activities for those of us who like to test and tinker).

[ Hexagonal here, on 11/19/07, answering my own question]: I see the "Simplified User Guide" at User_Guide, and I imagine that that wiki page will come in handy when our G1G1 XO's arrive. I would still suggest that a printed or printable .pdf with this User Guide information will be very helpful to G1G1 participants. Especially if it can be updated to correspond completely with the actual versions of the operating system and the activities that ship.

From these unboxing photos, it looks like an extemely minimal "getting started" pamphlet is all that is included. ~ Hexagonal 11:38, 5 December 2007 (EST)

No invoice or order number?

I ordered a laptop from OLPC and received confirmation from Paypal about the transfer of funds, but I never received any indication of an order number or invoice number from OLPC or Paypal. It would seem like a lack of order number could lead to a lot of logistical problems as far as shipping, organization, etc. Is this normal?

I ordered through G1G1 on the 16th on the internet and received a confirmation on the 20th which had a confirmation number included. It seems they are running a bit behind on sending out order confirmations. I would say that it was unusual if this was an order from Dell or something but with this being a NPO figuring out their first distributions and all the logistics that go with it, I would expect some stuff like this. I am not particularly worried about it at the moment. HTH~Lylah

Trouble Ordering OLPC G1G1

I called 1-877-70-LAPTOP first thing Monday, November 12. I was told that it would be $399. I placed the order and was given a repetitive confirmation number. However, I later read that if you ordered it online shipping was charged. I thought maybe the order taker made an error. I called the donor service questions line, 1-800-201-7144 on Thursday and was told that shipping should have been charged. I told her that up to Thursday morning EST ( I had called to double check) no shipping was being quoted on the 1-877-70-LAPTOP line. She told that she was going to look into this and Also would have a supervisor look into my order, but it would take two business days to get back to me. I still have heard from anybody and I am wondering if my order was placed. I tried to calling the Donor Service question line again today, but I gave up after half an hour. My question is: Should I place another order?

Hi ~ I imagine that there will be no problem with the orders placed by phone, and that there's no need to place a duplicate online order -- but I don't really know anything; I'm just a G1G1 participant like you. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but it sounds to me that rather than having "trouble ordering OLPC G1G1" you've been having trouble "confirming details of an OLPC G1G1 order." Would that be a rephrasing acceptable to you?

If you placed your order with a credit card, do you ever use your online access to your credit account? If you ever do, you could check to see if you've been charged yet? I think you should feel pretty comfortable with the notion that the charge appearing on your credit card confirms your purchase. Maybe you could get back with us on this wiki letting us know when your account was debited, and if they did indeed charge you shipping. I've been asking related questions for a week now. ~Hexagonal 13:36, 19 November 2007 (EST)

You are probably correct. I guess it is trouble confirming the order. I actually I called my credit card company and no charged has been processed or hold has been placed. I am starting to think the order was not placed correctly by the order taker. I'm afraid the order taker, God bless him, did not inspire confidence since he was reading straight from the script and was having trouble with some of the big words. I'm going to try calling the donor service question line tomorrow morning. After half an hour around midday today, I gave up. --JC 14:12, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Hi JC, welcome to the wiki contributors. I take it you're the one who posted this new question in the first place? As we're writing this it's Monday, 11/19/07. What I'm learning from you is that you called 7 days ago, on 11/12, and placed a phone order that as of today, a full week later, has not been posted to your credit card. I take back what I said, that seems like it might really be an issue down the road: consider, for example, that we've been told that delivery by Christmas will be "first come, first served"; if your credit card is finally charged, say, tomorrow (11/20), will you be in the delivery queue behind all the folks who ordered last week, even though you placed your order on 11/12? (In the grand scheme of things, I guess in the long run that wouldn't be a crisis, even if it would mean that you got your gift XO later than fairness would dictate; after all, you would still be getting an XO that with any luck will be fun to have for years to come. Still, that would be sloppy management on OLPC's part, and I hope your order doesn't end up being a bummer for you.)

It seems like you are thinking that you haven't been charged due to some sort of error on the part of that particular order taker; would the possibility that he did everything he was tasked to do, but that NO phone orders have been charged yet be more disturbing or less? I'd like to encourage anyone reading this who has participated in G1G1 by phone to chime in, to let us know if you have or haven't been charged. For the more active folks within the OLPC community, have you heard tales of G1G1 ordering that you could share with us? ~Hexagonal 14:28, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Spoke to someone at the Donor question line about twenty minutes ago ( I type really slow). She said that they were backlogged and would be charging credit cards and sending email confirmations soon. She also said that if I do not show the charges by this Friday that I should call back on Friday. Since she did not have access to orders placed, a supervisor will be contacting me via email about my alleged order. I get the feeling I am not the only one in this situation because she acknowledged that shipping charges did not appear on the telephone order takers systems until much later than Monday morning. I am not sure what I should do at this point. Although I think whatever I do (place another order via web and cancel the other order if it ever appears or wait out the supervisor) that I will queue screwed. Argghh. Why me? --JC 15:16, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Not sure if this really helps, but I placed my order online on the 12th via paypal. I received paypal notification that the charge was processed on the 13th. On the 14th my credit card linked to the paypal account was debited for the amount (including the shipping) and I received confirmation from the OLPC that they had received payment and processed the order on the 15th - with a note that shipping information will be sent once they are actually ready to ship it. Not sure how the process differs online vs over the phone, but in my case it was pretty quick and straighforward... just thought that might help :) g.

Hey, does the paypal notification gives the full email address of the seller? In this way European "donors" could put up the $425 (is that?) and set the address in the description of the payment.

I received a call from OLPC Donation Question line yesterday evening. It appears their were a few problems with the order taking in general on the phone . However, my order that was placed on Monday morning, November 12 is in the system although my credit card has not been billed and I have not received a confirmation email. The supervisor (who was supernice) to whom I spoke to assured me that my queue position is not affected by the delay in getting a confirmation or posting the charge to my credit card which should happen by Friday. She told me that I am in the first 600 in queue. She also told me that the response to the G1G1 has been incredible. Thanks to everyone for their input. All is well in my little world. I await patiently or rather impatiently to receive my XO. Funny enough, I work 1.4 miles from Brightstar Corp.'s world headquarters in Miami. I'm sure it is 1.4 miles because I googled mapped it. Do I sound a little anxious?--JC 15:14, 20 November 2007 (EST)

I ordered the Laptop on the 12th the very first minute that the lines opened up. My credit card wasn't billed until the 21st. I didn't receive a confirmation email until the 27th, so don't worry! It is the same for everyone. ~ Aaron

MSN Use

Do users have the ability to go on the MSN chat line?

Not currently. There is a Chat activity for the XO that allows the user to chat with other users in the local mesh, and there is an XoIRC activity that allows the user to chat on IRC, but these activities do not let the user chat on MSN. It might be possible for the user to use MSN over the web using Microsoft's Web Messenger web site in the Browse activity, but I do not know of anyone who has tried this. But while the XO cannot currently chat on MSN, this capability may be available in the future: There is existing open-source software (like Pidgin) that can chat on MSN, but no one has yet modified it so that it runs on the XO. —Joe 14:51, 19 November 2007 (EST)

Local XO user groups wiki?

• See XO_Giving/Users

Would it be possible to set up a wiki page to help North American users (or all users for that matter) locate others in their area who had bought XO computers during the G1G1 program who are interested in local user groups for their children? It seems to me that many children here in the US will find the mesh capabilities to be unusable(due to sheer distance between the computers, most of us do not live in small villages) BUT there is always the internet. I was thinking that to get the most out of some of the educational features and also as a PTP support group, local users could possible create user groups for the XO and perhaps utilize yahoo groups or something to coordinate this. How to get this together is the question, however, so I was thinking that there might be some way to utilize a wiki page for this in some way, just to help local interested parties to get in touch with each other. This could be a jumping off point for this worldwide network of users that has been mentioned as part of the reason for the G1G1 program maybe... It is just an idea.

Good idea, go ahead. Register yourself with this Wiki, choose a good page name, like XO_Giving/Users, create it, outline what you've said above in point form, link to it from here, link to it from XO Giving and beg for a main page link once you have things rolling. Since it is a Wiki, it will encourage others to join in, and if a better structure presents itself later the pages can be renamed. You can ask the OLPC team also for mailing lists, source code repositories, and IRC channels. --Quozl 03:12, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Great idea. Robert Nagel in Houston blogged about this idea the day the G1G1 program started. To keep the momentum going, I've gone ahead and set up XO_Giving/Users as a page that people can post information about their local user groups. So far Houston and Austin Texas and Alaska are some locations although there's interest expressed in St. Louis as well. --: annegentle 10:03, 21 November 2007 (EST)

iTunes

Is or will iTunes be supported on the XO Laptop?

No, not in the initial release. We have no plans to support it, or the commercial library service it provides. As with any third-party licensed software, you should contact the license issuer. Please direct your question to the owner of iTunes, Apple Inc. The XO can certainly play music in certain formats, and format conversion is trivial. See also Sonata music player, Music, and Manage a community around free music upload for OLPC --Quozl 21:17, 19 November 2007 (EST)

USB Port as Charger

Some things, such as iPods utilize USB ports as a power source for recharging. Will the USB Ports in the XO laptop still charge things like iPods?

Yes, it will charge those sort of things, but I've not personally tested an iPod. I've used an XO to run an LED desk lamp. The USB ports comply with the USB 2.0 specification, and therefore provide 5V for charging any devices that draw current within the specifications. See the "definitive laptop specification" link on the Hardware specification page. On page 16 it says Unlike a regular laptop, which provides up to 2.5W per USB port, the XO provides a total power consumption of 5W for all three USB ports. This may be shared equally among all the ports or drawn through a single one, but cannot be exceeded. --Quozl 03:00, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Does that mean you can go the other direction, and charge the XO from a USB port?

Developing Countries?

What countries are on the list of recipients of the XOs?

If you mean recipients of the "give 1" half of the "give 1 get 1" program, the terms and conditions page says in a footnote OLPC Foundation follows the United Nations definition of “least developed countries.” A complete LDC list is available on the UN Website. If you mean countries that are currently involved in OLPC in some way, see Map and Ask OLPC a Question about Countries. --Quozl 03:34, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Can there be a collaboration between OLPC and non-profits in a developing country?

Certainly, why ever not? --Quozl 03:34, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Ensuring delivery

What steps are we taking to ensure that children and teachers will actually get the laptops? When I tell my friends about this program, it's the first question they ask me - "..how do we know the kids will actually get them?" Are we working with specific organizations - if so which ones? Are these secular or religious? My friends and I have a problem if missionary organizations are handing these out based on whom in the village is going to convert to the mission's faith. The importance of this program is too great to allow it exploit people - even in the area of religious beliefs.

Currently, OLPC sells the laptops directly to the ministry of education in the target country; according to the Distribution page, other organizations cannot yet order laptops (aside from the Give One Get One and Give Many programs). Per an earlier question: The majority of the laptops are purchased by the countries themselves with their own money, so it is in their interest to ensure that their investment is not wasted. The impression I get from the Give-One-Get-One FAQ is that any donations will be used to reduce the cost of starting up laptop programs in other countries ("expand the programs, reach, and overall mission of One Laptop Per Child"), not to entirely pay for the cost of laptops in any one country. —Joe 11:14, 20 November 2007 (EST)

You can find more on our treatment of "how do we know the kids will actually get them" in our initial discussions, theBitfrost anti-theft protection design and the review of the design in relation to the threats. --Quozl 17:59, 20 November 2007 (EST)

CD Rom

Can you put a CD into this computer?

No.

• there is no CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, (because they are not needed, are quite costly per unit, contain moving parts, and would break too easily),
• you can add an external CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, (if the drive is inside a case that has a USB socket, with a USB cable to the computer, this has been tested),
• the provided software may not be intended to work with a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and you may have to obtain additional software to do so,
• you can place a CD in another computer and access it through the wireless internet, if you have the right software,
• if you are asking about a particular CD you already have, such as a game, then it is very very unlikely to work, because it was not made for this computer,
• the computer does not have a floppy disc drive either.

--Quozl 17:08, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Internet access?

Does this computer have full internet access? My grandchildren use the internet to play Disney games and other websites for games and e-mail.

Thanks for your attention.

Arlene Storfer astorfer@comcast.net

Yes, it can have full internet access, through a wireless internet service within range of the antenna. For North Americans, you would have to be in a location that provided that service. Many people have a wireless access point at home, connected to their normal internet service. Some web sites may not work in the same way, or at all. The way the computer works will seem different. So if your grandchildren are already quite familiar with another computer they may reject this one, or need extra leading. See item 10 of the terms and conditions for the official warning about internet access. --Quozl 18:30, 20 November 2007 (EST)

If you got G1G1 XO's for your grandchildren, they could use them to surf the internet if the house they live in has wireless internet. And so they'd be able to go to websites they know. On the other hand, I'd bet that the games they play are Adobe flash based, and it seems to be the case that it takes some tweaking to get the XO brower to render flash correctly.

But step back a bit -- the revolutionary promise of the XO is not that it would let your grandkids do what they do already -- but that it would be a window to new things to do. Kick around within this wiki for a while (for example see Inside_the_OLPC_XO:_Software#Activities or Educational_ideas ) to get some intuitive notion of what new, perhaps better ways of using technology they might discover. If you're in a position to get each of your grandchildren their own XO, then with any luck the amazingly easy way children can collaborate in fun discovery should make you glad you made the plunge. Hexagonal 19:51, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Will we learn anything (in general) about the child that gets the laptop?

This has been a family project to raise money for charities and we let my nieces decide which charity gets the money. This year my youngest niece choose the "One Laptop per Child" program.

Will she learn anything about the child who gets the laptop? For example, what country she/he lives in and what age the child is?

I think that would help make the "giving" experience more rewarding. She is a little more focused on the laptop she is getting than the one that is going to the other child (my niece still is a little girl, after all).

Also, I would love it if when the program is out of its infancy and has more time, to try and connect some of the children that gave with the children that received. Since the laptops have cameras and drawing programs, all they need to do is email photos and drawings to each other, no one needs to know how to write. For those who can write, and have someone who can translate, maybe some kind of electronic PenPal program can be offered.

Peace!

Jenifer

No, OLPC doesn't have any published plan to establish such links as part of the "give 1 get 1" program, but I agree it is a good idea. I was just talking by e-mail to a school that has ordered 40 "give 1 get 1" units, and they had the same idea ... that it would benefit their kids to have links with kids that receive the other laptops. In our news update of 2007-09-15, Walter wrote that ePals is working to provide access to their PenPal services. You could check with them. See also the Penpal and EPals pages on this Wiki. --Quozl 18:46, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Support of America Online Messenger (AIM)

Hello,

Will I be able to use AIM on the XO?

Thank you

AIM-compatible software is available, but not included. The XO includes chat software that is easier to use. Note that the XO does not run most Windows and MacOS software, but it does include many easy-to-use programs. 24.110.145.202 14:29, 21 November 2007 (EST)

Is the included XO Chat software compatible with AOL Instant Message or Yahoo Messenger?

No. It lets any XO user chat with any other XO user. If you have a regular computer that is fast, you can run the XO software in an emulator to chat with XO users.

i know this sounds silly

but will my son be able to use it to surf the internet?

If you get him an XO, he will probably figure out how to surf the internet. The XO has long-range wireless internet antennas. Free wireless internet connections are available in many places. The XOs for the Give 1 Get 1 program will also come with T-Mobile wireless service for a year. The XO also has USB ports, in case you would prefer to attach a USB-to-Ethernet device. Using a USB modem is also possible, but would require some technical expertise. 24.110.145.202 14:34, 21 November 2007 (EST)

If you already have a wireless internet router in your house, for your notebook computer, the G1G1 participant gift XO you get should be able to get to the internet fairly easily. Hexagonal

Peripherals

Where can I find information on which peripherals will work with the laptop, such as mouse, optical drive, printer.

Any normal mouse should work just fine. 24.110.145.202 14:25, 21 November 2007 (EST)

Optical drives and printers which are supported by Fedora Core 7 will work, but currently this is likely to require some technical expertise involving a text-mode command prompt. This situation is likely to improve. You may prefer to copy files to a regular computer for printing. 24.110.145.202 14:25, 21 November 2007 (EST)

Well, lots of info is in this wiki, but it can be hard to find. The search function to the left is primitive; I used these two search terms on Google:

site:wiki.laptop.org

Peripherals

to find this wiki page Peripherals. That page seems to list a lot of maybes, and it looks like you're looking for is'es. USB_peripherals seems to have more of this info. ~ Hexagonal 17:16, 21 November 2007 (EST)

G1G1 deliveries: will UPS need someone to be at home to sign for them?

I understand from the OLPC donor services e-mail referred to in the Estimated G1G1 Shipping Date discussion above that the Give One, Get One XO laptops being distributed in North America will be shipped via UPS.

It would be helpful to know the exact weight and dimensions of the final shipped boxed XO's. Could someone post that information when it's available?

Typically when I get things from UPS here at home they ring the doorbell and leave the package, not waiting for a signature. I'm not sure I want them to leave an XO on my front stoop; though I might. Depending on the anticipated delivery date I may even be out of town. I think that the shipping originator (in this case, OLPC) might be able to instruct the UPS driver to require a signature, or to explicitly waive a signature, or even to attempt delivery to adjacent addresses. What would most G1G1 participants want?

A related question: once UPS accepts packages for delivery, the shipment is trackable by a unique shipping number. Would it be possible to have UPS e-mail G1G1 participants their tracking number? Maybe you could give UPS the e-mails that are tied to each order. Who knows, maybe UPS could ask us whether we wanted a signature release or not. I'm not trying to make more work for OLPC, but these services might be common UPS offerings, and I would at least like OLPC to check into this. Thanks ~ Hexagonal 16:32, 21 November 2007 (EST)

On 12/10/07, "John T." posted an e-mail he had received from service@laptop.org on this external, unaffiliated website. Emphasis added. ~ Hexagonal 08:52, 10 December 2007 (EST)

As far as you shipment date inquiry, we are currently producing the laptops as we receive the orders. If you made your donation by the date in the column on the left, you're scheduled to receive your XO laptop within the corresponding delivery window in the column on the right.

Donation Date Scheduled Delivery Window

Nov 12, 2007 Dec 14-24, 2007

Nov 13-15, 2007 Dec 17-31, 2007

Nov 16-25, 2007 Dec 26, 2007- Jan 15, 2008

Nov 27-Dec 31, 2007 Early 2008

We are doing all we can to have as many XO laptops shipped out by December 24, 2007. These shipment dates apply to US delivery addresses only; we will post a delivery schedule for Canada as soon as those dates are determined.

UPS will email out the tracking numbers as the laptops ship out.

We do apologize that shipping CANNOT be expedited.

Your donated laptop will reach a child in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Mongolia, or Rwanda in Early 2008.

Thank you for your interest in One Laptop Per Child.

WikiGnomes Wanted, Page Too Big

This page has grown too big. It needs reorganisation. It is taking too long to review and contribute to. Some suggestions:

• split by time period, as has already been done,
• merge the common questions,
• move the questions into the other pages (e.g. ask a question about hardware).

I just went over the questions on this page that I originally posted. Since many of them had sub-questions that I consider to have been answered, I've taken the liberty of splitting the questions, and moving the answered parts to the archive. Hexagonal 13:19, 22 November 2007 (EST)

Many of the new questions are about (a) G1G1 delivery details; (b) what will come with the North American XO's; (c) what G1G1 participants might be able to do with their new XO's once they get them. Note that similar questions, many of which have been answered, are posted at Official_OLPC_FAQ, Our_technology, Our_software, Give1Get1, Talk:Give1Get1, XO_Giving, and Talk:XO_Giving. Before posting a new question on this page, please look over this page and those ~ Hexagonal

Good idea, but that's too many pages to look over for people who just have a simple question. What we need is either a master list cross referenced by subject, or a process or contact point for merging new questions into the official FAQ. --Quozl 17:35, 22 November 2007 (EST)

• There have existed "orphan archives" of general questions -- well, if they aren't truly orphaned pages, they sure are obscure. I knew about the Ask a Question Archive, which is linked to below, but about a quarter of the way down this page, at Ask_OLPC_a_Question#New_questions, there have been links to Ask_OLPC_a_Question/archive/Q1_2006 and to Ask_OLPC_a_Question/Archive_2. I have begun to merge all three archive questions pages onto the main archive page. That will leave the archive page way too big, but it seems to me to be a necessary step towards consolidation.
• Note that there is a lot of discussion of this ungainly page on its associated talk page, which properly ought to be reserved for meta-conversations, but which some folks have used to post questions and to state opinions. Like a wiki archeologist, one can use the info on that talk page to reconstruct the various attempts to clean up this page that have gone before -- in particular Xavi's work about a year ago. ~ Hexagonal 14:25, 11 December 2007 (EST)

What is included with the laptop?

If you participate in the g1g1 program, what will we recieve other that just a laptop? i.e.- the yoyo charger? And how will we purchase replacements for the battery?Ie- Open an online store for those who will have the xo-1 in the near future?

Per an above answer, you will receive a laptop, an AC adapter, and a battery. The yo-yo is not yet available for purchase. It's not clear at this point what technical support or repair will be available, but point 9 of the Give-One-Get-One terms and conditions states that there will be a fee-based support service, and perhaps this service will also handle repair and replacement. —Joe 13:16, 25 November 2007 (EST)

Well, Morgan Collett's unboxing photos confirm this. ~ Hexagonal 11:42, 5 December 2007 (EST)

OLPC no es tan buena idea.

Hay que tener en cuenta los siguientes puntos:

-El laptop es el computador con menos esperanza de vida del mercado. -Los laptops se estropean como cualquier otra máquina. (y en manos de un niño más aún) -Los pueblos del tercer mundo tienen acceso a un servio técnico? -Cualquier niño puede estudiar, adquirir cultura y conocimientos sin la ayuda de un laptop. -Resulta más barato y útil los libros de texto. Además no se estropean, no requieren energía y tampoco necesitan servicio técnico. -Una vez concluida la formación del niño, los libros pueden pasar a otro niño para que éste puede comenzar su educación. -La distribución de libros, cuadernos y lapiceros es más asequible y fácil de distribuir para las empresas y gobiernos de todo el mundo. -Cualquier persona puede aprender a utilizar un computador en pocos días, a cualquier edad y sin necesidad de haber estudiado con laptops. -El laptop, aunque tenga partes reciclables, siempre tendrá componentes altamente contaminantes. -Fabricar un laptop requiere de mucha energía y multitud de componentes. -Un libro es barato y fácil de fabricar. -Un libro de papel reciclado no contamina. -En los paises desarrollados o en vías de desarrollo, todos hemos estudiado con libros, papel y bolígrafo y creo que ninguno somos tontos. (es una prueba de cientos de años de experiencia).

Ninguna de tus críticas es nueva. Se supone que el OLPC es el laptop menos "estropeable" que existe fuera de usos militares, comparable con un libro de texto. Habra que ver. Tambien, si cuentas todos los libros de texto y cuadernos y boligrafos y reglas, de buena calidad, para una educacion, no resulta tan obvio que sean más baratos. Aquí en Guatemala un buen libro de texto de pasta suave cuesta un minimo de 70 quetzales, como $10. Multiplica por 6 materias, por 8 años de escuela, y divide por 3 años de uso (cifras optimistas), y ya son $160, sin contar papel y cuadernos. Y hay muchas cosas que hacen un laptop que no lo hace el papel.

Translation : OLPC is not such a good idea

by Google

We must bear in mind the following points:

The laptop computer is the less life expectancy of the market. The laptops break down like any other machine. (And in the hands of an older child yet) - The peoples of the third world have access to a technical served? Any child can explore, acquire knowledge and culture without the help of a laptop. - It is cheaper and useful textbooks. Besides not break down, do not require energy and do not need a service company. - Once the training of children, books can happen to another child so that he can start their education. - The distribution of books, notebooks and pens is more affordable and easier to distribute to businesses and governments around the world. - Anyone can learn to use a computer in a few days, at any age and without having studied with laptops. The laptop, even if you recyclable parts, components will always have highly polluting. - Make a laptop requires a lot of energy and a multitude of components. - A book is cheap and easy to manufacture. - A book of recycled paper does not pollute. In developed countries or developing, we have all studied with books, paper and pen and I think that we are neither stupid. (This is a test of hundreds of years of experience).

How I can buy it from Italy?

A mode to buy it from Europe exist (now)? how many time we have to wait for? will the price be in Us Dollars for us too? Are you ready to answer for a very large ask of this laptops? In Europe there is a very big curiosity about your work. Very good!

which search engine can be used with the G1G1?

Educationally searching for information is important. What search engine can be used? Also, for children in developed countries, A I M is a highly valued computer activity. (We parents might disagree!) Can A I M be loaded onto a G1G1 model? Is there some open source word processing function? Can files be transferred to other computers and then get printed?

Thank you Louisa--71.242.6.140 08:35, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Google is the norm, but any search engine should work fine. There is a chat activity, but it doesn't work with A I M. (you might be able to add one that works with A I M though) There is a word processor. Files can be transferred by a USB storage device; network transfer might be possible. 24.110.145.202 15:04, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Warranty, too short

I have been thinking about the give one get one program. Kind of scared off by the 30 days warranty. Will I be able to buy another unit if the one I got failed after one month and the give one buy one program has ended? --Anonymous.

There are no public plans to provide replacement units after the 30 days, see the terms and conditions for why. OLPC must offer a minimum warranty to comply with regulations. Paid support may be available, and that service may provide replacement units, not sure. --Quozl 20:00, 22 November 2007 (EST).

Range of the Mesh Network

What is the range between 2 laptops using just the mesh network?

In excellent conditions, over 1.3 km. (along a rural road, held up high)

Computer in Iraq

I know the computer is for children, but my husband is in Iraq would like a way to stay in contact. Therefore, I thought the computer was perfect even if made for small hand he could at least e-mail he was OK when he is out of camp. My question is I thought the computer was made for place out back that has no power or Internet, but reading your information it said the computer would automatically hook up to the internet were Wi-Fi is available, would it work in Iraq when not at camp.

Sincerely, Evelyn Baum

If a tough and portable computer would be useful, then this is a good one. The alterative is a Panasonic Toughbook, which is really heavy and really expensive. (you have to consider loss -- it is better to lose something cheap) That said, he might not want to carry anything extra at all. Iraq is not without wireless, but getting a connection many miles from anywhere is just not going to happen. The XO does have unusually good range though, going over 1.3 km under good conditions. The special ability to do mesh networking in the absence of a regular internet connection is only useful if there are other XO computers in the area. The Give 1 Get 1 laptop program does not include the crank, but an XO accepts about 5 to 25 volts and can be run from pretty much any hand-power device. A regular power supply is included, accepting wall power up to 250 volts. Watch out for "24 volt" truck power though; often this goes way higher. 24.110.145.202 22:22, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Accessibility for children with disabilities

Will screen reader software for children who are blind or visually impaired be available? Also, will there be a way to use alternate input methods (touch screen, voice control, etc.) for children who have physical disabilities that limit use of their upper extremities?

My gratitude to all of you for what you are doing is beyond my ability to express. Your mission, and I'm sure it will be successful, has given me some hope during a time when I pretty much despair over our world.

Peace and all good things, SAS

It looks like there will be some sort of speech synthesis available on the XO, although I'm not sure the details have been worked out yet to the point where it can read the screen, but that's certainly a goal. The XO does not currently have a touchscreen, but a future generation of XOs may have one. However, alternate keyboards and mice can be plugged in via the USB ports. Speech recognition is challenging on limited hardware; it's not clear that the XO will be able to do it yet. You can read about other disabilities that may be addressed on the Accessibility page. —Joe 11:29, 25 November 2007 (EST)

Connecting children in US with children in other countries

I plan to buy two laptops: one for a child in another country and one for my sister's children. 1) Will her children be able to talk via laptop to other children/users in other countries - or is the networking only available on a local level? 2) Will the laptop user need to have an ISP to access the Internet?

If the laptop has a connection to the internet, the user can communicate with others on the internet. In particular, EPals—an established online pen-pal service—is creating an activity so that XO users can communicate with other students all over the world. To connect to the internet, the user will need some way to access internet service—either through an ISP at home or through a connection at another location; many libraries, coffee shops, and internet cafes provide a wireless connection for free or for a fee. Note that the Get One laptops come with a free year of Hotspot service from T-Mobile, which provides wireless internet connections in many coffee shops, stores, and hotels. —Joe 11:42, 25 November 2007 (EST)

I'm in the USA. On the prototype hardware, I used the Chat program to communicate with somebody in Thailand. I must say that it was a bit weird, because we really didn't have much in common as far as I could tell. I think the person was a teacher. Things are likely to be made a bit more local in the future, though still allowing world-wide connections to people you know. I do not think that relatively poor people would enjoy hearing well-off children brag about their latest toys, as kids are apt to do. That could cause some stress. Trouble coming the other way might involve fraud, scams, etc. 24.110.145.202 15:44, 25 November 2007 (EST)

buy1get1

If I participate in the promotion Buy1Get1 how can I donate the one I get? I am sponsering a 3-year-old child this X-mas, but I not sure she will benefit from it! How can I contact some who would be able to send the one I get to a needy child? I'm originally from Brazil but don't have anyone there to contact in order to donate the one I get to a school participating in your program. Any ideas?????

Licia Siever Lexington, KY

If all you want to do is donate two laptops, don't get one yourself, just donate. --Quozl 02:18, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Connectivity

I'm considering giving one and getting one. The one I get would be for my 5 yr old newphew living in Delaware. His family has a telephone and cable television. I'm wondering how he would connect to the internet.

Is there a connector for connecting through a telephone line, or would he need to use a wireless router?

Thanks, Bob B.

He'd need to connect either via a wireless router or via a wired router plus a compatible USB ethernet adapter. Some people have mentioned that the laptop will work with a USB-serial adapter and a modem (see above), but this requires some familiarity with Linux and is not something that a child could easily configure at this point. There are ways to hook a router up to a dial-up phone line, but it may require additional hardware and software, as well as some experimentation and technical skill—try searching Google for "dialup modem sharing". If that proves unsuccessful or too complicated, the recipients may have to contact a local ISP to find another way to connect. Note that many XO recipients will be in the same boat—only able to connect via dialup—so easier solutions to this problem may surface on this site in the coming months. —Joe 13:03, 25 November 2007 (EST)

OLPC alternative power sources

I read in the forums that the US shipped versions will not come with any alternative power sources, just the AC adapter. I would suggest that you remove the following statement from your site to avoid confusion, as it confused me, as I was looking forward to having 2 of the 3 listed alternative power sources, since I live in an area that is without reliable power.

http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/hardware/features.shtml "In addition, —for use at home and where power is not available—the XO can be solar or foot powered. It will come with at least two of three options: a crank, a pedal, or a pull-cord."

The "two of three options" applies to the donated overseas machines, not the U.S. machines, which will be delivered with an AC supply only.

Thermo-electric Generator

Have you considered Thermo-electric Generator technology ? I've added some more thoughts to Battery_and_power#Solar_or_Fire_heated_Thermo-electric_Generator. Numbers look about right.

XO as sunlight-readable SSH terminal

Does the XO come with an SSH client? I'm considering buying one through G1G1, to use it as a sunlight-readable SSH terminal in monochrome mode (using 802.11b/g wireless). X-forwarding would be nice, too, but it isn't crucial. If an SSH client isn't already installed, how could I install one?

It does have ssh. If it didn't, "yum install ssh" would fix the problem. X forwarding works, but sometimes things need bigger fonts for the XO screen.

It would be fantastic as an SSH terminal. Current builds certainly have ssh and sshd. I'm looking at build 625. You can change default runlevel in /etc/inittab to 4, then log in as root and startx ... you get twm, xclock and xterm, and ssh -X works fine, I used it just now to run konqueror remote, with no font problems. A B4 is quite snappy in this mode. You could also use olpc-update to convert to build-debian and run the X server with a window manager like fluxbox. --Quozl 19:21, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Generating electricity from cooking fires

The thermo-electric devices look very interesting, I'll need to look more into these. However, given that most if not all of these families receiving the free OLPC will be cooking, how about harnessing some of that cooking heat/energy to power a small bicycle generator to power directly or store electricity in a motorcycle type battery.

Using one or both of these generating systems:

"One way a self-powered stove fan can work is by way of a Stirling engine. Some of the heat from the stove is used to boil water. The steam from the boiling water drives a piston, which turns the blades of the fan[insert bicycle generator]

Another type of self-powered stove fan relies on the so-called Peltier-Seebeck effect. The fan acts like a big heat sink, drawing heat from the stove up through an aluminum base. Partway up the base is a "peltier cooler." The difference in temperature between the bottom and top of the base causes the peltier cooler to generate low-voltage electricity, which powers the fan's motor[insert bicycle generator].

yahoo chat?

Would you be able to download yahoo chat and use the yahoo email programs on the laptop?

You probably won't be able to download and install Yahoo Messenger, at least not easily; there is a UNIX version, but Yahoo would have to create a special version for the XO for it to be easy to use. The Browse activity should be able to access Yahoo's web mail client. —Joe 22:55, 25 November 2007 (EST)

You can use Meebo with it, however. ffm 17:16, 9 December 2007 (EST)

Donating through humanitarian organizations

Organizations such as Rotary International and Engineers Without Borders have close contact with communities and opportunities to donate educational materials/computers to developing communities in connection with their projects. The route would be through the humanitarian organization rather than the host government. Is it possible to request laptops on this scale, even in the red countries?

See the question "Can NGOs and charities get them?" on the Ask OLPC a Question about Distribution page (especially the link to the Give Many page). —Joe 23:00, 25 November 2007 (EST)

Dear System administrator

I'm a Korean who want to contribute some content into this wiki. I used ID "php5", after a few months after my last log in, I can't log in anymore...please let me know how to log in. jeju123@gmail.com

Just make a new account. ffm 16:30, 9 December 2007 (EST)

How about a version of the software for "obsolete" laptops?

There are vast numbers of obsolete x86 based laptops floating around schools and businesses in the United States. It sounds like they would be more than sufficient as a platform for this software.

Do not disadvantage the poor children of rich countries by requiring them to buy new hardware!

Is there a group of developers working to retrofit this software to old / junked laptops for use in American schools and homes? I'd like to help develop/test this software on the old laptops I have piling up in my closet!

There are a number of reasons that the OLPC is using XOs instead of other machines, one of which is that the XO is much more rugged than other machines and thus it can go anywhere with the child, enduring rough treatment and harsh environments. In the U.S., though, the environments may not be as harsh and the machines may not need to be as mobile, so you are correct that older laptops or even desktops may suffice, especially if the child is only using XO software in one location. Of course, the obsolete machines will probably not have all the features of the XO, like the camera, sunlight-readable display, game controls, tablet mode, pseudo-graphics tablet, or mesh networking, but these features aren't crucial for many activities.

The XO software is free/open source and can of course be ported to other hardware. In fact, up to several months ago, there was a LiveCd image of the XO software that could be run on conventional machines, but it was abandoned by its maintainers; a good first step may be to get this working again for more recent builds (a recent blog post by Greg DeKoenigsberg may be relevant?). Alternatively, the XO software can be run on more powerful machines via emulation; you might consider ways of streamlining this process. —Joe 14:45, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Forming a developer group to re-use old laptops sounds great. Go ahead and do it. OLPC will help where the goals of your plan and ours are in common. One aim of OLPC is to do things as cheaply as possible, to cover the most children ... and re-use of obsolete laptops or desktop computers is not as cheap as making a new one for the purpose. OLPC couldn't honestly implement your idea without failing on a per-child cost basis. --Quozl 18:44, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Skype

I plan to participate in G1G1. Will XO function acceptably (audio only-not video) with Skype's Linux version. At 433 mhz it should, but I would like to know about user's experiences. Thanks.

Yeuxdetigre

We have no plans to support it. As with any third-party licensed software and services, you should contact the license issuer to see if they want to ensure it works on the XO. --Quozl 02:17, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Flash Player for smooth Youtube & Google Video viewing

I recently tried the xo in NYC at the wired store. I was disappointed with youtube video playback. Will this be improved for the G1G1 laptops being produced (a better flash player for smooth internet video)?

Not likely, due to software licensing costs, and the very short time before G1G1 laptops begin to ship. However the community of owners is probably going to fix it for G1G1 owners. Stay in contact with other owners. --Quozl 02:16, 27 November 2007 (EST)

iPhone

Alo'ha, Is the XO compatible with the iPhone? Thanks! -- Grace Iurilli

No, not in the initial release. We have no plans to support it. As with any third-party software and hardware, you should contact the license issuer. --Quozl 02:17, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Sending to Philippines

If I wanna buy a computer could I send it to my niece in the Philippines? Would it be possible to send the free computer to my other nieces in the Philippines? They are in different provinces and could really benefit from that computer ... I know this is a great help for them because they're poor and can't afford to buy a computer. Are all your computers adaptable to the Philippines? Sincerely, Beth Belmont

Once you buy one of the laptops as part of the "give 1 get 1" program, you can do with it what you like, it will be yours. But the "give 1" laptop is a donation and OLPC gets to choose where to send that laptop. I've seen a Thai keyboard layout on a laptop in person, but I haven't seen a Philippines keyboard layout. There may be one. The laptop that OLPC will send to you will have an American keyboard layout. But really, these laptops are better suited as part of a holistic deployment by Philippines government education or schools. You should try to help that sort of thing instead. --Quozl 01:05, 28 November 2007 (EST)

Does XO have charitable status in Canada?

Does XO have charitable status in Canada?

The OLPC Foundation is not a registered charity in Canada. Canadian residents may be able to take a tax deduction for their donation against their US-based income. Donors should consult with a tax specialist to determine the extent of any deduction.

G1G1 XO ship dates?

Does anyone have any specifics on ship dates for the G1G1 program? Any idea when the laptops are going to ship to early participants in the G1G1 program? Something more specific then "mid-December" or "you may have to wait 4 months."

Thanks.

Rumour ... look for an update on the laptopgiving web site within the next 48 hours. Tens of thousands of units have been produced, and work is being done toward shipment scheduling. --Quozl 00:43, 28 November 2007 (EST)

Many of the early G1G1 participants have been sent this e-mail, which says, in part, "Thanks to your early action, your XO laptop is scheduled to be delivered between December 14 and December 24. Our "first day" donors are our highest priority and we are making every effort to deliver your XO laptop(s) as soon as possible. We will send you an update upon shipment." ~ Hexagonal

Update - Shipping dates will depend on order date. Laptopgiving.org lays out delivery windows here. A production G1G1 XO was received on or before Dec. 5 in South Africa; see Morgan Collett's blog. ~ Hexagonal

What about "first day" donors in Canada? Why are they not a priority?

School Server @ Home

Is it feasible/reasonable to build a School Server (using images provided) for use at a home where multiple XO's will reside? --919Guy

Yes, but that's a value judgement based on experience. We do welcome involvement in the development and testing of the school server, and this is one way you can contribute. What would be good is an identified version for general use by G1G1 users ... an image that can be loaded as a virtual machine or appliance on a family system, or on old hardware. The growing user community could adopt this as a task, in parallel with the OLPC work to generate school server builds for the mass deployments to schools. You can even start now, before an XO arrives, by running school server images in emulation with XO build images in other emulation containers. --Quozl 16:09, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Is there a consumer wireless card that could be added to a home server that would give it the capability to communicate over the mesh with any resident XO's? --919Guy

No, not yet. The XO uses the 802.11s draft standard for its mesh networking; since it's still a draft, there isn't other consumer hardware using the standard yet. This article predicts the standard may be finalized in mid-2008; I think it's unlikely that we'll see many consumer products implementing it before then. (The XO needs mesh functionality and doesn't need to talk to non-XOs on the mesh, which I guess is why they didn't mind using a potentially non-standard standard.) The school servers are apparently shipping with active antennas that can communicate with the mesh, but I wouldn't be surprised if a consumer 802.11b card would work nearly as well for a home-built server. —Joe 17:57, 30 November 2007 (EST)

Neighborhood Activity

How is the Neighborhood Activity organized? What is the relation, if any, to the location of the people icons to the center (logged in user)? Or are users just there by random? How many icons/people could be on that Neighborhood page? Why at times are some icons smaller? What is the maximum number of people that can be seen in the Neighborhood? What is the long range vision for this and its use? Thank you, Scott

A partial answer: in the current builds for shipping the Neighbourhood has random positioning of icons, and apparently no limit to the number of icons. Icons become smaller if they are engaged in a shared activity, so that they can be clustered around the activity icon. I don't know if there is a limit. A prototype has been built that determines position by radio signal strength and which laptops in a mesh can see other laptops. --Quozl 17:29, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Bookmarks in Web Browser?

The demo XO software I've seen doesn't support bookmarks in the Web browser. Is this the case for the actual XO as well? Seems like a major shortcoming for a computer aimed at kids. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Perhaps you are wrong. I have just looked at the Browse activity on build 625 running on a beta test laptop B4 ... once you navigate to a page the star icon at the top of the screen adds the link to a tray. A tray full of previously added links is shown if you join a shared Browse activity. The tray is recorded in the Journal entry. If you resume from the Journal entry, the tray is pre-populated with the added links, and the page that was displayed at the time of Browse close is redisplayed. So in summary, the bookmarks are there, stored in per session trays, inside the Journal. The complexity of bookmarks in adult consumer versions of web browsers ... isn't there. --Quozl 18:37, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Redo First Boot?

I read in the online User's Guide that the first time the user turns on their new XO the system will ask for the child's name, allow them to select an icon color for the mesh display, and take their picture. Is this how the G1G1 units work also, and is it possible to rerun this routine if the wrong user turns the unit on the first time?

As I understand it, the G1G1 units will also work this way. Resetting the name, color, and photo should be a matter of deleting a few files from the "/home/olpc/.sugar/default" directory ("config" and "buddy-icon.jpg", I believe). So it's currently a bit technical, but it's possible. Color and nick might also be changeable via the command-line Sugar Control Panel, and they are planned to be in the user interface control panel, which should make changing them easy. There is some (old) discussion on the subject of changing color, name, and photo on the Sugar mailing list. —Joe 19:24, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Update: Better instructions for changing the name/color are here. —Joe 13:45, 30 November 2007 (EST)

What's the Rationale for Distributing Laptops in Developing Countries?

I have been aware of Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child project for quite sometime. I understand that he has pilot projects planned in several developing countries and being raised in such environments I am struggling to understand how this project can succeed when the basic needs and education of a child in most of these countries are often not met. Can you please lead to some information of Negroponte's rationale? I have seeing couple interviews and read, but I still can not get it. Please respond, I have great interest in understand his position. Best Regards, Val

Not that I could speak for Nicholas, but I really don't think OLPC intends to deliver this education project in areas that don't have water and food, and shelter. It would be wasteful. Kids cannot eat the laptop. But once those basic needs are met, and education can be delivered, this project comes alive. Therefore I don't really understand your question, sorry. --Quozl 06:09, 30 November 2007 (EST)

Wireless connectivity

Can I connect to the OLPC XO wirelessly from a laptop with the 802.11 b, g wireless card running the Windows XP or Vista OS?

You should really direct such questions to the third-party software provider Microsoft rather than OLPC, as wireless connectivity with those systems is not a deployment goal. OLPC chooses not to pay for certification and support of this combination. However, the XO does interoperate with other 802.11g radios that are in infrastructure mode. Provided your other system has been configured as an access point, responds to DHCP queries from the XO, and provides a route to the internet, it should be possible to click on the icon representing the SSID and gain internet connectivity through that system. It may also be possible to configure networking in ad-hoc mode. Good question though, perhaps someone has tried it and might share their experience. --Quozl 05:52, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Connectivity

We have an iMac with Intel processor, running OS X 10.4.11. We initially bought a wireless router (from Apple Store) but it couldn't work properly; everyone's guess was that the fact that we live in a townhouse (thus, only two outer walls -- neighbors on both sides) was the problem.

We do have the following (from the System Profiler):
   Wireless Card Type:	                AirPort Extreme  (0x14E4, 0x89)
   Wireless Card Firmware Version:	Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (4.170.13.1)
 

The Mac is Bluetooth enabled.

Will we be able to use the G1G1 laptop in our home for simple Internet things?

Thanks. Mary Beth

The G1G1 laptop works with Apple's wireless routers. Wireless routers need more than just a power connection though; you must connect your wireless router to a cable modem or DSL modem. The modem needs internet service. Contact your local cable company or telephone company to get this. Meanwhile, you can use the laptop at places that offer free wireless access. Many places offer it. Also, the laptop comes with a year of wireless service that works at Starbucks.24.110.145.202 03:33, 1 December 2007 (EST)

Cybiko Emulator

Can someone make a Cybiko game emulator for XO? Those are neat little games that can be used on a machine that small. If possible even get permission to include them with the XO's.

Sounds neat. Could you flesh this idea out a bit more? We have a page in this wiki on Cybiko already. The Wikipedia page for Cybiko mentions that there is freeware software. OLPC's licensing requirements are a little more strict than freeware, we need open source, so that we can distribute it fully without any restrictions. Could you work with the Cybiko community to get them involved here? Perhaps they have an open source emulator for Linux that could be packaged for XO. --Quozl 06:10, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Adding additional software: emacs, latex, gv, lynx

How can one add the following applications (activities) to the suite? gnu utilities; emacs; latex; gv (ghostview); lynx (text browser); mysql. Would Fedora 7 RPMs work? What additional libraries need to be installed? Thanks ~

One would use yum to do this, and additional libraries would be handled automatically. One would also change from the default Sugar desktop environment to something more suited to emacs and gv. This is a small matter of configuration. --Quozl 06:31, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Laptops for elementary school in Cambodia

I have started and am supporting a school for the poorest children in Mongkol Borei, Cambodia. We currently have 250 students in four grades, and will eventually have about 500 students in 6 grades. I would like to somehow arrange for about 100 of the oldest students to have laptops initially, with the rest to follow. Would appreciate your getting back to me with suggestions as to how this can be accomplished.

New OLPC XO-1 Live CD release

Do you know when a new OLPC XO-1 Live CD release candidate will be out and will it allow an install from a USB drive or USB connected optical drive? I am awaiting my OLPC, and want to work on the OS, with ideas that I have, but do it on a separate computer and not my OLPC.

The maintainers of the LiveCD seem to have abandoned it. Greg DeKoenigsberg took a look at another way to automatically generate LiveCDs in a recent blog post, but this is apparently still a work-in-progress. Until someone starts maintaining the LiveCD again, it looks like the best way to work with the XO software is via emulation. —Joe 14:47, 2 December 2007 (EST)

A full working Live-CD with a recent build is available. See: "[sugar] sugar xubuntu livecd": [[2]].

The iso image may be downloaded at http://startx.ro/sugar/

Another OLPC XO-LiveCD: [3]

Source: ftp://rohrmoser-engineering.de/pub/XO-LiveCD/

Mirror: http://skolelinux.de/XO-LiveCD/

OLPC Shipping status

I called the 800 number and listened to the recording. It sounds like everything is being done to ship the laptops out before or by the end of December. 1. Will my credit card be charged the full amount at the time of order or will it be charged only after the laptop is shipped? 2. Is there a way to check status using the confirmation number?

I can't speak to the status check by confirmation number, but I can say that my CC was charged at the time order.

Power?

I've read that the laptop "may have" this source or that for power. What how does it currently get power? I've heard mention of solar power, a crank, a foot pedal, etc, but what does it use in reality? Is it just rechargable battery right now?

All the laptops use rechargeable batteries; the various power sources are used to charge these batteries and/or power the laptop. The G1G1 units are all shipping with just an AC adapter. The units sold to countries will have power sources appropriate to the local infrastructure; this may be an AC adapter or another device, like the pull-cord generator. From the accounts on the pilot sites page, they appear to be using AC adapters at the moment. See the Battery and power page for further power generation ideas. —Joe 14:34, 2 December 2007 (EST)

Java & Flash... Limited Support

Does anyone know exactly what Limited Support for Flash and Java means? What functionality will the students have? Thanks in Advance, Lee

The laptop is not shipping with Java or the official Flash plugin, but the users may be able to install it themselves; see RestrictedFormats. The laptop is apparently shipping with the Gnash Flash plugin installed, which is able to play a limited subset of Flash content. —Joe 14:18, 2 December 2007 (EST)

Does this laptop work only in English?

Does this laptop work only in English? I live in USA, my Russian parents are retired. I would like to buy one for them and donate the other one, but they don't know any English. Thanks, Tatyana. -- 72.78.242.191 21:59, 2 December 2007 (EST)

It works in any language, but the printing on your keyboard will not include Cyrillic characters. 24.110.145.202 21:46, 3 December 2007 (EST)

You could attach a USB Cyrillic keyboard and reconfigure the system for it ... but that would take a bit of work and be brave. Your best option might be to speak with Russian Linux user groups for advice. Tell them that it is a customised Fedora system, they ought to know how to handle it. --Quozl 06:41, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Financial Statement?

As a donor or potential donor, how do I obtain a financial statement for the OLPC foundation?

Contact them, or rely on past submitted statements. According to the FAQ, the OLPC EIN, US tax-exempt ID number is 20-5471780. I don't know if that is relevant. I am not an agent of OLPC. --Quozl 06:51, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Most tax-exempt non-profit organizations incorporated in the United States (other than churches) are required to file annual tax returns called IRS Form 990's with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In most cases the Form 990's are the only publicly available financial statements a tax-exempt entity is required to generate. Guidestar, an independent non-profit organization, makes these Form 990's available for free at their website. As of December 2007, no Form 990 is available for OLPC, but this isn't unusual, OLPC had until Oct. 07 to file their first return (for tax year 2006), and it can take six months for Guidestar to get the document from the IRS and to scan it in. Guidestar does have the following info available:

OLPC Foundation

PO Box 425087, Cambridge, MA 02142

Contact: Mr Robert Fadel, Treasurer

Web Site: laptopfoundation.org

Year Founded: 2006

Mission: The mission of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) movement is to ensure that all school-aged children in the developing world are able to engage effectively with their own personal laptop, networked to the world, so that they, their families and their communities can openly learn and learn about learning.

Programs: Supporting and subsidizing the purchase of XO laptop computers. Building local and grassroots movements devoted to improving learning and the effectiveness of laptops as a learning tool.

The OLPC Foundation is a successor entity to the "2B1 Foundation" or the "2B1 Corporation." See Walter Bender's 2006-08-05 Community News. See Guidestar's information on "2B1 CORPORATION" here, including past Form 990's. With regard to the legal entity as it exists now, the OLPC Foundation, my suggestion is that you write the Treasurer directly, by U.S. Mail, and ask him to provide you with what information is available. Note also that OLPC is a registered charity in several states. Washington state registration for the "2B1 Worldwide Charitable Fund" is available here. OLPC's registration in Michigan provides the following information, which I believe must be made publicly available as a pre-condition of their being allowed to operate in that state:

MICS 36674, Expiration Date: 07/31/2008

O L P C Foundation

One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142

Phone: (617) 452-5660

~ Hexagonal 11:39, 12 December 2007 (EST)

How make a contribution?

I hope your project is better organized than this site.

It is. This page is maintained by the interested community members. The critical project members don't generally get time to respond to these questions. --Quozl 06:53, 4 December 2007 (EST)

I wish to make a contribution but can't find out how. Can it be done via credit card?

Yes. Please see the official donation site: http://www.laptopgiving.org . —Joe 10:45, 3 December 2007 (EST)

The G1G1 program - how does the laptop work in the US

If I got one laptop from the G1G1 program. Does it have to stay in the US, or can it be gifted to a child in any other country. What infrastructure does it need to work? what if there are no other OLPC in the neighborhood. Is there anything specific that is required for the child to use this laptop (other than electricity and wireless access).

if he has wireless access - how much connectivity does he have (is it limited or just like any other laptop).

what configurationi is required on the OLPC to get connectivity to the outside world, does it automatically see the wireless router?

I am really interested in this program and want to send the one laptop.

Thank you.

The XO-1 will work anywhere there is power, 802.11a/g/s networking, and internet. It will detect wifi auto-magicaly. ffm 15:58, 9 December 2007 (EST)

How OLPC promotes literacy in very young preliterate children

How does OLPC promote literacy in very young children (ages 6-9) who are not yet literate in their own language? Does their access to the Internet presume they are literate in their native language? Is there software or instruction for teachers in related to effective early reading instruction in their native language?

I don't know the full range of reading software being made available on the XO, but GCompris is an open-source collection of educational activities, some of which are relevant to reading, and many of which are now available on the XO. These activities are available in many different languages and seem appropriate for users without a high degree of literacy. —Joe 16:37, 5 December 2007 (EST)

Which UPS service will be used when shipping to Canada?

Will the laptop be shipped to Canada using "UPS Standard" service? This is important since "UPS Standard" will result in an additional $43.73 "broker fee", or about a 10% net price increase upon delivery. Use of other UPS shipping methods or companies avoids this unnecessary charge (UPS rates for shipping to Canada : http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html).

Parental Controls

Does the relevant software (browser, chat) incorporate parental controls such as site blocking, history, etc?

Many thanks for your response Alex

The laptop is designed to empower children. It encourages them to learn, explore, create, tinker, modify, and build. For the brighter children, this ultimately means modifying the laptop's software as the children grow older. Controls of any type are incompatible with empowerment. The child's learning will allow the child to modify any monitoring and control software to report anything the child wishes it to report. 24.110.145.202 21:37, 3 December 2007 (EST)

It ultimately comes down to a choice. Do you want your child to really learn, or do you want to give him a restricted toy to entertain him? More so than any other computer, the XO allows the child to learn how computers really work. 24.110.145.202 21:43, 3 December 2007 (EST)

I am absolutely shocked by the responses on the parental control issue in this forum. I think the OLPC team has not adequately thought through this issue in regards to age appropriate content control. Yes, I do not want all websites with the word "breast" in them to be blocked but I would for my 7 year old when he really was looking up the word "beast" and misspelled it. Will he be able to circumvent the controls? I hope so, but by that time, in my opinion, he will be at an appropriate age.

I find the response to the above question (Does the relevant software (browser, chat) incorporate parental controls such as site blocking, history, etc?) so removed from the educational process. Not everything needs to be "open source". The person who wrote the response should think more to the education and less to the technical. Not all filtering is bad or evil. For instance, imagine not having a spam filter on email with estimates that 95% of all email is spam related. Gratefully, my filter eliminates the vast majority of this.

To the point - Can software be manually loaded onto the XO to work with the browser and chat to control content?

I am a huge supporter of the project but this issue will prevent me from donating money. --S

The correct page to address this question is Online threats and security. The answers currently there are still incomplete, but please continue this discussion in the talk page there.

Please do keep in mind the nature of a wiki. Anyone in the world can post a question, anyone in the world can answer a question. Once you get used to it, you might come to see that that's not a weakness of this method of communicating, it's a strength. But it does mean that User 24.110.145.202 has no authority to speak on behalf of the OLPC Foundation. User 24.110.145.202 didn't even go to the trouble of creating a wiki account (which you can do completely anonymously), so think of them as being like a rude stranger who stands up at a city counsel meeting to sound off without even introducing themselves.

That being said, User 24.110.145.202 is expressing a strident version of the open source mentality that does indeed seem to be shared by many of the staff and volunteers who comprise the OLPC community. (See OLPC_on_free/open_source_software and its author Benjamin Mako Hill's homepage.) I don't see much appreciation for shades of gray in 24.110.145.202's viewpoint. But don't think of strident open source advocates as amoral -- on the contrary, they are deeply moral and much of their energy derives from their moral convictions. It's just that those convictions are skew to the convictions of those of us trying to raise kids in this corrupt world of ours. We parents know how much better for our children's spirits it will be for them to be exposed to all the exploitation out there in graduated stages. If there isn't already filtering software for the XO, those of us in the G1G1 community can write it; the geeky parents can configure home desktop computers to act as school servers and tell the rest of us how to do it.

Finally, keep in mind that if you're considering getting a G1G1 XO for your own children, as a last resort it should be pretty easy for you to disable internet connectivity completely, or to activate it only when you're around. If your concern is also for the XO's being sent to Least Developed Countries, you can rest assured that the governments involved will enable some sort of school server filtering. ~ Hexagonal 10:15, 7 December 2007 (EST)

I appreciate your considered response. I think you clearly see the balance that needs to be in play here as this is geared for K-12 users. I am not for censorship but for understanding in stages for my child. However, I just want to see options of choice here for content filtering. I do not think ISP-level filtering, router-based filtering, or setting up a proxy server is something most G1G1 users will be able to employ. Can the usual Linux based content filtering tools, not based on blacklists, be installed? Is there enough extra space on the XO to install? Or can/should be placed on a compact memory expansion card? Is this possible?

--Scott

Compatibility with commercial swoftware developed for the linux platform

There are numerous commercial, educational software applications written for the linux platform (for example, Amazon.com lists about four dozen such titles). Is the XO capable of running these applications?

Yes, provided the software is compatible with the XO. You should contact each of the application vendors. They will certainly be interested. Some may already have XOs for testing. --Quozl 20:21, 4 December 2007 (EST)

XO DC connector, polarity, and input voltage range

I have a G1G1 XO on the way, and would like to make a car power adapter for it before it gets here. This should be a simple matter with a little information in hand. So, can someone tell me:

1. What connector the XO uses for power input (with a common part number - maybe a Radio Shack part number)?

hardware design specification says 6mm power input connector with a 1.65mm centre pin, on page 6 of the PDF. Mass production did not use Radio Shack part numbers, sorry. The exact manufacturers part number is not publically available yet, but you can find my measurements of the connector above, search in page for the word penetration. --Quozl 20:35, 4 December 2007 (EST)

2. The polarity of the connector (center positive or shell positive)?

Centre positive. This is marked on the AC adaptor as well. --Quozl 20:35, 4 December 2007 (EST)

3. The input voltage range (that's here somewhere already but I can't seem to find it now).

On page 9, 11V to 18V operational. I've used unfiltered DC from a car without any problems. The design appears to be for direct connection. --Quozl 20:35, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Also, the polarity tolerance of the input; i.e., can you damage the XO if the polarity is wrong.

On page 9, -32V to 40V without damage. The final product specification may vary though. --Quozl 20:35, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Given that information I'll put together a power adapter and post a drawing and parts list when I know it works.

Sounds great. Have a search around the Wiki for an appropriate place. What I did for the radio range testing was cut the cable near the AC adaptor, and fit another connector there, so that the cable could be used in the car instead. --Quozl 20:35, 4 December 2007 (EST)

12/11/07: Further investigation indicates that the XO connector is probably compatible with a size M DC connector Radio Shack P/N 274-1569 (2-pack), but an off-the-shelf car adapter is also available as Radio Shack part number 270-1533. cost is under $10. (Not tested yet since I'm still waiting for my XO)

laptop MS WORD capabilities?

Can someone use a traditional floppy disk and insert it into the computer to save MS WORD documents? Can someone use a jump drive?

I'm a teacher. My income is limited. I've perused your website and I've seen the program related to the OLPC project on tv. Your mission seems like a good one. I'm not a technological wiz. I don't know the difference between Linux and anything else.

I use computers for typing up Word documents, saving them to disk, and printing them out. I've worked as a journalist, and I've published about 60 articles. I've also published about 60 poems. So MS Word, saving and printing are my main interests. I type up assignments for students, and then print out multiple copies. I don't own a computer.

I also use the computer to surf the web. I usually use Yahoo! or Google. I enjoy looking at photos, reading articles, and poems, and viewing works of art (images). I rarely view video on Youtube or anywhere else. I rarely listen to music on the computer, but I enjoy these options. I mostly use the computer for web searching, and MS Word, and work and personal email. My schools have their own email systems: Outlook email, and I use Yahoo! mail. I also use webadvisor.

Based on what I've written could this laptop help me? Can I search Yahoo! and Google? Can I use MS WORD and save work on a disk? Can I access my work email?

Yours, Dan

The word processor on the XO is Abiword, not Microsoft Word, but it can apparently open and save Word files. As you might be aware, one problem with using a different word processor (even a different version of Microsoft Word) is that it may not format the page exactly the same as the original; you can try out Abiword on a Windows machine, to see if it opens/saves your documents correctly. The XO does not have a floppy disk drive, but you should be able to use USB thumb drives to transfer files. You will have to do your printing on another computer: the XO doesn't support printing yet. The XO can browse the web (including Yahoo and Google), and you can use it to do web-based e-mail like Yahoo mail, but it can't run Outlook. —Joe 13:51, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Laptop numbers, shipped to children?

How many laptops have been shipped to children?

Thousands already. In the trials they've had them for months. For the mass production run, Uruguay is receiving their shipment now. According to the BBC in October the order was for 100k. According to Ivan's blog entry (link on main page), 1k laptops were handed out in three days, another 7k in the next two weeks, and 90k in the coming months. 260k ordered by Peru. --Quozl 20:18, 4 December 2007 (EST)

Downloading?

Does this computer have access to the internet, and are you able to download anything? My daughter is 12 and is using the computer a lot for school projects and reports. I need to know if this computer will work for her needs.

Please check with her teachers. They will be able to tell you what type of downloads and reports are needed. This computer can have access to the internet, if the correct wireless equipment is nearby, and can download things, but whether the downloaded information can be used properly will depend on what format it is in. This computer is quite different to other computers, although it does have a lot of similarities. It is best to check, to avoid trouble later. --Quozl 23:31, 4 December 2007 (EST)

AOL Instant Messenger

Any plans to port AOL Instant Messenger to Sugar?

I haven't heard of any. Of course, AIM is a closed-source application, so you'd do better asking AOL. It's possible that someone could port a compatible open-source chat client (like Pidgin) to Sugar, but I haven't heard of any plans. It's also possible that AOL's web-based service AIM Express may be compatible with the XO's Browse activity, but I don't know of anyone who has tried it. —Joe 16:14, 5 December 2007 (EST)

You could also use the web based Meebo. ffm 15:55, 9 December 2007 (EST)

receipt number 5489-1805-9150-0102

Please advise when we may expect delivery of the computer. Hendrik Baayen

Sorry, we can't do that here. Contact the agents whom you spoke to originally, see the laptopgiving web site for details. --Quozl 03:48, 6 December 2007 (EST)

G1G1 distribution to Canada delayed?

The news from 2007/12/1 (item 3) says first day donators should have received an email about delivery. I live in Canada, donated on the 12th, and did not receive such an email. Can you estimate when I might receive my shipment? I'm sort of patient, but eager.

Thanks - Phil O

E-mail can go missing. The web site has a shipping information page now that gives the current schedule estimates. --Quozl 04:15, 6 December 2007 (EST)

Your e-mail isn't missing. Canadian donators did not receive this e-mail, as OLPC has yet to determine shipping dates to Canada... Go figure.

Where to buy?

Where to buy them?

Only on http://laptopgiving.org/ at the moment. --Quozl 04:00, 6 December 2007 (EST)

computers on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico

I am a teacher in the heart of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. We have a campus that is comprised of three single wide trailers, four buildings that are slightly larger than the trailers, four buildings that are about the size of doublewide trailers, and old stone building that serves as our lunch room and multi-purpose room when necessary, a computer lab where our children are introduced to the wonder of the technical age, and finally a very small business office.

Our campus is 70 years old and was once a small boarding school serving this little community of Native Americans.

Is there a possiblity that the Navajo Nation as a soverign nation could be included in your endeavor? Many of our families do not have the convenience of electricity or water although gains toward these goals have certainly been made. See what you can do about considering our children in your program to reach all children.

Thank you,

Patricia Quink Second Grade Instructor Tse'ii'ahi' Community School PO Box 828 Crownpoint, NM 87313 505-786-5389

See give many. ffm 15:54, 9 December 2007 (EST)

Will the XO Ship with a solar panel?

If not, how can one purchase one and where?

The G1G1 laptops ship with an AC adapter. You can find solar panels online at a variety of prices and degrees of portability. The laptop accepts a range of voltages; see the above questions and answers regarding power. —Joe 00:01, 7 December 2007 (EST)

While on the Internet

I have been giving a go at Linux just to get the feel. It's OK. When the OLPC is on it's Internet connection and no one ever asked you this before and not a word in HTTP land. How is the cookie , registry system with in the the laptop going to be processed?

You now have different users which is great who will not be as you have only given the laptops to those who are in a type of learning developer group who have a lot better then average knowledge of how computers work.

As most seemed to be going to school for this. Over 50,000 laptops (OLPC) will be going in to first world worlds and homes ..

With out each unit having a cookie register and the refusal by the OLPC Wiki Community to accept that the resume bug is like a crank that relieves this short coming because you keep talking about it. You said your self the WiFi LAN (its not LAN either but... OK) picks up things Some of the same information you got last year that this was a fact to watch out for.

• Quote

SEE: Suspend/resume and power management on this... page[4]

Could the first world homes destroy the laptops or blow them out on a mass sacle by accident or on purpose? This would be based on connectivity that you said make this happen *SEE Quote and your refusal to leave the resume power issue alone: As the OLPC laptops own fact that it lives just like all other computer. Answer about cookies and connectivity over load based on poor homes with not as much electric stuff and first world homes and communities with a lot of stuff

( Folks don't worry either because out side 

people who work on things like that We just seeing what they think)Like a test!

Could you please rephrase your question? It was very hard to follow. Please also create an account on the Wiki and sign your contribution ... this would make it easier for others to answer, and would let you enjoy an ongoing discussion ... as it is we have no idea if you have already written about these things elsewhere in the Wiki. Also, when you refer to someone's specific refusal, please quote the words and who wrote them. Cookies are handled by the Browse activity. Suspend, resume, and power management, are ongoing development activities, and ship.2-650 is what should be received, so your reference to the ship.1 release notes may be obsolete. --Quozl 19:41, 8 December 2007 (EST)

SDK for the Users

Hi. Is the Software Development Kit (SDK), or whatever is used for software development on the XO available to the users or are they provided with similar access to Linux tools for development, gcc for example? Thanks. Regards. inimmo

For Python, yes, for C, no. We choose not to include software that most of the children will not use, so as to minimise the size of the builds and maximise the utility of the XO. But the C language tools such as gcc can be downloaded and installed using yum. --Quozl 00:59, 8 December 2007 (EST)

G1G1 XO: Printers, Windows XP, Microsoft Office? (had been "American Children")

I would want a computer that can attach to the laser printer I already have. I would want it to run at least Windows XP and XP office. I have this on my desktop. Child could exchange information espcially as he gets older with printers, and be familiar with Microsoft products and have an advantage when he enters the workforce. Does the XO laptop answer these questions for my future child?

See the answers above for printing and Windows XP. In both cases the answer is that the XO doesn't support it now, but it might in the future. If it were me, though, I wouldn't make hardware and software decisions for a child that hasn't been born yet. While it's true that the XO is probably safer for children than other computers, computers in general aren't really appropriate for very young or unborn children. And early training in a particular software program might not be that valuable: by the time your child is old enough to get a job, knowledge of XP will be about as valuable as knowledge of Windows 3.1 is today. —Joe 12:05, 8 December 2007 (EST)

I don't think the XO is at all appropriate for learning how computers used to work. But they can help to teach the fundamentals ... the basic ideas that are common themes in computer assisted life. --Quozl 19:23, 8 December 2007 (EST)

Italic text

Can you use a USB keyboard?

If an adult wants to use the XO, can they plug in a standard USB keyboard in order to type comfortably?

Yes. An adult or a child can plug in a standard USB keyboard and it should work. All the keyboards I've tested worked immediately, no configuration required. --Quozl 19:20, 8 December 2007 (EST)

Parental controls?

What methods are available to protect the child user from from inappropriate content on the internet?

None are included with the laptop. However, there are many ways to do so, using ISP-level filtering, router-based filtering, or setting up a proxy server. ffm 15:51, 9 December 2007 (EST)

making the second computer a 501c 3 donation???

I am involved in an organization that has an endowment managed by a very thorough organization, as a result I need an answer. How do we make the second computer also tax deductable?, so that there is no personal benefit from the members of our organization which is a no no and stops our foundation from making a donation?

If you wish to donate more than 100, see give many. Otherwise, use simply give. ffm 15:46, 9 December 2007 (EST)

Maintenance and Replacement

My reference point is the TI 99/4 experience for which I was intimately involved on the TI staff.

With this large number of computers out in the field, how will failure returns be handled? is there an infinite warranty period? How much of this is covered in the purchase price? How can the donor cover costs for specific projects to enable a low cost return policy? Warranty and returns are easy in the advanced economies, how do they work in the developing countries?

What is the MTBF for these devices, and if they are comparable to the US then a large number will have failed within 2 years, this is my personal experience. Were high quality components used in the motherboard and other components?

A 30 day warranty is provided. They are durable and resistant to damage, and should go for 5+ years w/o replacement. The motherboard is not user-servicable. It is infinitely more powerful than the TI99/4. See Hardware specification. ffm 15:50, 9 December 2007 (EST)

For deployments, failures and returns will be handled by in-country teams with support from OLPC and the manufacturer, Quanta. It is expected that this will cover the period of the deployment, and be part of the deployment costing, therefore failure percentages in earlier deployments will be valuable historical measurements. For "give 1 get 1", the failure returns process is defined, and does not involve any infinite warranty ... just the 30 days. Components used have to meet specification, so in that sense they are "high quality". --Quozl 05:08, 10 December 2007 (EST)

Schools

Why not build schools in developing nations?

Good question. Already intended. Schools and teachers must exist before an OLPC deployment. Other groups are working to build schools in areas that lack them. This question is the same as "Why not food?" --Quozl 04:44, 10 December 2007 (EST)

Printers and Printing

(five identical questions merged): Is it possible to print from this computer? If so, what printer and printer software works?

We've not yet exposed a printer interface in the UI. Most network printers and many USB printers should work with the XO, but we haven't had the time to qualify these solutions yet. Perhaps someone in the community can get started on this in parallel with our efforts. (We made our display of very high quality in part to reduce the need for printing.) Printing has not been part of our design target, since printing will be handled by school servers rather than the laptops. There is no technical reason why software cannot print from these computers ... and I have done it with networked printers via the wireless network using special tools. It is just that we don't need it yet. We do recognize that "give 1 get 1" XOs are going into the first-world community which is rich in printing services, but we don't have the time right now to work on this problem. People who want to help can coordinate via the Printing page, and collaborate within the user groups. --Joe and Quozl 04:11, 23 November 2007 (EST)

Where to obtain a MAC address on OLPC - XO

Please excuse my technological ignorance. My question is around obtaining a MAC address for the individual G1G1 XO - OLPC. I am wondering where, or if I can get this info? My internet connection requires this address in order to connect to the wireless network. Please help me. Thank you very much in advance.

Press CTRL+ALT+F2. Type in 'root', press enter, then type 'ifconfig'. Under eth0, a mac address should be listed. Keep in mind, though, that MAC address restriction does not make you more secure, as MAC addresses can be easily spoofed. ffm 18:02, 11 December 2007 (EST)

QEMU emulation of XO - how can I copy files?

I have finally got my QEMU emulation to start up the latest image of the XO OS.

I am however having some trouble copying files to this emulation. It does not pick up my USB flash drive and the network does not seem to work.

How can I copy files from my Windows host machine to this emulated environment?

Thanks, Juan

Networking should work if you are using the right qemu commandline flags. I don't know if it's possible to make a host's flash drive visible to a qemu image, but I've had success using SSH to transfer files between host and client. There are instructions on the Emulation Help and Tips page. —Joe 10:06, 12 December 2007 (EST)

downloading ebooks

are you able to download ebooks to this computer- how would one do that- is there a website or download site? I am looking for preschool to kindergarten grade books. Thanks

Donating Laptops to specific school in Zambia

Could you help - we are an English Primary school that has very strong links with a school in Zambia. We currently donate equipment etc via funds raised by our PSA. If we wanted to purchase laptops could we specify the school we wanted them to be donated to?

WPA support

Just got the laptop today (I called at 6:10AM on day 1). Took me a while to open up the laptop (w/o reading the manual of course :) ).

Can I work around the lack of support of WPA-TKIP? If not, then the laptop is 100% useless for my 8 year old daughter if she cannot connect to my network. While I'm an expert Windows developer, I'm only so-so on Linux, so asking me to load a different distro isn't going to cut it. I suspect that I'm not alone on this. WEP is universally considered to be useless if you care at all about security.

Great news that the G1G1's are arriving. Laptop.org has an online "Getting Started" guide at this site. Their information on getting connected is here. A WPA workaround, which might apply to your situation, is in this wiki: WPA_Manual_Setting. ~ Hexagonal

Well, the good news is that I easily ran the script. The other good news is that the mesh showed the AP w/o a lock. The bad news is that it's still asking for a pass phrase when I click on the AP. Hitting OK after entering the pass phrase again does nothing.