Windows

In some media resources, e.g. at the website of the official Austrian media station ORF, it was incorrectly announced that OLPC is performing a strategy change and that a version of Microsoft Windows will be the offical standard software system that runs on the OLPC laptops. These erroneous reports have been debunked on the OLPC myths page; the OLPC Association continues their development of a Linux-based software set for the laptop in conjunction with RedHat.

On the other hand, Microsoft has internally developed a version of Windows XP that runs on the OLPC laptop. According to an ITWorld article, Bill Gates said that Microsoft is planning to offer a $3 software bundle for the XO consisting of

• Windows XP
• Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
• Microsoft Math 3.0
• Learning Essentials 2.0 for Microsoft Office
• Windows Live Mail

This offer will only apply to developing countries. No details were provided about availability, conditions of licensing or the language support included in or available for this software. The range of languages supported appears to be quite limited.

Eric Brown reports: The version of Windows XP installed on the XO supports all the laptop's features, says the OLPC, including networking, speakers, microphone, and webcam. It also allows the display to pivot into its "e-book" configuration and change into a power-saving, sunlight-readable monochrome mode, according to Microsoft. James Utzschneider, GM of marketing and communications for Microsoft's Unlimited Potential group, blogged that "the Windows port to the XO is a snappy release that doesn't cut features or functionality in order to work in the constrained memory and storage environment of the XO."

Links

• See also AnnounceFAQ Linux/Windows dual-boot

External links

• Informative article by Eric Brown at DesktopLinux.com "Microsoft frees poor children from Linux struggles"
• Microsoft press release announcing an agreement with OLPC
• James Utzschneider's blog entry about Windows on the XO