The Third World OS

Wouldn't you love a bare bones copy of Windows XP for only $36 USD?

MICROSOFT TO OFFER BASIC WINDOWS XP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Microsoft will distribute a slimmed-down version of Windows XP in five developing nations beginning this fall as part of the company's ongoing efforts to facilitate computer use and literacy. Consumers in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia will see the so-called Windows XP Starter Edition on PCs starting in October; the other two countries in the program were not named. The Starter Edition of the operating system has fewer features than the standard package, and versions are customized for each country, including appropriate languages and items such as screen saver photos that reflect the local landscape. Also part of Microsoft's initiative is a program that offers free operating systems and inexpensive Office software packages to certain schools in 67 developing countries. Prices for the Starter Edition were not announced, though some reports indicated it might be about $36. According to a spokesperson from Microsoft, the low price allows the company to compete with Linux and may also discourage piracy, since buyers of inexpensive, legitimate copies of the software are eligible for patches and updates.
CNET, 11 August 2004
http://news.com.com/2100-1016_3-5304023.html