OLPC to scrap Linux for Windows

[Gizmo]

From The Inquirer:

IN a somewhat shocking revelation, One Laptop Per Child has said that they might dump Linux from their XO laptops in favour of the Vole’s Windows XP. The seeming surrender to the evil corporate world comes just a day after the company’s president tendered his resignation.

Read more on the Front Page:
OLPC to scrap Linux for Windows

[Daniel ~]

A bitter pill to swollow all right. We can't get the grown ups to stop fighting long enough to feed the children...

[Áedán]

They will or they might?

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by Computer World

A source close to the OLPC said the group is still only showing off laptops running Sugar and Linux to prospective customers, but has indicated its willingness to offer XP if large educational customers deem it necessary for application-compatibility reasons.

The Computer World article seems less certain than the Inquirer comments make out. And it would certainly be easy enough for them to simply equip a larger FLASH drive with a Windows image on it, or a smaller (and cheaper) FLASH driver with a Linux image on it, based on the customer's desires.

Bottom line, though; I can imagine that Negroponte is getting TREMENDOUS pressure from Intel and MS. Say what you like about MS, but they aren't completely stupid. They know that children who grow up learning and using Linux will most likely become adults using and developing for Linux, and the same goes for Windows. Giving away copies of Windows now could pay huge dividends to MS in 10-20 years.

[ccperf721p]

All things considered, The Inq would not be my first choice for reputable information. However, what started out as a charity has now become a market for some major players, whether it be cash now or later. What strikes me as odd is that the intended market really does not have the cash to purchase the product. Preying on the good will of others for profit is a very hard task to pull off, people will just stop giving, then you have to rely on peoples stupidity for profit.

[cloasters]

Lotta people went broke relying on people's stupidity for profit. It's OT, sorry. But somebody had to remind

[ccperf721p]

Originally Posted by cloasters

Lotta people went broke relying on people's stupidity for profit. It's OT, sorry. But somebody had to remind

PT Barnum did OK at it.

The terms of the deal are changing, it is become less of a charity designed to help third world children grow, learn and succeed. Now there are too many people wanting their finger in the pie because they see a chance to make money.

I give away probably 4 computers a year, but seeing how I am giving them away, I absorb all costs. I am still sending them with open source software.

[Daniel ~]

This dark spirirt has always been at the heels of any one anywhere trying to accomplish something for those who have nothing....


"It is not enough that I should succeed, all others must fail."
Genghis Khan