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May 16, 2008

Microsoft Windows Coming Soon to OLPC XO Laptops

By Jayashree Adkoli, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Microsoft (News - Alert) Corp and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) jointly announced the signing of an agreement that will make Microsoft Windows operating system available on OLPC's low-cost XO laptops. OLPC's XO laptop is specifically designed to introduce computing for the world's poorest children.



 
One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a non-profit organization was created to design, manufacture and distribute laptop computers that are affordable, in order to provide every child in the world with access to knowledge and modern forms of education.
 
OLPC’s XO laptops are rugged and energy efficient that can be handled by a child manually.
 
According to the agreement, the trials of running Windows on XO are yet to begin in key emerging markets, which are planned for June 2008.
 
Microsoft and OLPC are jointly trying there hand by closely working with governments, intergovernmental and private organizations, in order to provide high-quality education for children in the developing world. 
 
The new XO Laptop will be incorporated with both Linux and Windows platform in order to cater to the needs of the user. With this the User will have an expanded choice of operating environments that best-fit their requirements.
 
"Transforming education is a fundamental goal of Microsoft Unlimited Potential, our ambitious effort to bring sustained social and economic opportunity to people who currently don't enjoy the benefits of technology," said Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft, in a statement.
 
Mundie added: "By supporting a wide variety of affordable computing solutions for education that includes OLPC's XO laptop, we aim to make technology more relevant, accessible and affordable for students everywhere."
 
"From the beginning, the goal of OLPC has been to use technology to transform education by bringing connectivity and constructionist learning to the poorest children throughout the world," said Nicholas Negroponte (News - Alert), founder and chairman of OLPC, in a statement.
 
Negroponte added: "Today's announcement, coupled with future plans for a dual boot version of the XO laptop, enhances our ability to deliver on this vision. In addition, OLPC will work with third parties to port its user interface, called 'Sugar,' to Windows."
 
With the support of Windows on XO, students and educators can reap the benefits by gaining access to existing Windows-based educational software and tools, as well as a broad ecosystem that can offer extensive relevant and local educational content.
    
"As I plan my region's investment in technology, I must evaluate the best way to provide quality education and prepare my citizens for the work force," said Andres Gonzalez Diaz, governor of Cundinamarca, Colombia, in a statement.
 
Gonzalez added: "Windows support on the XO device means that our students and educators will now have access to more than computer-assisted learning experiences. They will also develop marketable technology skills, which can lead to jobs and opportunities for our youth of today and the work force of tomorrow."
 
"Technology's positive impact can lead to the accelerated development of competencies and life skills for students everywhere," said Edward Granger-Happ, chief information officer of international nonprofit organization Save the Children, in a statement. "The benefits of Microsoft's proven technology platforms for all program areas offered in conjunction with OLPC's XO laptop create enormous potential for children and teachers to learn grow and contribute to their communities."
 
Windows is able to support XO Laptop’s e-book reading mode, standard WiFi networking, camera, writing pad and custom keys, as well as the power-saving and other features of the XO hardware.
 
By adopting the standard version of windows on to XO, will facilitate the user to access many third-party applications and devices available for Microsoft Windows. All the applications will be made compatible to the XO laptop, thereby extending the power and advantages of the full Windows ecosystem to XO laptop users. 
 
Jayashree Adkoli is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jayashree’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
 

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