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Microsoft To Sell Win XP Starter Edition In Russia
Garabito writes "Cnet reports that Microsoft plans to distribute in Russia the low-cost, stripped-down version of Windows XP, called 'Starter Edition.' This release of Windows is aimed at markets in developing nations, and is known for not allowing more than three applications to run at the same time and not being networking capable. This product will not be available on retail, but will be distributed by OEM vendors in new PCs, at an approximate price of US$36. On a side note, the article also states that the MS tax paid by vendors to Microsoft for Windows XP licenses is $70 or more."
If someone doesn't have the money for a nice computer with a legit copy of WinXP Pro and all the other goodies, they probably don't have the money to run their own home LAN or the RAM/CPU power to run lots of demanding apps at once. I don't see how this is a bad idea. Sure, it's MS being manipulative, but look at it this way - less features means less security holes!
Well, hopefully it does...
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Do MS really think Russians are going to stop pirating the fully featured version because they get a copy of this crippleware witht their PC?
When you can get a pirate copy of XP pro for next to nothing, your smply going to bring your new PC home, format it and install your full version.
I don't see this cutting piracy at all. In fact, it will probably encourage piracy.
"I realise this is not a very popular opinion but it's the truth, and there for needs to be said" -Bill Hicks
If you don't want to pay for a copy of Windows with your new PC, either buy one without an OS or with Linux pre-installed (there are plenty of people willing to sell you such things), or buy a bare-bones system and/or components and build your own.
Just do me a favour and stop referring to it as a tax, it just makes you look stupid. Income tax is a tax - you earn money, you pay it; you earn money but don't pay it, you're breaking the law. Windows licence fees a tax? Who's going to arrest yo for not paying for something you've not ordered or received?
It's official. Most of you are morons.
Avg income is about $200-300/month for a slightly skilled worker (NOT IT), for IT and sales its about $600 and up.
Well, the sad thing is that "Windows for Workgroups 3.11" which is a 1992 or so OS would indeed offer more functionality and be more practical than this "XP Starter Edition".