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Microsoft Pushes Windows To Battle Linux In Africa

Posted by timothy on from the roll-the-windows-down-if-it-gets-hot dept.

ThousandStars writes "According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has been making a concerted effort to promote Windows in Africa, pushing Windows over Linux in very poor countries that haven't been locked into a single operating system. From the article: 'To that end, it has established a presence in 13 countries, donated Windows for thousands of school computers, and funded programs for entrepreneurs and the young. It also has used aggressive business tactics, some aimed at its biggest threat in the region: Linux ...'"

13 of 248 comments (clear)

  1. Don't worry... by argent · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's Microsoft, nobody expects you to RTFA.

  2. I know why.... by ksd1337 · · Score: 5, Funny

    A rich Nigerian prince gave them 25 million dollars because they helped him transfer some funds. Microsoft gave him copies of Windows in return.

  3. Wait... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Microsoft is using underhanded business tactics to ensure that their operating system is the most widely used? This is new.

  4. But with Linux ALL the hits are free by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    And then you end up addicted to freedom and all you can play is tux racer.

  5. The Apple ad by scorp1us · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can't wait to see how Apple takes advantage of this:

    PC: (pushing computers into African kids (starving))
    Mac: Oh that's nice PC, I see you're donating to the needy in Africa
    PC: Uh, yeah (suspiciously). This has nothing to with Vista finding a user base that is happy to have it.

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    1. Re:The Apple ad by Willis13 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Mac: Don't you think, they'd rather have.... an apple? *tosses a shiny red apple to PC and walks off screen*

    2. Re:The Apple ad by sammyF70 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Linux Chick, passing Mac Guy and PC Guy who are waiting for credit cards to be approved : "Here, Have a penguin. And take a few for your friends"

      --
      "DRM is like the Ford Pinto: it's a smooth ride, right up the point at which it explodes and ruins your day."-C.Doctorow
  6. A fight in Africa, huh? by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 2, Funny

    "My name is Ballmer. Just...Ballmer. From God, to Gates, to Ballmer. I am his right hand, and I have a task for you. This is Stallman. He has caused the Corporation much grief. His views do not coincide with ours, and that makes him dangerous. Silence him."

  7. Re:Full Article here by MikeDirnt69 · · Score: 4, Funny

    The devil is a smart guy, he would never use M$. If he did, Hell would be a mess. Oh, wait...

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  8. Re:What a minute . . . by WTF+Chuck · · Score: 2, Funny

    What?!? The articles are meant to be read!!!

    I thought that the links were only provided to see if we could slashdot the servers that they are hosted on.

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  9. Re:What a minute . . . by Endo13 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I tried doing it once, only to discover that the nasty article just contradicted everything in the summary and the comments. NEVER RTFA, those things are lying pieces of shit.

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  10. Re: p00r Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    We should fight back! Let bribe some officials, launch a huge marketing campaign, and fund small businesses to promote Linux.

    All we need is $125 million. Anyone have any money? Nobody? I've got a five, does anyone have change for a five?

  11. Re:Just like a drug dealer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Microsoft: An African Word which means hook, line , sinker