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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 ...'"

4 of 248 comments (clear)

  1. Just like a drug dealer by cat_jesus · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The first hit is always free.

    1. Re:Just like a drug dealer by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Actually, I thought, "Wow, good old colonialism, just like the Opium Wars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium_wars)!"

      Move into a developing country, and get the masses addicted to something that only you can provide.

      --
      Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
  2. Dear poor schools..... by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Sell your MS licenses and most of the other tech on ebay. then use that money to buy books and pay for teachers.

    It's far more important to teach basics like math, reading, basic science, hygiene, and life skills, than how to move and click a mouse.

    What is it with people thinking that what the 3rd world needs are computers? What they need is clean water, learn better agriculture, and to get an education that will allow them to live a better life.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  3. Re: p00r Linux by Alwin+Henseler · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Linux is like the electric car, not a chance and only in a few places..

    Well in this case, Africa might be just one of those places. I mean ,what is MS going to do? Give away Windows licenses for free, and throw in Vista-capable PC's as well? (sorry, didn't read the TFA).

    Another thing Linux has going here, is that it is -relatively- easy to produce local versions. I mean, does there even exist Windows XP or Vista in Swahili? If not, that may be just what Linux needs to get picked over Windows (or other candidates). And let's not forget the educational aspect: having a system where you can see how it works, how it's put together & how to adapt it to your own requirements, is great when you're in a place where the IT industry is often just starting.