Microsoft aims to reach next billion PC users

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what people need

is truly modular programs that people can choose the functionality of at install time, and not use up hard disk space or CPU cycles. Any additional code that the user might need for whatever reason could simply be retrieved off the install CD, or if unavailable, could be downloaded off the vendor's web site or peer-to-peer storage.

To do basic productivity tasks, all one really needs is a PIII or Athlon 1 GHz equivalent with a CD-RW drive (for backups) and a modest hard disk (40 GB). Replace the CD-RW with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo if one wanted to watch DVDs (but they could get by with Video CDs). This hardware could cost next to nothing.

One could get by with less if one didn't surf the Internet because one might not need an anti-virus, anti-spyware, or a personal firewall program.

The problem with software is that vendors try to cram too much
functionality in each revision. Most people only use a fraction
of the functions that vendors provide.

It's like phone systems.

Those that want the bells and whistles can buy the regular bloatware version.

Coincidentally, the hardware and software described above match the MIT One Laptop Per Child initiative, save for the optical and hard disks, which could be attached by USB.

Posted by: rosanlo   Posted on: 04/19/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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