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Budget-priced XP Starter Edition hits developing world
Taking a page from scores of developers who offer entry-level "Express" versions of their programs, Microsoft is battling software piracy with a stripped-down version of Windows XP, which the company hopes will appeal to users who might otherwise turn to bootleg copies of the full version. The catch: the new version, Windows XP Starter Edition, is only available in developing nations, only comes pre-installed on new computers, and won't even run on high-end computers. The program launched officially this week in Mexico, after pilot programs in Thailand, India, Russia, Malaysia and Brazil. While this sounds like a better way to go after the piracy problem than installing onerous verification systems, as Microsoft has done in the rest of the world, Starter Edition will still be more expensive — and more limited — than Linux. And if honest customers really want a low-end, limited version of Windows, they can always pick up a copy of Windows 98, which is still available from many online dealers for under $50.
Comments
3
Subscribe to commentsGrim2005Jul 1st 2005 8:03AM
Who would buy Windows '98???
John MillJul 1st 2005 8:29AM
I understand that Microsoft made this to stop developing worlds from using pirated Windows, but crippling it won't help the sales of Windows XP SE. If it was this, or a pirated Windows, I would want the uncrippled pirate version.
mail@coreyh.comJul 1st 2005 11:06AM
That is such terrible advise. Please, developing country folks out there, do not buy Windows 98.
I say XP Starter Edition is a fine idea. It has an XP tcpip stack, you can load regular windows apps made today. Where's the issue? So you can't connect to a active directory domain or use movie maker?