On the outside, the Windows version of the XO laptop looks just like the Linux model. But simply booting up the device shows the Windows version bears little resemblance to the original One Laptop per Child device. The Microsoft version offers Windows, and can run basically any software that can adjust itself to the mini-laptop's diminutive screen and modest processor.Microsoft has managed to slim down the OS enough to boot up off a 2GB flash memory card and has written drivers for a number of the XO laptop's unique features, such as its scratch pad, game controller, and built-in camera.
The Linux model comes with an integrated suite of educational games, programming tools, and other software, all built around a kid-friendly OS shell known as Sugar. The Windows version of the XO doesn't have so much of that child-orientated personality — although a child-orientated programming tool known as Scratch did survive the Linux-to-Windows switch. But having Windows allows students to take advantage not only of Microsoft's dominant Office suite, but of all the educational software that has already been written for Windows.
Meh. I don't have any problems with Microsoft running on these systems, as long as there is a choice - and it sounds like they will still have Linux versions, too.
Some PHB middle-manager types will probably just check the "Windows" box when ordering, because of the former IBM-based statement that has been changed to say "no one got fired for buying Microsoft".
I think that the Linux version was geared more toward learning, and maybe these legacy Windows educational apps would run on wine (or the free Pro version of CrossOver being offered for a one-day special). It is the Windows Inertia that keeps many people/organizations on Windows.
But might that mean that the system would need the install disc when adding new components or running self-repairs? Easily fixed; just ship the friggin CD with the computer like it used to be done. It was a good thing.
And that WinSxS folder on Vista is just a disaster.
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I hope you don't think of that as MS fault, it's OEM's fault.
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