Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition gets Hindi version for India

As reported earlier, Microsoft has been planning to release feature-limited version of their flagship operating system Windows XP, codenamed Starter Edition. This edition is targeted towards developing markets where software piracy is rampant and there is not enough purchasing power in general public to pay for the standard versions. The Indian edition will reportedly have the interface in Hindi to make it more accessible to general public (also to prevent cheap exports to other markets) with plans to further support 14 other languages depending upon the response Hindi edition gets. It is planned to be priced around USD 36 in India, which is less than half the price of the current cheapest version Home Edition (costing around USD 85).

The Starter Edition comes with certain limitations that differentiate it from other versions. It can only run three windows, of any 3 applications at a time. Also, there is lack of support for higher resolutions, home networking and multi-user profile capabilities. The emphasis is to provide low cost legal alternatives to people who are new to computers. And as they get used to the product they can upgrade to the more powerful versions of the Operating System.

Apart from privacy, another reason for Microsoft to develop this cheaper product is the growing awareness among PC users about Linux. Many PC Makers have started shipping computers with Linux preloaded lowering the end price of computers. Most of these PCs end up with pirated versions of Microsoft Operating Systems after they have been delivered to end users.