Update: This is an old post. More recent posts have details on the release of Windows XP Starter Edition and my opinion on how Microsoft should market it in North America and Europe.
OK, I’m confused. AP reports that Microsoft plans to offer a “starter” version of Windows in Asia later this year:
Microsoft Corp. plans to offer a version of its Windows operating system geared toward beginning computer users in Thailand and Malaysia starting this September.
The offering, dubbed Windows XP Starter Edition, will be part of government-sponsored programs aimed at providing more affordable personal computers in those countries.
The system will have the full functionality of Windows XP, spokeswoman Alex Mercer said Wednesday, but will be tailored to appeal to less tech-savvy users in those countries.
Can anyone figure out what that last sentence means? Or is this really just a ploy to sell Windows at a reasonable price without officially cutting the price by 95%?
Oh, and props to Woody for calling this one a long time ago.
Ed Bott 
Without sounding like a Linux zealot (I use both Windows and Linux), it sounds like MS is sticking its toe in the water in an effort to stem the rising adoption of Linux in at least those two countries.
Despite all the MS sponsored studies that show Windows is cheaper to implement than Linux, when you back out 90% of associated labor costs, the TCO quickly tilts in favor of Linux, no matter whose criteria are used.
it’s difficult to get connected to internet from starter.can anyone help?