XP Lite unveiled

Finally, some details about the “lite” version of Windows XP that’s about to debut in Asia. This story in the Washington Post provides some details:

The new software, officially called Windows XP Starter Edition, is “a low-cost introduction to the Microsoft Windows XP operating system designed for first-time desktop PC users in developing countries,” Microsoft said in a news release.

[…]

Microsoft said key features of the new software would be “localized” help features, country-specific wallpapers and screensavers, and “preconfigured settings” for features that might confuse novices.

The new software’s “simplified task management” in which “first-time home PC users can have up to three programs running concurrently” represents a downgrade from the standard XP system. A full XP version can run many more programs concurrently, depending on the amount of memory in a computer.

Other downgrades include “display resolution set to 800×600 maximum and no support for PC-to-PC home networking, sharing printers across a network or more advanced features such as the ability to establish multiple user accounts on a single PC,” the company said.

The new software retains standard XP features such as Internet connectivity, Windows Messenger, Windows Media Player 9 and digital photography support.

Doesn’t sound like something I’d want, but this version would work well for someone who just wants basic Internet access plus the ability to play an occasional game. It would also be perfect for public Internet cafes, which is no doubt part of the target market.

Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are first on the list, with two other countries to be named later.