India to be fifth 'flagship' for Windows XP Starter Edition (ZDNet UK News)

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows XP Starter Edition - a low cost version of Windows XP - in some Asian countries to combat the rise of Linux. It will start a year-long pilot program for the OS in India in early 2005.

The OS will not be available bundled with entry-level PCs only and is not for retail.

Other countries with their own pilot programs are Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The stripped-down budget Windows operating system for India will only be available in Hindi. The regular Windows XP supports 8 other Indian languages.

With all the built-in limitations of this OS, including display resolution being capped at 800x600 and users limited to running three programs or having three windows opened at once, it is doubtful that this will take-off.

Why would people live with these hassles when they can get a copy of the full-featured OS from their friendly computer guy?