Time for XP Free? An Open Letter To Microsoft Corporation

Since the advent of the PC, the price of all components has dropped
substantially in real terms. The  one exception to this rule is the
operating system. To be fair to Microsoft, in terms of value for
money, Vista offers a lot more features than DOS. Linux is an
excellent alternative, unfortunately it lags behind in the key areas
of compatibility and ease of use. Since Windows is used by the
majority of businesses and governments, children in particular need
access to this system to improve their chances of employment.
Consequently, a lot of the poorer people in the world, using second
hand PCs, resort to using counterfeit software, if they have a PC at
all.
What is needed is an affordable alternative to this which will run
well on second user hardware. I would suggest "XP Free", a free
commercial version of XP Home Edition. By restricting this version to
1GB or RAM and a single processor core, it would not compromise sales
of Vista, yet it would provide a legal license of Windows to those who
can only just afford to own a PC. An "add-lock" could also be fitted
to the software, so that a 30-second advertisement would be downloaded
and appear on the PC when first going on line, which would generate
revenue for Microsoft.
If the internet is to be a true forum for the advancement of mankind,
then it is crucial to get the developing world online as soon as
possible.