XP Lite

Microsoft released Windows XP Starter Edition in Southeast Asia on Wednesday.

CNN.com reports "The Starter Edition will ship on new, low-cost desktop PCs available through manufacturers and Microsoft distributors in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, the company said."

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".

Other downgrades include "display resolution set to 800x600 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.



I wonder if this is the precursor to being able to "buy" certain components of Windows. I'll have internet access, but not networking. Perhaps if three programs running concurrently isn't enough you can get an extra two for $9.95.

The full article is available from
CNN.Com.