OLPC, Microsoft working on dual-boot Windows / Linux system

We already knew Microsoft was at least toying around with putting Windows on the OLPC XO, but it looks like things have just gotten quite a bit more serious, with the OLPC folks now saying that they're working "very closely" with Microsoft to develop a dual-boot Windows / Linux system for the laptop. What's more, Nick Neg himself reportedly said that the version of Windows that's now up and running on the XO is "very fast" and "very, very successful." There's no word just yet as to when we might actually see such a system be released, however, but OLPC is apparently now talking with Microsoft and "possibly" the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation about putting the XO to use in some of the education programs Microsoft runs in developing countries, a possibility that Negroponte says is "really cooking at the moment."

[Rob @ Jan 9th 2008 12:28PM]

Damn MS, always sticking their dirty fork in everyones food. Why would these kids need a proprietary OS, when a free one like Linux is doing fine. Negroponte would be an idiot and defeating the purpose of getting these pc's into the poor. They don't need to be indoctrinated into the MS world. If they think that what Intel has been doing was bad, wait till MS gets their OS into these machines. Damn.

[Juice @ Jan 9th 2008 12:34PM]

True. And I wish Engadget would stop saying "Nick Neg". I think I got them to stop saying "Lappy".

[paragraph @ Jan 9th 2008 12:34PM]

I disagree totally

Microsoft isn't forcing anything. It's Dual Boot for One.

Windows is the worlds most popular operating system (not for the right reasons, but it's a valid argument) and by not supporting it the XO is behind from the start. If the XO ran XP Embedded, or even CE, it would be a step in the right direction. There are plenty of Free programs available for Windows that would help users cope with the fact that everyone and thier momma is running windows.

Ideally, this would mean something like Windows XP for Emerging Markets, or XP Embedded, both of these will support any freeware that runs on XP. If they went the CE route they would be limited, but not in the dark.

OLPC is doing the right thing working with Microsoft, however, they need to make sure they don't get too consumed.

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Jan 9th 2008 12:38PM]

Why is it going to be bad? Are you going to back that statement up with facts, or are you just going to keep it open-ended?

[SuperPrime @ Jan 9th 2008 12:38PM]

I agree with paragraph.

This is about the kids not about pushing the linux agenda or windows down their throats. The skill to operate the world's most popular OS is an important one. Even if popular!=best.

[Rob @ Jan 9th 2008 12:46PM]

@ paragraph, no they'd be going in the worst direction by adopting XP. They don't need it. What is wrong with promoting a non-proprietary OS and programs? Why go the MS route and indoctrinate these kids into MS's reign? What's the need in that other than to benefit MS spread their brain washing of making people believe that MS's OSs are the only choice available.

The moment Billy Gates comes out and says "MS will be picking up the tab so all these kids can have free access to computers using our OS Windows XP." If I had the money to participate in the BOGO, I would not do it knowing that XP will go with it. Why should I finance MSs business plans to spread their reign? It's not an anti MS or fanboy nonsense either. It's the fact that Linux works perfectly fine, and it's already free without any financial attachments.

[KidDooc @ Jan 9th 2008 1:08PM]

I think the OS is besides the point. Getting one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world, with tons of clout in developing countries, is a great addition to the OLPC initiative.

From a selfish standpoint, I'd love to be able to dual-boot (or tripple boot, Steve Jobs), my OLPC. The interface is an interesting one, but I think there a easier-to-use Linux and Windows distributions.

KidDoc

[Rob @ Jan 9th 2008 12:58PM]

@ SuperPrime, keep thinking that. When was the last time MS did something out of the kindness of their hearts??? Please. Open up your eyes and see them for what they are; another mega corporation looking after itself. If you don't think MS attempt is to indoctrinate these kids and eventually "shove it down their throats", then you haven't been paying attention at their history.

I have a question for you, try going into a Best Buy, Circuit City, or any retailer and tell them that you want the pc, but without the OS. They'd say "well, you can always format the hard drive and install whatever you want." Sure, most geeks can do that. But, not the majority of the non-geek oriented crow, which is probably more than 90% of pc users. Oh, but the Geek Squad would do it for you, for a fee that is. But, ask them "ok, I'd reformat. But, I don't want to pay for the copy included that I'm being forced to pay for even if I don't want it." Well, you can't do that, can you. Is that shoving down your throat or not??? And yes, I'm also aware of Dell selling their pc's with Ubuntu. But, it's the brain conditioning of MS that bothers me. And the fact that you guys don't see their attempts for what they are is just mind blowing.

[DrXym @ Jan 9th 2008 1:07PM]

Maybe MS are giving a big slab of money to the project for this privilege. In which case, let them work on their dual-boot system. Personally I wonder why the hell any educational laptop needs Windows on it. Why subject administrators to the grief of restoring a complex OS that some kid has trashed? The dedicated Sugar interface makes more sense especially if it means less administration because the kid is confined to the environment that has been specifically designed for them.

[ldrn @ Jan 9th 2008 1:29PM]

Ok, XP I understand, but Windows CE? What's the point in that? I don't think the target audience needs better Exchange compatibility, and that's pretty much it as far as advantages over Linux with *CE* goes...

[abadtooth @ Jan 9th 2008 1:45PM]

I don't mind it very much.. it will give these kids a platform in which to test out certain binarys... *Cough* Cough*

[macona @ Jan 9th 2008 3:26PM]

Linux is just as proprietary of an OS as windows is, maybe even more so. Can you run out of the box Windows and Apple software? Nope!

Windows is unfortunately (Or fortunately if you are IT in a big company) the most popular software in the world with the greatest library of software. That in itself makes it the least proprietary software. Until the day you can insert disc with software from ANY os and have it run natively with no issues will it be truly a non-proprietary system.

[adrian @ Jan 9th 2008 12:39PM]

That's the problem. In the long run the OLPC will be consumed, Microsoft will make sure of that.

[Scott @ Jan 9th 2008 1:27PM]

Narrator: In A.D. 2008, war was beginning.

OLPC: What happen ?

Third World Country: Somebody set up us the bomb.
Third World Country: We get signal.

OLPC: What!

Third World Country: Main screen turn on.

OLPC: It's you!!

Microsoft: How are you gentlemen!!
Microsoft: All your base are belong to us.
Microsoft: You are on the way to destruction.

OLPC: What you say!!

Microsoft: You have no chance to survive make your time.
Microsoft: Ha Ha Ha Ha ....

Third World Country: Captain!! *

OLPC: Take off every 'ZIG'!!
OLPC: You know what you doing.
OLPC: Move 'ZIG'.
OLPC: For great justice.

[BigD145 @ Jan 9th 2008 12:44PM]

Windows 2k would run better. I know because I've used it with slow processors and very little RAM. It would do the same work with much of the same functionality.

[ssuk @ Jan 9th 2008 2:31PM]

Windows XP can run on an 8Mhz Processor and 20MB of RAM. The main problem is hard drive space. Windows XP needs a fair bit, a bit more than the OLPC laptops would accommodate.

[ssuk @ Jan 9th 2008 2:32PM]

Oh dear, forgot to post the 8Mhz/20MB RAM proof link: http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/02/25/installing-windows-xp-pro-on-8mhz-pc-with-20mb-ram/

[Kamal @ Jan 9th 2008 12:54PM]

I got an XO OLPC in the G1G1 program and while the hardware is impressive but the software leaves a lot to be desired. Having an alternative OS might not be a bad idea so long as the XO people are not doing it. They need to concentrate on the existing OS, fixing the bugs and improving usability.

[Dextro @ Jan 9th 2008 12:57PM]

Didn't Billy do the exact same thing to a school using linux boxes somewhere in Africa?

[Dextro @ Jan 9th 2008 12:57PM]

Didn't Billy do the exact same thing to a school using linux boxes somewhere in Africa?

[Todd @ Jan 9th 2008 12:59PM]

[ On screen message from dual boot OLPC in English, not whatever language the kid speaks ]
"...Windows XP firewall has detected an unsafe and possibly malicious program on your computer. The program:

LINUX OS

...can be deleted by clicking the OK button below."

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 9th 2008 1:02PM]

Define "fast"...

Half an hour?

[Prod1g3y @ Jan 9th 2008 1:11PM]

I agree with Paragraph... Having a real operating system that is more in line with what members of the first world community uses would be more beneficial for these people with XO laptops! IMHO

[silverblackvoid @ Jan 9th 2008 1:32PM]

fanboys or haters. microsoft influences everyone.

[sracer @ Jan 9th 2008 1:44PM]

I'm a G1G1-Day1Donor and am quite impressed with the XO. I would've been more impressed if it came preloaded with the Geoworks OS instead.

[samphilomath @ Jan 9th 2008 1:47PM]

I say make it dual-boot with Puppy Linux. It already had the puppy hears, so let us have the OS that go along with it. Beside, the specs are perfect for puppy, perfect.

[Chip @ Jan 9th 2008 2:15PM]

@Rob
If it takes a geek to format a HD, what do you think it takes to run Linux?

And what do you mean Linux is running fine on the XO? The stupid thing doesn't even do WPA-PSK wireless correctly. And hows that Flash working for ya. Dropping to a CLI to YUM out the old Flash install that you WGET'ed to install an older version of Flash that you just WGET'd via URLs that are 80 characters long doesn't sound easy, does it?

Ya, Linux is running just fine LOL

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 9th 2008 4:25PM]

I could have swore WPA PSK was an option the last time I was in the Network manager in Ubuntu 7.10, and I installed my flash plugin in Firefox just fine...

When was the last time you used Linux?

[Chip @ Jan 9th 2008 5:35PM]

Today would have been the last time I used Linux. I deal with it daily (and XP, Vista and monthly OSX). We're talking about the XO flavor of Linux. XO isn't loaded with Ubuntu.

You CAN do WPA-PSK on the OX, it just sucks. The procedure involves taking the SSID + PSK, entering them at a website form to generate the hex key to enter into the XO. Problem is, how do you get to the website to enter the info. Nice eh?

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 10th 2008 2:09PM]

Ah, then you don't mean Linux... you mean XO.

[Stimpski @ Jan 9th 2008 2:37PM]

@ KidDooc

"but I think there a easier-to-use Linux and Windows distributions" – be very careful with your words please. Users being familiar with a Windows and Linux user interface does not necessarily make that interface easy to use. You can have so much practice with a very bad UI that you can do tasks easily and fast.

Windows, Linux, and other "standard" OS UI's have the definite advantages of being familiar to many users, but I don't believe they represent perfect easy of use. The world takes for granted the Windows UI. I think the XO interface was a step in the right direction because it was challenging the assumptions of standard UI's. I would hate to see XO dumped for the tried and true XP interface from a creative point of view.

[Floyd @ Jan 9th 2008 2:45PM]

I don't know where they are going to get the storage space for both operating systems but if they somehow do get Windows on this, can Sugar replace Explorer?

in other words, nobody mentioned what running Windows means and surely python runs on Windows so therefore, Windows could be used to replace Linux in the same way Linux is part of the XO. It's just the OS under the user interface, Sugar.

But somehow, I don't believe Bill Gates believes that the worlds children should be getting laptops and possibly learn Python instead of some C# variant.

[robuka kenderle @ Jan 9th 2008 8:40PM]

@Macona: Do you know what proprietary software really means?

One thing you will learn as you grow up is that its better to keep you mouth shut and have people think youre stupid than it is to open it and confirm it.

[TheWakeUpCall @ Jan 9th 2008 6:35PM]

Treat the kids and put Mac on there :P

[ts @ Jan 10th 2008 8:28AM]

The OLPC also already runs Amiga OS, with Cloanto's Amiga Forever:

http://www.amigaforever.com/news-events/20080105oapc/

[macona @ Jan 9th 2008 11:21PM]

@robuka kenderle

The best definition that fits the computer industry would be: "Owned by a private individual or corporation under a trademark or patent." Windows is owned by Microsoft, OS X is owned by Apple. Now technically no one "Owns" Linux but the GPL does control how you develop it and IP right as you use it.

Now there is Hardware Proprietary and Software Proprietary. For example old computers were very proprietary. Macs were some of the only computers that used NuBus backplanes, Apple Desktop Bus for Keyboards and Mice. IBM had microchannel and all sorts of proprietary hardware that was virtually identical to standard products in exception to firmware where it would only run IBM system (eg. Exabyte 8mm tape drives) Early CD-ROM drives external and internal often had proprietary interfaces that would only work with certain controller.

Retail consumer orientated computers have now standardized to a point where they are no longer hardware proprietary. Pretty much everyone uses the same connectors as everyone else wether it be USB, PCI, AGP, IEEE 1384, ATX, etc. Hardware is almost always pin compatible and all that is needed for operation is the correct driver software.

As for software proprietary all software is proprietary to their "owners" or the operating system they run on. Yes, the Linux kernal can be modified to be run on just about any hardware out there but unless you are ready to write the rest of the interface it is just as hardware proprietary as Windows. Just because Linux is free does not make it less proprietary than the $400 Vista Ultimate. It will still only natively run software specifically coded for Linux. Emulation layers do not count.

When the industry and world standard is software that runs under MS Windows and you write software that does not then that is the truly proprietary software. Microsoft is not standing there telling you you cannot code for windows unless they allow it. All the people who write software for linux could (and often do) write version for Windows and Mac.

So like I said, until you have one operating system that will execute code from any other operating system there is no non-proprietary software.

[parthiban @ Feb 11th 2008 8:45AM]

I want to now here I can get this one laptop per children laptop in UAE. I am looking to purchase this laptop.Please tell me where its avaliable in UAE

Thank's & Regard's,
Parthiban,
00971-50-9067718