Microsoft has launched in India a multilingual version of Windows XP Starter Edition, its low-cost, stripped-down version of the Windows XP operating system.
Although the Starter Edition has been introduced in a number of emerging economies, this is the first time that the operating system will support multiple local languages and English.
A spokeswoman for Microsoft India said today that, users would be able to switch between Tamil, Hindi or English interfaces. By the end of this year, Nine local languages will be supported.
Versions of the Starter Edition in other Indian languages may also be considered depending on user response, the company said.
Microsoft also announced that HCL Infosystems will be offering from April PCs based on the Starter Edition, on installments of about $9 per month for an entry level PC. The PC will include Microsoft's entry level productivity application called Works 8, anti-virus software, and educational content. Broadband connectivity will be offered at additional cost.
Windows XP Starter Edition Features :
Although the Starter Edition has been introduced in a number of emerging economies, this is the first time that the operating system will support multiple local languages and English.
A spokeswoman for Microsoft India said today that, users would be able to switch between Tamil, Hindi or English interfaces. By the end of this year, Nine local languages will be supported.
Versions of the Starter Edition in other Indian languages may also be considered depending on user response, the company said.
Microsoft also announced that HCL Infosystems will be offering from April PCs based on the Starter Edition, on installments of about $9 per month for an entry level PC. The PC will include Microsoft's entry level productivity application called Works 8, anti-virus software, and educational content. Broadband connectivity will be offered at additional cost.
Windows XP Starter Edition Features :
- Localized and tailored support. Windows XP Starter Edition features a redesigned help system, called My Support, which includes a built-in, detailed Getting Started Guide. In addition, Windows XP Starter Edition features local language instructional videos designed specifically for first-time PC users.
- Localized customization. With Windows XP Starter Edition, users can choose from country-specific wallpapers and screensavers with familiar landscapes, flags and geography-specific traditional designs.
- Preconfigured settings. Windows XP Starter Edition will help reduce confusion regarding setup options for entry-level users by preconfiguring advanced settings and enabling the Windows Firewall by default.
- Simplified task management. With Windows XP Starter Edition, first-time home PC users can have up to three programs and three windows per program running concurrently. Further simplification of the operating system includes setting a maximum display resolution of 1024x768 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.
- Internet connectivity. Windows XP Starter Edition makes it simple to connect to the Internet and browse the Web.
- Software and hardware compatibility. Windows XP Starter Edition will be compatible with a wide range of Windows-based software applications and hardware devices, including printers, speakers and cameras.
- Windows user interface. The intuitive Windows user interface makes it easy for users to get up to speed quickly.
- Security. Windows XP Starter Edition users will be able to stay up to date and more secure with the latest security updates delivered in Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies.
- Communication. Windows Messenger will help make it fun and easy to communicate with friends and family through real-time text messaging.
- Digital photography. Users simply plug in a digital camera, and easy-to-use tools help users store photos, share photos with family and friends, post photos to a Web site, or even make their own prints with one of the many printers currently supported by Windows XP.
- Digital music and video. Windows XP Starter Edition includes Windows Media®Player 9 Series, which allows users to listen to music and watch videos.
- PC with a Celeron, Celeron D, Celeron M, Duron, Geode, Sempron or similar processor; 233 MHz processor clock speed required and 300 MHz or higher recommended
- 64 MB of RAM; 256 MB of RAM maximum
- 1.5 GB of available hard disk space, 80 GB maximum hard disk space
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- Super VGA video adaptor and monitor
- Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device