Microsoft has confirmed that it is to start selling its cut-down, wallet-friendly, version of Windows in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Russia. The cut-down version of Windows XP is already available in Thailand for about half the price of the full featured edition. A pilot programme started there in late September.

Kenneth Lundin, Microsoft's Asia Pacific boss for desktop operating systems, told Reuters that Windows XP Starter Edition will go on sale in Indonesia and Malaysia by the end of this month and in India and Russia early next year. He said the software aimed to give more people access to technology. It also aims to reduce use of pirated copies of Microsoft products.

The software provides the basic features of XP, is available in local languages and is designed for new computer users. It is only available to PC manufacturers - not as retail software. ®

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