Chinese PC makers told to install legal OS

The Chinese government is calling on computer manufacturers to make sure their machines include a legal operating system before they leave the factory.

The order was given in a notice issued jointly by the Ministry of Information Industry, the State Copyright Bureau, and the Ministry of Commerce.

The notice says all computers made within China's borders should include a pre-installed operating system. This mirrors comments from Microsoft, which has long criticised sales of "naked PCs" as helping pirates.

In February every year, computer manufacturers and operating systems providers will have to tell the government how many computers sold and operating systems installed.

A separate announcement calls on government departments to make sure their computers are legal.

The Chinese president is due to meet US president George Bush later this month when issues of piracy, counterfeiting, and intellectual property are expected to be raised.

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