vincevincevince - 6:07 am on May 17, 2008 (gmt 0)

One does wonder if these countries (e.g. Egypt) have looked at the larger picture before requiring Windows. To me, to have a generation who are able to be highly productive in an open source environment would put a developing nation far ahead of developed countries.

When you are playing catch up, you just follow the path trodden by those who picked that path to suit them best. Cutting your own path means you end up with a result which suits you best and leads you to being the leader in the field.

Linux proficiency opens the door to cost effective computer use across a country, saving money on every single seat. Industry, government and education alike benefit from this. In terms of social consequences, it teaches people to take control and that they can achieve great success without having to spend money on expensive services from big western-based businesses.

When they say that Windows opens job opportunities, they forget that so does open source proficiency. With a growth in the use of linux in a country spurred on by the OLPC programme, these disadvantaged children could quickly become the most sought after employees, bringing with them years of practical linux experience to the workplace.