We've all been reading news about various PC companies that are attempting to do their part to try and get PCs and Internet access in remote areas of the world. During the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, Intel CEO Paul Otellini spoke about what Intel is doing to help countries in developing nations. The first step being taken is to get teachers familiarized with the technology that they will be using with the class. Then, low-cost, reliable hardware for the school is necessary. Intel has worked to educate teachers and get the low-cost hardware that is necessary.

Intel has developed the Classmate PC -- a ~$250 notebook that is offered to students in developing nations. Intel expects the cost of the laptop to drop to around $200 once it begins shipping in greater numbers. The cost could drop even further if an open source operating system such as Linux is installed on the laptops. Although obviously not utilizing cutting-edge hardware, the laptops do exactly what they are intended to do – help students learn. “There is clearly a new world ahead,” Otellini said during the IDF opening keynote. The company hopes to give away thousands of PCs and properly train teachers across the world.

Intel has also created a wireless, high-speed Internet network for people in an Amazonian town. The network is setup so that the residents in Parintins, a town located on an island in the middle of the Amazon River, can view things like educational and medical web sites online. With the help of the Brazilian government and partnering companies, Intel was able to install a WiMAX network in a healthcare center, Amazon University, two public schools and a community recreational center.

It is nice to see companies trying to help spread education and technology to regions of the world that aren't as technologically lucky as us.