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Linux LiveCD lets developers get a working framework for developing OLPC-targeted applications

The Linux-based OS powering the One Laptop Per Child's XO laptop has taken another step forwards into fruition. Until now, the closest that the general public has been able to look at the operating system has been static screenshots and the occasional blurry YouTube video; but no longer.

A LiveCD has been released on the RedHat download site. Weighing in at a paltry 291MB, it gives OLPC developers and any other curious individuals a glimpse of the experience the "$100 laptop" will offer. For those that don't wish to check it out personally, screenshots are available from LinuxQuestions.org showcasing the interface and some applications including the lightweight web browser.

While the operating system isn't designed to support hardware outside of the XO's specifications, it runs remarkably well on a variety of machines - at least well enough to allow prospective coders to test their applications for hopeful submission into the OLPC's development site. However, there are still no plans to offer the OLPC through standard retail channels.

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By shabby on 4/10/2007 9:35:21 PM , Rating: 2
Where can we buy this $100 laptop? :D




RE: ...
By cheetah2k on 4/10/2007 9:59:12 PM , Rating: 2
It only sells for US$100 in batches of 1,000,000,000

For the rest of us, US$999 ea


RE: ...
By xsilver on 4/10/2007 10:02:49 PM , Rating: 2
the other option is of course to move to a 3rd world country and then rid yourself of all worldly possessions.

the problem then is that $100US would be 3 months wage. :D


RE: ...
By Mitch101 on 4/11/2007 9:49:17 AM , Rating: 2
E-Bay the first week they are distributed. Not to mention the guy who registers as 10 different people and receives all 10 for himself.

Also expect a million nigerian e-mail scam messages as a lot of bad people now have a new way to make money from thier free laptop.

Sad but you can bet its going to happen.


RE: ...
By Rollomite on 4/11/2007 10:21:36 AM , Rating: 2
I was hoping that I could read through the posts and not see the "Nigerian" element pop up. I suppose I was just hoping for too much. Bring on the posts about how these people can use food and clothing more than a laptop. It's the same song and dance everytime.

Rollo


RE: ...
By TomZ on 4/11/2007 4:22:08 PM , Rating: 2
In my view, there are valid arguments on both side of the "OLPC debate." It comes down to a decision on the part of individual governments to decide how they spend their limited resources. If they think technology will help, then they can invest in OLPC. If they think more education, food, water can help more, then they will not buy OLPC. So in the end, it's not really up to us to decide.


RE: ...
By mindless1 on 4/12/2007 9:17:01 AM , Rating: 2
So you support patting starving children on the head then sending them on their way with a laptop they are too weak to even carry around?

It's not song and dance to realize what basic human needs are. Maybe in your spoiled life you have no clue about what it's like in some areas of the 3rd world.


RE: ...
By Vanilla Thunder on 4/23/07, Rating: 0
Will this run Crysis???
By tdawg on 4/11/2007 1:38:11 AM , Rating: 2
Also, what kind of frame rates can one expect in Quake4?!!!

Just kidding, of course. The interface actually looks kinda cute. From the screenshots it looks like it'll serve the project well. Part of me wants to try run it on a virtual PC, but I don't know what I'd do with it once it's installed.




RE: Will this run Crysis???
By Jack Ripoff on 4/11/2007 6:07:02 PM , Rating: 2
It's a LiveCD, you don't have to install it to try it out. It runs directly from the CD


I can't....
By rtrski on 4/10/2007 9:50:26 PM , Rating: 2
...unfortunately, work buys really cheap hardware, and they didn't spring for the laptops that rated the "OLPC-OS Capable" sticker.

Color me sad. :(




Not really...
By Zandros on 4/10/2007 10:09:23 PM , Rating: 2
Using a emulator such as Q or QEMU, one have been able to try out the XO OS through downloading the appropriate image off the project's wiki for a long time now.

It was terribly slow however, and I really didn't like the UI.




Neat
By ajfink on 4/11/2007 12:20:57 AM , Rating: 2
I think I'll try it out, just for fun :)




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