In the last few months the Thai Government has begun to offer its citizens Linux loaded machines. The desktops are sold for 10,900 Bhatt ($260) for Linux and $296 for windows. In this scheme, the Government has guaranteed sales of at least 1,00,000 desktops to the members of the Thai computer manufacture association. Brainchild of Thai's new information minister, Surapong Svebuonglee, this scheme appears to be a success already. Rebecca Buckman, of the WSJ reported on Aug 14 that 1,34,000 desktops have been ordered so far.

Dawn of a new age? Out of a world population of 6 billion, almost 3 billion people suffer from poverty, hunger and lack of education. These problems obviously, can't be solved at once. Thailand is setting a precedent with its newest project to fight illiteracy. It is interesting to note that Governments are using innovative ways of achieving goals though the use of technology.

A new Age, if we can...