Microsoft Thinks Africa Doesn't Need Free Software

DIY News writes "Microsoft has claimed the cost of software is not an important issue in the developing world. According to MS, while you can give people free software or computers, they won't have the expertise to use it."

Linux

[Anonymous Coward]

Linux can cure hunger.

They know...

[axonal]

They seem to know how to use computers already! Excuse me while I go fax my banking information to the attorney of an imprisoned Prince whose country recently went into anarchy, I need to help transfer funds for him!

In other News...

[c0l0]

Nestle's CEO states that "Africa does not need bread and water, but Butterfinger and Nescafe".

Ah... so you can lead the coarse to water,

[mtec]

but you can't make them think?

Shame on you MS!

The easiest way to get free software to Africa

[dirtsurfer]

Just teach them to use bittorrent.

Re:No, they don't need free software

[rlanctot]

Ya jeez. They should be thinking about more important things, like keeping IP safe.

Re:Not just Microsoft are poorly-informed

[maxwell demon]

Let's just wait for the flood of misinformed replies flooding in here on Slashdot like they do every time a story about Africa is posted. I expect to see many stupid posts by slashdotters arguing "what's the use for computers if you don't have food?"

What's the use of food when you don't have computers? <gd&r>

Re:Linux

[pintomp3]

really? i thought it was the other way around. linux creates a hunger for more oos, while people get fed up with windows.

URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL

[OpperNerd]

Please reply through this e-mail address: [e-mail]

Dear Sir/Madam.

URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL.

This letter may come to you as a surprise since it is coming from someone
you have not met before. However, we decided to contact you based on a
satisfactory information we had about the western world, as regards
business information concerning your country and the safety of our funds
in a steady economy such as that of your country compared to our country
Nigeria, Africa. I am Neil Holloway, the president of Microsoft for Europe,
the Middle East and Africa. My close and trusted colleagues
and I need your assistance in the transfer of US$45.5 million into any
reliable Account you may nominate overseas.This fund was generated from
over-invoicing of contracts executed by the Microsoft under our control and
supervision. This fund is now ready to be remitted into any account we put
forward for that purpose.What we want from you is a good and reliable
company or personal account into which we shall transfer this fund.