Najib: Language a barrier for those wishing to surf Net

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bahasa Malaysia version of Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition will be available next month.

Malaysia is one of five countries in the world selected to pilot the Windows XP Starter Edition. The others are Indonesia, Thailand, India and Russia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched the software yesterday, said it would accelerate Internet penetration (now at 18% of the 5.5million households) in the country.

He said language barrier, cost and technicality were among reasons why Malaysians did not use the Internet.

STARTER TUTORIAL: Najib (seated, seconf from left) being briefed by Butt after launching the Windows XP Starter Edition Friday.

Najib said the software, which has earned Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ personal approval, would make the Internet more accessible to those who were not fluent in English.

“We don’t want anyone to miss the Internet revolution.

“We cannot afford to wait. While we are trying to improve proficiency in English among the people at least two generations are Bahasa Malaysia-educated and they should not be bystanders in the revolution,” he said.

The Starter Edition includes basic features such as Internet connectivity, intuitive Windows user interface, advanced security technologies, Windows Messenger, digital photography support with user-friendly tools and Windows Media Player.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director Butt Wai Choon said a study by the software giant found that many non-PC users had reservations about using computers as they found it too complex and intimidating.

He said the Starter Edition comes with a video tutorial and Microsoft had developed a 7,000-word glossary for the Bahasa Malaysia version.

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