Bladewatch.com

BBC News

Software originally developed for the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project can now be used to power any old PC.

Sugar on a Stick, as it is known, can be run from a USB drive to give aging PCs a new look and access to collaborative educational software.

The operating system is designed for use by children and was announced at the LinuxTag conference in Berlin.

It has been developed by Sugar Labs, a breakaway organisation from OLPC.

“Sugar on a Stick is a great way to try Sugar without touching your computer’s hard disk,” said Walter Bender, founder of Sugar Labs.

The release could dramatically increase the use of the free software, which has until now been predominantly distributed with the XO laptop, the machine sold be OLPC.

The child-friendly computers, originally marketed as the $100 (£60) laptop, currently cost $199 (£120) each. Sugar on a stick, however, can be used on any machine.

“It is also well-suited to slower, older PCs and low-powered netbooks,” said Mr Bender.

It’s great news that we can bring further operating system options to extend the life of older pcs, particularly if it delivers the functionality that we’re aiming to provide without the associated additional licensing or support costs. I just wonder though, could we not be looking at reducing the cost of the pc itself and bundling in this new operating system? My only concern is that I’m all for improving the accessibility of IT to everyone, it brings new opportunities for revenue, for free communication and discussion, but should we not be doing this with a degree of environmental and energy efficiency in mind? Should we not in essence be decommissioning those computers that are possibly nearing end of life, will offer poorer energy efficiency and user experience, dare I suggest that anything older than say a G4 or a P500 might get recycled?

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