Sub-$200 Computers

There is a new trend of inexpensive computers (less than $200) being sold through retail stores like Wal-Mart and others. Part of the reason they can be sold inexpensively is that they use the free and open source Linux operating system, which alleviates the need for paying Microsoft licensing fees. These systems are great if you want to play with Linux, if you simply need a thin client to access a Windows Terminal Server, if you need a home system that primarily is used for internet browsing and email, or other similar uses. These systems will not run Windows applications like Microsoft Office, but with the trends of web-based applications and high-quality open source desktop applications like OpenOffice, these systems can be great solutions for specific purposes. If you have one home computer, but many family members, one of these systems may make sense. I will tell you in our home, we have a computer lab that has all major operating systems, including Mac, Windows and Linux, and that way our kids get exposure to these platforms. My son Jason is 2, and just loves his Ubuntu Linux desktop!