OLPC to ship in July

The main goal is not just to provide a low-cost computer, but to help introduce a new approach to technology for children in developing markets. The driving focus of the project is that children are being taught the use of office applications instead of how to create and develop new things.

To achieve its goal of transforming the learning process, OLPCs will come with a slim and unique version of Linux that is geared towards education. Instead of the conventional windows and files approach, the home screen of these computers will be centered on a stick-figure icon. A white ring surrounding the stick-figure will display all programs that the student is currently running. The desktop (or “neighborhood” as the OLPC project terms it) also features a black frame that displays additional icons.