The government views the use of Microsoft systems, developed by U.S.-based Microsoft Corp, as a potential threat because it says U.S. security agencies have access to Microsoft codes.
Also, the long-standing U.S. trade embargo against the island makes it difficult for Cubans to get Microsoft software legally and to update it.
"Getting greater control over the informatic process is an important issue," said Communications Minister Ramiro Valdes, who heads a commission pushing Cuba's migration to free software.
Cuba, which is 90 miles from Florida, has been resisting U.S. domination in one form or another since Fidel Castro took over Cuba in a 1959 revolution.
Younger brother Raul Castro replaced the ailing 82-year-old leader last year, but the U.S.-Cuba conflict goes on, now in the world of software.
Cuba to fight Microsoft with Linux
Posted on Saturday, February 14 2009 @ 5:06 CET by Thomas De MaesschalckReuters reports the Cuban government has unveiled a new Linux variant named Nova, it was introduced at a Havana computer conference on technological sovereignty and is aimed to replace the Microsoft Windows operating system running most of the island's computers.
