Article Source MoblinZone
The Chinese government is using computers based on the Moblin software stack and the Intel Atom processor to help boost development and incomes in rural China. By making low-cost, powerful netbooks and nettops available in rural areas, China is providing new outlets and opportunities for the tens of millions of Chinese who live in rural villages away from the cities where China’s economic boom is concentrated.
Using a version of Red Flag Linux built on the Moblin stack and nettops and netbooks built on the Atom processor, the Go Rural program is helping the Chinese government close the digital divide by promoting the use of computers in villages throughout China. Red Flag, a leading Chinese software vendor of Open Source products, productized the Moblin stack and provided Moblin based netbooks and nettops from local Chinese PC OEMs for the projects.
To encourage rural residents to purchase computers, in February, 2009, the Chinese government began offering subsidies of up to 13 percent for residents in rural areas who purchase qualifying computers.
In addition to Internet connectivity, the Moblin-based systems run a variety of applications specifically aimed at helping villagers develop their businesses and new sources of income.
