In the test, PC buyers paid a down payment and took home a basic Windows PC. To use the PC, buyers had to purchase a card that extended so many hours of usage. When the number of hours expired, a new card was required to continue using the PC. After so many hours of usage, the PC would unlock and become unlimited property of the buyer.

Microsoft and its partners plan additional tests, beginning in India and including China, Hungary, Mexico, Russia, Slovenia and Vietnam.

Windows Vista Starter, which Microsoft has talked very little about to the press, is apparently being specifically designed to fit into future tests in emerging markets. Efforts like these could one day help welcome many new minds into the business and technology worlds. There are long-term effects from these efforts that could affect education, globalization, the world economy, outsourcing, the future of the tech industry and more.

Conclusion

Parting thoughts