MICROSOFT’S Windows XP Starter Edition is now available in four languages.

Dubbed Windows XP Starter Edition Multi Language (WinXP SE ML), the new operating system allows users to choose between Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil.

Abdul Rahman Abu Haniffa, Microsoft Malaysia's public sector strategic engagement director said this multilingual version is the only one available in the world.

The OS is targeted at beginners and features comprehensive help guides for them to better understand their PC.

“It is a great teaching tool for children as the help guides have both text and graphics as well as video,” said Abdul Rahman.

Also included in the OS is the Getting Started Guide, which consists of 13 chapters of video tutorials for beginners.

Users can change between languages by inserting a CD then clicking the “choose language” icon. The language will be changed once the computer is rebooted.

The OS also features a virtual keyboard, which can be used to input text in simplified Chinese and Tamil.

Users only have to input the Romanised spelling of a word and it will be converted to either Mandarin or Tamil script.

Microsoft has locked down a few functions found on regular versions of Windows XP in order to help users familiarise themselves with the PC.

For example, users will not be able to move the Start toolbar and they are limited to three open applications and windows at a time.

Some technical upgrades for this version include extending the maximum system requirements on the hard drive from 40GB to 80GB, increasing RAM from 128MB to 256MB and enhancing the screen resolution to 1,024 x 768pixels from 800 x 600pixels.

WinXPSE ML will be available in June and will be distributed via OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).

Customers who purchased the Windows XP Starter Edition Bahasa Malaysia version will be given a free upgrade to the WinXP SE ML once it is released, Microsoft said. – JO TIMBUONG