But for open source advocates it seems the Microsofts and Dells of the world can`t do anything right.

According to a press statement, AMD and Microsoft have agreed to “jointly support flexible business models for emerging markets powered by Microsoft FlexGo technology”. The purpose, “reflects both companies` efforts to bring affordable access to technology to consumers around the world”.

Sounds nice. But Microsoft could not offer further details and issued a rather terse follow-up: “Microsoft is currently working with our partners to investigate the viability of local programmes centred around pre-paid computing. We are not in a position to discuss those programmes at this time, but will release more information within the next few months.”