[sugar] Sugar\Windows won't ship

[Albert Cahalan]

Let's imagine this several ways, and see why it won't happen.
First consider what a faithful Sugar\Windows system would be like.

a. the familiar "Start" menu is gone
b. regular Windows programs like Word can't run
c. OS config GUI stuff is (must be) rewritten from scratch

I doubt anybody wants that. Stand up and shout if you do.
It is pointless, because Windows compatibility has been lost.

If Nicolas Nigroponte takes that to a potential buyer, the first
complaint will be that Sugar\Windows isn't "real" Windows.
The edutainment junk won't run, the kids wouldn't learn the
normal Windows interface used in business, and regular Windows
users won't be able unable to support the strange mess.

The next demand is obvious: eliminate Sugar.

Not that many wouldn't jump for joy, but the price isn't worth it.
(price: loss of localization, loss of trojan protection, loss of
educational value, loss of nearly all volunteer support and nearly
all volunteer development help, power management problems, etc.)

Given how the Sugar\Windows idea seems to just assume compatiblity
with regular Windows stuff, it is entirely unfair to Sugar/Linux.
Sugar/Linux could easily have compatibility with regular Linux stuff,
but this has been denied despite strong demand.

Somebody is getting a bait-and-switch. I'm not sure who, but I would
bet that it is the Sugar fans rathar than the Windows fans. One may
even note that Sugar\Windows is a political way to ditch Sugar.