‘Dumb’ Computers May Be Smart Move

Thu., March 13, 1997

Associated Press

Departing from their drive toward ever-more powerful computers, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday threw their might behind a new breed of “dumber” machines that cut corporate computing costs.

Intel, the biggest maker of microprocessor chips, and Microsoft, the No. 1 PC software maker, said they developed a set of common technical standards to help manufacturers build the so-called “Net PCs.”

The computers, expected to go on sale this summer, are cheaper for businesses to maintain than personal computers because they would download software via the Internet - instead of requiring each PC’s hard-drive to be periodically updated with new software.

The computers are pitched as saving thousands of dollars annually for each desktop. Other savings would result from the ability to remotely make repairs and troubleshoot problems.

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‘Dumb’ Computers May Be Smart Move

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