The document discusses the advantages and limitations of the OLPC XO laptop, highlighting its fantastic hardware and software yet acknowledging its performance issues. It introduces cloud computing as a solution to enhance the XO's capabilities by providing additional memory, processing power, and reducing the need for extensive hardware maintenance. The author expresses a preference for simpler, greener, and more cost-effective computing solutions while emphasizing the importance of cloud services in achieving these goals.

2. The OLPC has amazing hardware...

3. What do we like about the xo? ...and the software has great aspects, too...

4. On the other hand... It can be sloooooooooooooow It won't do many things at once ...and when did I agree to be a system administrator? It can run out of memory

5. What can fill the gaps? How about help from someone else's computer? No matter how remarkable it is, the xo has limits

6. Cloud computing is a metaphor for linking computers via the Internet

7. Web mail got me started…

8. ...then web productivity tools…

9. ...now a game-changer: Imagine... Not just a program on the web, or even my files, but a whole computer!

14. But is this really safe? As a child, I kept my money safe and ready on my own... but now having others do it makes more sense.

15. So, what's the point here, for us? Cloud computing extends the xo beyond some limitations more memory extra programs that do more things more easily extra processing power Cloud computing means worrying less about computer hardware and software when and how to back up data whether to upgrade the operating system If someone else takes care of these chores can it using open source software? can it happen for free?

16. What's the big picture? Cloud computing changes what to look for in a computer: Simpler Lighter Greener Easier to administer Cheaper ...in other words, computing the world can afford!

17. Try it yourself! What to look for (more or less available) Free (no cost), and better still free and open source No software to download so it's ok to use at work Secure (wish I knew exactly what that means!) Runs passably on the xo Evolves over time Ad/logo free Adaptable Music Fun ! Where to explore ?

18. About me Kim Toufectis I'm an architect and planner Learning low cost computing is a hobby I still don't want to be my own system administrator Despite some major missteps, I like OLPC and its mission Some fine print Considerations Some of these tools are not free and open source software Some of these tools insist on Adobe Flash Player I've tested them on the xo's Firefox activity You need internet connectivity! My specifics may be wrong It still isn't FAST ...