Cambridge, MA (AHN) - Microsoft Windows is now an option for inexpensive computers sold by the 'One Laptop Per Child' organization. Students using the laptop will be able to choose running Windows or the group's own Linux-based operating system.

Offering Windows will boost the price of the $100 laptop by between $18 and $20 to pay for the addition of the Microsoft software and hardware changes, such as space for more required memory.

Although Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates had earlier derided the laptop designed for schoolchildren around the world, adding Windows may convince more countries to purchase the laptop for schoolkids, organization founder Nicholas Negroponte believes.