South Korea to promote Linux use

South Korea will begin a program later this year to promote the use of Linux in the public sector, according to a report on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Information and Communication said it will provide a total of 3 billion won (US$2.95 million) this year for government agencies that want to use Linux and other open-source software, Asia Pulse reported.

Linux has gained ground in Asia and other emerging areas despite Microsoft's efforts to promote its Windows operating system. In Brazil, for instance, the government is set to launch a program next month to help low-income citizens buy their first PC. That program may favor Linux and free software over Windows, according to reports.

Microsoft has launched a low-cost Windows initiative in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. But that program is off to a slow start, according to analysts and computer dealers.