China bans government agencies from installing Windows 8

China has banned government agencies from using Microsoft's latest Windows 8 operating system, a blow to the software maker that has long struggled to sell its products in the world's most populous country, Reuters reported on May 20.

Photo is for illustration purposes only. (Source: AP)

In a notice posted on its website last week, the Central Government Procurement Centre (CGPC) banned the installation of Windows 8 on government computers as part of a drive to use energy-efficient products.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the ban is aimed at ensuring computer security after Microsoft stopped supporting the Windows XP operating system, which is widely used in China.

However, neither the Chinese government nor Xinhua said how the ban would promote the use of energy-saving products or ensure security.

Responding to this move, Microsoft issued a statement stating: "We are surprised to learn that Windows 8 was mentioned in the above notice. Microsoft has proactively cooperated with CGPC and other government agencies (of China) through the assessment process to ensure that our products and services meet all government requirements"./.

According to Vietnam +