The Register is reporting that as a part of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential program, the Redmond, Washington software giant is launching the Student Innovation Suite, a group of productivity programs stripped down to provide essential tools for learning computers - and to reduce cost. The suite includes Windows XP Starter Edition, a simplified version of Office, an email program and tools to facilitate learning. No word on the suite's total price, but Windows XP Starter Edition is rumored to retail at $3 - a price that, given the extremely limited capabilities of that version of the OS, seems very reasonable. The program will start selling to countries where the government provides computers to primary and secondary school students and move on to all low and middle income countries in 2008. Although a cynic might focus only on how this program is a clever way to boost Microsoft's clever brand, I applaud this move - global computer Literacy seems like a very good goal to have.