Wow, now this is a big deal. With the purchase of 4 million Linux-Powered OLPC laptops, this ought to do wonder to get the Linux love out there to the masses and also to make the mainstream public more familiar with what Linux is.

A spokesperson for the One Laptop Per Child program reported July 31 that the countries of Nigeria, Brazil, Argentina and Thailand have each committed to purchase 1 million Linux laptops through the U.S.-based program.

Several media outlets reported last week that Nigeria had committed to buying 1 million of the laptops, and others reported (incorrectly) that $1 million worth of computers—or about 10,000 machines—had been requested by the African nation.

OLPC Program Director for Middle East and Africa Khaled Hassounah confirmed to DesktopLinux.com July 31 that Nigeria has indeed committed to buy 1 million machines, and then revealed that Brazil, Argentina and Thailand also have placed similar commitments…. Source: eWeek