“A Bold Request: High School Student Asks Russian President for €1 Million to Revolutionize the PC Industry”
During his recent visit to a high school, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was presented with an unexpected proposal from student Marat Karatov. In a display of ambition, Karatov boldly requested 1 million euros (approximately $1.39 million) to fund the open-source ReactOS project, following a brief presentation.
ReactOS, based on the Windows NT architecture, aims to provide a fully functional alternative to Microsoft’s long-standing line of PC operating systems. Although still in its early alpha stages, the project managed to catch Medvedev’s attention with a demonstration of a ReactOS system booting up and running Windows-compatible programs. The president reportedly found the project “interesting,” but it’s unlikely that he will give it much thought beyond that.
It’s a missed opportunity, really. With proper funding, ReactOS has the potential to provide a unique solution to Russia’s rampant piracy issues. It would certainly require a significant amount of time and effort, but imagine if the project were successfully completed and replicated the Windows experience. It’s possible that the use of pirated copies would decrease in light of a free and open-source alternative. A contribution of one million euros from Medvedev, with the backing of the Russian government, could make a significant impact in ensuring that Russian consumers have access to the necessary functionality without facing potential legal consequences.
However, let’s be realistic. That scenario is unlikely to ever materialize. While flying under the radar may not draw much attention from Redmond, attempting to create a Windows-like operating system with the support of the Russian government would undoubtedly provoke a strong response. While Karatov certainly deserves credit for his boldness, it would be wiser for him to seek funding from other sources.
