Irish speakers will now be able to work more easily in their chosen language following the launch today of an Irish edition of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.
The US software giant Microsoft developed software called Language Interface Packs (LIPs) in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout Ireland and NUI Maynooth and Dublin City University.
The LIP software allows the user to install an Irish language ‘skin’ on top of an existing installation of Windows XP and Microsoft Office, converting the older version to Irish.
This means that programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint will now be available with Irish language commands.
The Minister for the Gaeltacht, Rural and Community Affairs, Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, launched the Irish language versions of Microsoft Windows and Office in Dublin today. Both packs are free to download.
Minister Ó Cuív was joined at the launch by Mr. Joe Macri, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland and Mr. Seosamh MacDonncha, Chief Executive, Foras na Gaeilge.
Microsoft said the project was in response to huge interest in the idea of providing Windows XP in Irish and also marked the software company’s 20 years of investment in Ireland.