China bans Windows 8 on Govt computers

China has announced the ban of Windows 8 installations on government computers which is a blow for Microsoft's bid to promote the operating system.

An announcement was made in the effect that desktop, laptop and tablet personal computers bought for government use must use a different operating system. However no explanation for the move was given. 

According to state news agency Xinhua, move by China was a precaution against malware after end of support by Microsoft in the last month for Windows XP, which is estimated to be the preferred choice by almost half of all Chinese computers.

The ban has put a spanner on Microsoft's hopes of capturing more of the sizeable Chinese desktop market.

According to some experts, the Chinese move is in sync with the accusations and counter-claims exchanges between US and China over five indictments handed out by US federal prosecutors to Chinese military officers for alleged cyber espionage.