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Though long in the shadow of the U.S. when it comes to computing, Latin America is home to a number of fast-growing regions, including Brazil--already the world's fifth largest PC market.
In the last few years there has been a massive shift in the PC market. While there has been continued growth, new regions account for much of that growth. Though many of the world's fastest-growing technology markets are in Asia and Eastern Europe, a number of them are in our own hemisphere, including Brazil.
While the factors leading to growth in Brazil are some of the same seen in other emerging markets--access to credit, a growing middle class, government support--the country has some unique attributes that set it apart from other growing regions.
It's a hotbed for open-source software and home to some of the most sophisticated banking systems in the world. At the same time, a combination of geography and economics has left millions on the other side of the digital divide.
To explore these issues, CNET News' Ina Fried spent two weeks in Brazil and Colombia earlier this year, visiting several dozen computing projects and conducting more than 100 interviews both during the trip and over the last several months.
Through stories, blogs, photos, and interactive panoramas, CNET News has tried to get a glimpse into the rich and complicated intersections of society and technology in Latin America.
Day 1: An emerging market faces challenges
As a PC sales market, Brazil is unquestionably strong, but it's also a place where abject poverty abounds.
Day 2: Digital inclusion, but how?
While hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on digital-inclusion projects in Latin America, many of the programs start and end with the technology.
Day 3: Brazil's love of Linux
The open-source software definitely gets a warm reception here, but its role can easily be overestimated, too.
Day 4: Students get a new Classmate
A look inside one of Latin America's largest one-to-one computing efforts.Photos
Day 1: Inside Brazil's slums
Paraisopolis, one of Brazil's slums, has a computer lab connected to a health clinic and community center.
Day 2: Empowering youth
One project has transformed a crime-ridden area with a neighborhood-wide learning center.
Day 3: Improving accessibility
Some of the most striking nonprofits in Brazil help people with disabilities connect to the Net and jobs.
Day 4: Up close and one-to-one
Here's a look at a school that is home to one of the largest one-to-one computing projects in Latin America.
Videos
Exploring tech in South America
CNET News' Ina Fried sits down with Kara Tsuboi to discuss her special report on computing in Latin America.
A 'Social Silicon Valley'
Journalist Gilberto Dimenstein transformed a Sao Paulo neighborhood filled with crime to one filled with learning.
The real power of the PC
Entrepreneur Rodrigo Baggio turned his attention to tech as a path to economic empowerment for the underprivileged.
Opportunities, obstacles in Brazil
IBM's Claudia Fan Munce, who grew up in Brazil, discusses open source, VC, and other tech forces in the country.
Up close with one-to-one computing
The Bradesco Foundation school is home to one of Latin America's largest one-to-one computing projects.
Related stories
In Sao Paulo, a 'social Silicon Valley'
Borders of Computing: The gear
Shopping for PCs, the Brazilian way
In Brazil, PC buyers accentuate Positivo
Microsoft shakes up emerging market unit
Taking PCs apart--and sending them back to school
Gates: Businesses need to embrace the poor
Exploring the borders of computing
News from around the Web
Intel's Classmate PC enrolls
PC World
Brazil: Free software's biggest and best friend
The New York Times
Brazil or bust: The great computer race
BusinessWeek
Brazil gives nod to open source
Wired
Brazil falls in love with Linux
BBC News
Credits
Editors: Mike Ricciuti, Desiree Everts
Design: Susan Dove
Production: Kenny Ash
