Userful Corporation, the worldwide leader in multiseat Linux virtual
desktops, has announced a "Green Your School" giveaway in celebration of the
40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Userful is giving away 10 Userful Multiplier™ licenses (hardware not
included) to the first school in every country of the world to contact Userful
and sign up to claim them* with the goal of helping schools improve
student-to-computer ratios, and reduce their eco footprints at the same time.
Qualifying schools will have the opportunity to try an evaluation version of the
as yet unreleased Userful Multiplier V.3.8. Userful is also giving away a
free-2-user version of their software for home use. In 2009 Userful's software
that turns one PC into 10 saved over 200,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of
taking more than 35,000 cars off the road, or planting 50,000 acres of
trees!
Desktop computers sit idle while we check our e-mail, surf the web, or type a
document. Userful's shared resource computing software leverages this excess
computing power to create an environmentally efficient alternative to
traditional desktop computing. Up to 10 users can work independently on a single
computer at the same time, each with their own monitor, keyboard, mouse, and
applications. "Our customers in education have made it clear that to achieve
higher computer access to student ratios in the classroom, schools need more
affordable computing solutions that are easy to manage and use," said Bev
Gallagher, VP Strategic Partnerships at Userful. "Through our Green Your School
giveaway, schools will be able to deploy extremely low-cost computers that are
just that - easy to manage and use, with
the added benefit of lowering their
environmental footprint at the same time."
More than 30,000 schools around the world have already deployed over half a
million seats of Userful Multiplier, and are experiencing firsthand the benefits
this affordable solution can provide. With lower initial hardware costs, and
savings in ongoing electricity and maintenance costs, schools can expand access
to more students for the same budget, or have money left over to spend on other
classroom
technology. Using open source software, teachers can establish a
flexible computing experience tailored to the needs of the class. Students can
work on individual projects, while finding, using and sharing information
effectively, enhancing their productivity and learning experience. All this can
be done in the classroom, as well as a lab, since Userful Multiplier was
designed for nontechnical
professionals to set up and manage.
Userful's shared resource computing has additional earth-friendly benefits.
Electronic waste is an increasing problem globally due to the quick obsolescence
of electronics. This is compounded by the fact that computer waste is high in
many toxic materials such as heavy metals and flame-retardant plastics, which
easily leach into ground water and bio-accumulate. Using Userful solutions can
reduce electronic waste by up to 80%, further decreasing its environmental
footprint.
Education institutions are invited to contact Userful for their free licenses
at +1.403.289.2177 Ext. 795, or e-mail info@userful.com. Userful Multiplier licenses
must be activated by September 1, 2010.
More details on the promotion are available
at:http://userful.com/green-pcs/free-school-computers
Need an extra PC around the house? Userful is also giving away a free-2-user
version of its software for personal use that gives you a second computer for
free! This is the perfect way to reduce line-ups for the computer as spouses,
parents and children battle for a turn.
"The free two-user giveaway doubles the utility and value of your existing
computer with minimal cost," said Gallagher, "In fact, if you already have an
extra monitor and keyboard, it's like getting a free computer."
The free two-user licenses distributed under this promotion enable users with
an extra video card (or a dual-head video card) to add an extra workstation by
simply plugging in a spare monitor, USB keyboard and mouse. Thousands of users
have obtained free two-user licenses and information about the promotion from:
http://userful.com/products/downloads/free-2-user
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux Desktop Virtualization
company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software
which turns 1 computer into 10 lowers desktop computing costs, improves
manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste.
Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs
worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship
product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about
Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com
Calculations based on electricity generated at 1.55lbs CO2 per kWh; 11,560lbs
CO2 per car per year; and 8,060lbs CO2 per acre of trees per year
* Userful Multiplier licenses must be activated by September 1, 2010. Limit
of 1 school per country. Offer available only to new customers. For a full list
of conditions visit: http://userful.com/green-pcs/free-school-computers
