Userful Updates Multi-seat Desktop Tool
Linux-based software turns one PC into ten, expands multilingual support, improves USB support
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Userful Corporation has released Userful Multiplier V.3.7, the latest version of their software that turns one PC into 10 PCs. Demand for its virtual desktops has accelerated as budget-strapped governments, educational organizations, and businesses turn to Userful to lower costs. The improvements brought with V.3.7 will bring the benefits of Userful's desktop virtualization to even more users.
Userful Multiplier lets each of the 10 independent users work at the same time, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Configuration is automated, and it provides multimedia performance including full-screen/full-motion video. Userful provides better performance than thin clients or netbooks, and at a fraction of the costs.
Unlike Microsoft Windows based multi-seat virtual desktop solutions which require the purchase of the server operating system, as well as the purchase of client access licenses (CALs) and application software licenses for every seat, Userful is Linux based, so the operating system and all the application software is free. This provides significant cost savings while still providing all the features of a Windows environment through open source software such as the Firefox Web browser, the OpenOffice office suite, and even education specific software such as the iTALC school computer management software for teachers. Linux is no longer just for IT professionals, as evidenced by the education ministries particularly in Europe and South America currently deploying large numbers of Linux desktops in K-12 schools.
New to version V.3.7, the Userful Multiplier user interface now includes additional internationalizations. Expanding the multilingual support makes it possible for even more countries to take advantage of the cost savings of Userful, and will make it possible for countries with multiple official languages to provide computer access in all official languages using a single solution. In addition, V.3.7 brings improved USB device support, including hot-plugging of 2-way audio devices. This makes interactive remote teaching and learning easy for rural and specialized classrooms.
Userful Multiplier V.3.7 supports all major Linux distributions including Ubuntu 9.10, SLED 11, and Fedora 11. It is available in 64-bit and 32-bit packages in both RPM and DEB formats, making it compatible with virtually all open source software.
A free 2-user version of Userful Multiplier V.3.7 that turns 1 computer into 2 for personal or trial use is available from userful.com/products/downloads/free-2-user.