Computer Industry Data Sheet

Userful's Desktop Multiplier Approach: A Linux Distribution Specifically Designed for Public Computing

Userful's software turns 1 computer into as many as 10 which cuts up to 70% of an organization's initial hardware investment. Because computer hardware devalues so rapidly, reducing the number of computers deployed can substantially improve an organization's bottom line. Userful's adoption of Linux and Open Source software creates further savings. Over a 3-year lifecycle on a 100-user deployment, Userful's Desktop Multiplier approach can save as much as $90,000 in hardware acquisition; $90,000 on software acquisition; and $100,000 to $200,000 per year in reduced software support and maintenance costs.

The Desktop Multiplier Approach: Turn 1 Computer into 10. Desktop Multiplier is a multi-user product that turns a single computer box into a network of up to ten workstations. Traditional networks require a server, networking equipment and individual PCs for each user. The Desktop Multiplier approach eliminates this. Each station requires only a standard monitor, keyboard and mouse. Each user can operate simultaneously and independently, running the same or different applications securely and privately. Users can independently surf the Internet, access email, create and edit documents, yet share peripherals. The Desktop Multiplier approach substantially reduces acquisition, licensing and maintenance costs for any organization.

Userful's Public Access Computer Solution. Userful studied the needs of a public access system and built DiscoverStation to address them. DiscoverStation is designed from the ground up specifically for public use. It is built on the Linux operating system, but closely mirrors the "look and feel" of Windows. DiscoverStation's locked-down environment blocks unwanted content access, downloads, and system changes. It automatically clears personal information and modifications between users in response to important privacy and security challenges. In addition, it is multi-lingual, supporting over 30 languages, includes web filtering, timed sessions and has accessibility features for disabled users.

Useful for any Public Computing Environment. Userful's Desktop Multiplier approach eliminates the expense and burden of individual PCs, making it ideal for Internet cafes, call centers, voting registration, schools, hospitals, corporate training, or any other multi-computer venue. Reducing the number of computers has substantial environmental benefits as well. By replacing 10 PCs with a Desktop Multiplier with 10 workstations, CO2 emissions are reduced by approximately 2.5 tons per year.

"We can literally unpack, setup, and test our 8-user network (including printing) in minutes...Desktop Multiplier gives us a dramatic edge over our competitors who are still struggling using traditional PCs or thin-clients."

David Cooper
President, ITSportsNet

Userful's Desktop Multiplier Approach Is...

• Substantially more cost-effective than traditional networks
• Completely backed by Userful's Technical Support Team
• Virus-Immune
• Tamper-Proof
• Safe and Private
• Multi-Lingual
• Environmentally Friendly
• Always up to date -- software updates and security patches are installed over the Internet
• Able to Run up to 10 WorkStations from 1 Computer Box
• Built on Linux using Open Source Software
• An Instant and Complete Network
• Easy to Install