Greener computing with 10 PCs from one

Public computing specialist Userful Corp claims that in the last year its software, which allows up to 10 people to work from one PC, has saved more than 13,250 tons of carbon dioxide emissions – the equivalent of taking 2,300 cars off the road.

Userful makes the point that modern desktop computers sit idle virtually the entire day while users read or type. Its DiscoverStation software harnesses the unused computing power to create an environmentally efficient alternative to traditional desktop computing. Multiple users can work on a single computer by simply attaching extra monitors, mice and keyboards. “Computer hardware production and disposal is one of the fastest growing threats to our environment,” says Timothy Griffin, president of Userful. “Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming. By leveraging the underused power of modern PCs, DiscoverStation helps people around the world go green.”