[K12OSN] How to Make Your Own "Google PC" for Free

[Steve Hargadon]

Many people expected Google to announce a "Google PC" at the recent
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. They didn't, but if
you'd like to try something cool, LiveKiosk.com has just released
their first BETA of EZWebPC.

You can download EZWebPC for free at
http://www.livekiosk.com/kioskimages/ezwebpc-1.0-i386.iso. While the
.iso image is approximately 170MB, once downloaded it can be copied
and used on an unlimited number of computers.

After downloading, you need to burn the .iso file as a CD-ROM image
(Windows XP users can use the free program ISO Recorder from
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm). Then set the bios
of the computer that will be your WebPC to boot from the CD-ROM drive
first, place the CD-ROM in the drive, and reboot the computer. EZWebPC
is then loaded, and the program opens up just a Firefox web browser
window from which you can browse the web. The computer does need to be
connected to an Internet-ready network that will give it an IP
address. All user data is deleted when the window is closed, which
then reopens to Firefox again.

Based on a disaster-relief CD produced by PublicWebStations.com for
relief shelters during the Katrina and Rita hurricanes (and covered by
ABC and CBS), EZWebPC is designed to help the owners of old PCs to put
them to productive use. Otherwise unused computers can be re-used as
extra "WebStations" on home networks or in small-business waiting
rooms, or as a public-access information terminals in libraries,
cafes, town halls, civic centers, or trade shows. The EPA estimates
that there are 60 million computers in the US alone that become
obsoleted each year.

With 128MB or more of memory, the performance is amazingly fast. The
PC needs to be a Pentium II or better Intel-compatible machine, but
does not need a hard drive, as the EZWebPC program is loaded directly
from the CD-ROM on boot-up, and operates entirely in RAM. PCs running
EZWebPC become an "appliance," streamlined and secure because they
literally require no maintenance, with no virus, spy ware, or software
updating concerns.

Have some fun!
--
Steve Hargadon
916-899-1400 direct
www.k12computers.com
www.technologyrescue.com