Microsoft and HP are helping schools in rising markets stretch their PCs budgets with latest system that's intended to raise student access to PCs and help provide them with PC literacy skills they require to be viable after they graduate.

Set with Microsoft's newly out Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, HP MultiSeat Computing Solution was intended for schools in rising markets that don't have money to purchase PC for each student, or even for each seat in PC lab, said James Pak, business unit manager at HP's Personal Systems Group. MultiSeat Computing Solution has one PC joined with 10 clients by USB 2.0 connection. All processing is controlled by PC, which performs as server, with every client accessing individual case of Windows 7 is administered.

System is intended so that schools can provide two times as many students’ access to PCs than would be likely by spending similar amount of money on separate PCs, Pak said. Estimated cost is about US0 per seat, assuming design of five or 10 users, he said.

HP MultiSeat Computing Solution has two configurations, one with PC that's intended for 5 users and other intended for 10. Basic system contains PC with Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM and 320GB hard disk, with up to 5 client modules. High-end version has Core 2 Quad processor, 6GB RAM, and 500GB hard disk and with 10 client modules.