'Eldy', the first freeware to bring the computer and Internet to the elderly, has released a Linux version, thus allowing a lower cost of ownership for the computer.

Counting over 150 000 users in Italy, Eldy is a java platform enabling seniors to use email, browse the web, chat, get weather information, see digital pictures, streaming, etc, in a clear Graphical User Interface (GUI), with big labels in a friendly language.

Until now, Eldy was for MS Windows only. The release of the Linux version allows the Eldy platform to be used in different environments. Eldy Linux, as Eldy itself, is free of charge and free of commercials.

A particular application is the "trashware", the re-use of old computers for new uses, which typically recalls for the Linux environment. Some computers from Public Administration offices can be easily recycled for library or social centres, using Linux and Eldy Linux. Lowering the cost of ownership of a computer is seen as an important way to achieve eInclusion.

Further information:

• Eldy case in ePractice 
• Eldy website 
• Eldy Linux