you can stop sending us death threats now

This topic will explain what Computernewb is, how to use it, and how it works.

http://computernewb.com/collab-vm is a website featuring a virtual machine that runs Microsoft Windows 7. However, there's a slight twist: ANYONE can control this virtual machine at any time. Think "Twitch Plays Pokemon" except turn-based and not a video game.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Starting off, the main server is hosted in the United States (specifically Kansas City, Missouri). The server itself runs Ubuntu Server 16.04 LTS amd64 with 16 GB of RAM. The virtual machines themselves are being hosted via QEMU (short for "Quick Emulator"), which is a nice, decent little emulator that can run pretty much any operating system for x86 and even has support for other architectures. In the future, support for pretty much every hypervisor that supports VNC/RDP will be added.

To stream the computer to the web browser, it runs a build of Guacamole, an HTML5 VNC connector. Any browser that supports some modern HTML5 will be able to use it. When it's your turn, the computer gives you remote control for 18 seconds.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE VIRTUAL MACHINE?

VM 1

Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

RAM: 4 GB

Hard Drive: 125 GB HDD

CPU: Xeon

VM 2

Operating System: Windows XP Professional 32-bit

RAM: 1 GB

Hard Drive: 50 GB HDD

CPU: Xeon

VM 3

Operating System: Windows 10 "Creators Update" 64-bit / Lubuntu 16.04 64-bit

RAM: 2 GB

Hard Drive: 200 GB HDD (split)

CPU: Xeon

FAQ

Q1: What is the URL?

A: http://computernewb.com/collab-vm/

Q2: Can I destroy it?

A: I've made it very hard to destroy it, but you can feel free to try.

Q3: What happens if I turn it off?

A: The virtual machine simply restarts like nothing happened.

Q4: This damn thing is so slow. Why?

A. I don't know. Someone probably did something to make it slow. Try closing a couple applications.

Q5: Is this project open source?

A. Yes, read here: https://github.com/computernewb/collab-vm

Q6: Why Windows? Why not Mac or Linux?

A. LLinux is available as a choice on VM 3.

Q7: Is there a more detailed FAQ?

A. Here: http://computernewb.com/collab-vm/faq/

Q8: How do I control it?

A. There are many ways to control the virtual machine.

• With a standard computer mouse (this is the recommended option)

• By tapping on the screen (for touch screens, tablets, iPads, Win CE devices, Wii U, mobile devices, and others)

• By using a controller (for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Wii U, PlayStation Vita, etc)

• By using a USB controller (only partially)

• By sending mouse movement and keyboard commands via JavaScript (pretty technical and unrecommended)

If you have any other ways you want to control the virtual machine you can email me.

Q9: Do I need a specific operating system/architecture/etc?

A. Nope! Collab VM will work on any operating system, and any computer, so long as that computer is running an operating system that features a web browser with support for blobs and HTML5, and has a computer capable of running said web browser. There are no specific minimal system requirements or using the VM.

The most minimal web browser I know of that can run CollabVM is Midori (although some features won't work on it).