Multiseat
Encyclopedia
A multiseat, multi-station or multiterminal configuration is a single computer
which supports multiple independent user
s at the same time. In modern usage the terms refer to multiple users using one personal computer
, each with their own console
, consisting of a keyboard
a mouse
, a monitor
, and possibly headphones.
s and memory
, commodity personal computers can now perform significant numbers of tasks simultaneously
without slowing down. However, using standard computer configurations, only one user is able to use the computer at a time, limiting the effectiveness of the system as it remains idle most of the time. With a multiterminal, a lot of users can share the same computer, so more of its total capacity is going to be used. For example, if someone is just using a web browser
or word processor
, no one else can use the computer and 90% of the system's resources may be idle - but with multiterminals, other people will be able to use the otherwise idle resources. However, if someone is using all of the system's resources (playing a resource-intensive computer game, for example) the other users will have a very slow system.
Multiseats are also more cost-effective: it is not necessary to buy separate motherboard
s, microprocessors, RAM, hard disk
s and other components for each user. For example, buying one high speed CPU usually costs less than buying several slower CPUs.
s to a single mainframe computer
, even graphical terminals. Early terminals were connected with RS-232
type serial connections
, either directly, or through modem
s. With the advent of Internet Protocol
based networking, it became possible for multiple users to log in to a host using telnet
or – for a graphic environment – an X Window "server". These systems would retain a physically secure "root console
" for system administration and direct access to the host machine.
Support for multiple consoles
in a PC running the X Window interface was implemented in 2001 by Miguel Freitas, using the Linux
operating system and the X11 graphical system (in that age maintained by XFree86). This was done using a patch in the X server to execute several instances of X at the same time such that each one captures specific mouse and keyboard events and the graphical content. This method received the name of multiseat or multiterminal.
In 2002 a Canadian company, Userful
Corporation, released Userful Multiplier, a multiseat Linux software solution that enables up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer. Earlier they worked on a kernel-based approach to a multi-station platform computer, but abandoned the idea due to a problem with multiple video card support.
Other solutions appeared in 2003, such Svetoslav Slavtchev, Aivils Stoss and James Simmons worked, with the evdev
and Faketty approach modifying the kernel
Linux and letting more than one user independently use the same machine. In that time, the Linux Console Project also proposed an idea to use multiple independent consoles and then multiple independent keyboards and mice in a project called "Backstreet Ruby". Backstreet Ruby is a kernel patch for the Linux kernel. It is a back port to Linux-2.4 of the Ruby kernel tree. The aim of the Linux Console developers is to enhance and reorganize the input, the console and the framebuffer subsystems in the Linux kernel, so they can work independent from each other and to allow multi-desktop operation. The Backstreet Ruby idea was never finished.
In 2005, the team of C3SL (Center for Scientific Computing and Free Software), from Federal University of Parana in Brazil, created the solution based with nested X servers, such Xnest
and Xephyr
. With this solution, each nested X server runs in each screen of a host X server (e.g. Xorg
) and a modification in the nested servers let it get the exclusivity of each set of mouse and keyboard. In 2008, the C3SL group releases the Multiseat Display Manager (MDM) to ease the process of installation and configuration of a multiseat box. This group, also in 2008, conceived a live-CD for tests purposes.
Multiseat was a planned feature for Fedora 12
but did not materialize and is currently pending.
will need to be connected to a graphics output from a video card
. For example, to make a four-head (four users), would require four monitors, four keyboards
, four mice
and two dual or one quad output video card (five users can be accommodated if onboard video off the motherboard is available). USB keyboards and mice are typically recommended instead of PS/2 connections, as they can be connected to a USB hub
, or USB/audio hub. Additional devices and peripherals such as cameras, flash storage drives, card readers, touch screens, etc. could also be assigned to each seat. An alternative to multiple physical video cards and connections is DisplayLink
over USB.
There are different solutions to set up a multiseat and others are constantly being developed. The X.Org Foundation
maintains a wiki page with the latest news concerning the solutions. Currently the most pointed solutions by X.Org's wiki are the solutions using either multiple Xephyr
servers over a host Xorg or run severals instances of Xorg.
The Multi-seat display manager (MDM),automseat tool helps to automatize the process of installation and configuration. Users that want to try multiseat are encouraged to try such a tool and avoid the old and hard way to set it up through these howtos (evdev, Xephyr), as stated by foundation's wiki page. On the other hand, MDM suffers from lack of updates and releases beyond the initial announcement (http://wiki.c3sl.ufpr.br/multiseat/index.php/Special:Recentchanges and http://wiki.c3sl.ufpr.br/multiseat/index.php/Special:Newpages).
Userful
offers a commercially supported multiseat Linux solution called Userful Multiplier. It enables up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer. It works with most graphics cards supported by X.Org/XFree86 as well as USB multiseat devices. It is available in 64-bit and 32-bit packages in both RPM and DEB formats, and has been tested on most major distributions, including Debian
, Fedora
, Mandriva Linux
, SLED
, SuSE and Ubuntu
. A free two-user version of Userful Multiplier software for personal or trial use is available from their website.
, XP
and Vista
operating systems, there are several commercial products to implement multiseat configurations for two or more seats.
Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 was announced on February 24, 2010. It uses Remote Desktop (Terminal Services) technologies in Windows Server 2008 R2.
(Brazil
). More than 1.5 million users will benefit from the 40,000 terminals when the project is finished. The laboratories have four-head multiterminals running Debian
. The cost of all the hardware
is 50% less than the normal price, and there is absolutely no cost with software
. This project developer is C3SL (Center for Scientific Computing and Free Software).
have installed multiterminal systems with internet access in three schools in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania
. The purpose of the project is to study the impact of having computer systems with internet access in an education system that cannot afford other educational resources such as books. The computer systems run Ubuntu
8.04 32-bit and utilize the open source Multiseat Display Manager created by C3SL. The research will eventually be used to present to government officials of third world countries in effort to showcase the positive impact of having cost-effective computing systems in schools. The project is sponsored by George and Vickie Rock and the Dow Chemical Company
.
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
which supports multiple independent user
User (computing)
A user is an agent, either a human agent or software agent, who uses a computer or network service. A user often has a user account and is identified by a username , screen name , nickname , or handle, which is derived from the identical Citizen's Band radio term.Users are...
s at the same time. In modern usage the terms refer to multiple users using one personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
, each with their own console
System console
The system console, root console or simply console is the text entry and display device for system administration messages, particularly those from the BIOS or boot loader, the kernel, from the init system and from the system logger...
, consisting of a keyboard
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
a mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
, a monitor
Computer display
A monitor or display is an electronic visual display for computers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure...
, and possibly headphones.
Motivation
With the increasing capacity of processorCentral processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
s and memory
Computer storage
Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components and recording media that retain digital data. Data storage is one of the core functions and fundamental components of computers....
, commodity personal computers can now perform significant numbers of tasks simultaneously
Computer multitasking
In computing, multitasking is a method where multiple tasks, also known as processes, share common processing resources such as a CPU. In the case of a computer with a single CPU, only one task is said to be running at any point in time, meaning that the CPU is actively executing instructions for...
without slowing down. However, using standard computer configurations, only one user is able to use the computer at a time, limiting the effectiveness of the system as it remains idle most of the time. With a multiterminal, a lot of users can share the same computer, so more of its total capacity is going to be used. For example, if someone is just using a web browser
Web browser
A web browser is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of content...
or word processor
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
, no one else can use the computer and 90% of the system's resources may be idle - but with multiterminals, other people will be able to use the otherwise idle resources. However, if someone is using all of the system's resources (playing a resource-intensive computer game, for example) the other users will have a very slow system.
Multiseats are also more cost-effective: it is not necessary to buy separate motherboard
Motherboard
In personal computers, a motherboard is the central printed circuit board in many modern computers and holds many of the crucial components of the system, providing connectors for other peripherals. The motherboard is sometimes alternatively known as the mainboard, system board, or, on Apple...
s, microprocessors, RAM, hard disk
Hard disk
A hard disk drive is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the...
s and other components for each user. For example, buying one high speed CPU usually costs less than buying several slower CPUs.
History
In the 1970s, it was very commonplace to connect multiple computer terminalComputer terminal
A computer terminal is an electronic or electromechanical hardware device that is used for entering data into, and displaying data from, a computer or a computing system...
s to a single mainframe computer
Mainframe computer
Mainframes are powerful computers used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing.The term originally referred to the...
, even graphical terminals. Early terminals were connected with RS-232
RS-232
In telecommunications, RS-232 is the traditional name for a series of standards for serial binary single-ended data and control signals connecting between a DTE and a DCE . It is commonly used in computer serial ports...
type serial connections
Serial port
In computing, a serial port is a serial communication physical interface through which information transfers in or out one bit at a time...
, either directly, or through modem
Modem
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...
s. With the advent of Internet Protocol
Internet Protocol
The Internet Protocol is the principal communications protocol used for relaying datagrams across an internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite...
based networking, it became possible for multiple users to log in to a host using telnet
TELNET
Telnet is a network protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communications facility using a virtual terminal connection...
or – for a graphic environment – an X Window "server". These systems would retain a physically secure "root console
System console
The system console, root console or simply console is the text entry and display device for system administration messages, particularly those from the BIOS or boot loader, the kernel, from the init system and from the system logger...
" for system administration and direct access to the host machine.
Support for multiple consoles
System console
The system console, root console or simply console is the text entry and display device for system administration messages, particularly those from the BIOS or boot loader, the kernel, from the init system and from the system logger...
in a PC running the X Window interface was implemented in 2001 by Miguel Freitas, using the Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
operating system and the X11 graphical system (in that age maintained by XFree86). This was done using a patch in the X server to execute several instances of X at the same time such that each one captures specific mouse and keyboard events and the graphical content. This method received the name of multiseat or multiterminal.
In 2002 a Canadian company, Userful
Userful
Userful is a desktop virtualization company that develops software to create Linux-based remotely managed virtual desktops that enable up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer...
Corporation, released Userful Multiplier, a multiseat Linux software solution that enables up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer. Earlier they worked on a kernel-based approach to a multi-station platform computer, but abandoned the idea due to a problem with multiple video card support.
Other solutions appeared in 2003, such Svetoslav Slavtchev, Aivils Stoss and James Simmons worked, with the evdev
Evdev
In computing, evdev is a component of the Linux kernel for handling input and a closely related input driver for the X.Org Server. The kernel component is glue code which translates input events from peripheral-specific drivers into a generic structure which the input driver can easily translate...
and Faketty approach modifying the kernel
Linux kernel
The Linux kernel is an operating system kernel used by the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems. It is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software....
Linux and letting more than one user independently use the same machine. In that time, the Linux Console Project also proposed an idea to use multiple independent consoles and then multiple independent keyboards and mice in a project called "Backstreet Ruby". Backstreet Ruby is a kernel patch for the Linux kernel. It is a back port to Linux-2.4 of the Ruby kernel tree. The aim of the Linux Console developers is to enhance and reorganize the input, the console and the framebuffer subsystems in the Linux kernel, so they can work independent from each other and to allow multi-desktop operation. The Backstreet Ruby idea was never finished.
In 2005, the team of C3SL (Center for Scientific Computing and Free Software), from Federal University of Parana in Brazil, created the solution based with nested X servers, such Xnest
Xnest
Xnest is an X Window System server that shows its output in a window. In other words, Xnest opens a window that works like another screen in which the user can open windows, etc....
and Xephyr
Xephyr
In computing, Xephyr is a KDrive-based X server which targets a window on a host X Server as its framebuffer.- Features :Unlike the similar Xnest, Xephyr supports modern X extensions such as composite, damage, randr, etc. It uses SHM images and shadow framebuffer updates to provide good...
. With this solution, each nested X server runs in each screen of a host X server (e.g. Xorg
X.Org Server
X.Org Server refers to the X server release packages stewarded by the X.Org Foundation,which is hosted by freedesktop.org, and grants...
) and a modification in the nested servers let it get the exclusivity of each set of mouse and keyboard. In 2008, the C3SL group releases the Multiseat Display Manager (MDM) to ease the process of installation and configuration of a multiseat box. This group, also in 2008, conceived a live-CD for tests purposes.
Multiseat was a planned feature for Fedora 12
Fedora (operating system)
Fedora is a RPM-based, general purpose collection of software, including an operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat...
but did not materialize and is currently pending.
Time line, commercial multiseat software evolution
- 1996, ThinSoft/BeTwin
- 2002, UserfulUserfulUserful is a desktop virtualization company that develops software to create Linux-based remotely managed virtual desktops that enable up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer...
Corporation - 2004, Open-Sense Solutions (Groovix)
- 2006, NComputingNComputingNComputing is a desktop virtualization company that manufactures hardware and software to create virtual desktops which enable multiple users to simultaneously share a single operating system instance....
- 2006, SoftXpandSoftXpandSoftXpand is a commercial Multiseat desktop virtualization software primarily focused towards Education, Government, Call Centers, and Businesses....
- 2010, MicrosoftMicrosoftMicrosoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
- 2011, Black Box VirtuaCore
- 2011, SoftXpand 2011 Windows 7 Virtualization
Hardware requirements
Each monitorComputer display
A monitor or display is an electronic visual display for computers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure...
will need to be connected to a graphics output from a video card
Video card
A video card, Graphics Card, or Graphics adapter is an expansion card which generates output images to a display. Most video cards offer various functions such as accelerated rendering of 3D scenes and 2D graphics, MPEG-2/MPEG-4 decoding, TV output, or the ability to connect multiple monitors...
. For example, to make a four-head (four users), would require four monitors, four keyboards
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
, four mice
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
and two dual or one quad output video card (five users can be accommodated if onboard video off the motherboard is available). USB keyboards and mice are typically recommended instead of PS/2 connections, as they can be connected to a USB hub
USB hub
A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into several so that there are more ports available to connect devices to a host system.USB hubs are often built into equipment such as computers, keyboards, monitors, or printers...
, or USB/audio hub. Additional devices and peripherals such as cameras, flash storage drives, card readers, touch screens, etc. could also be assigned to each seat. An alternative to multiple physical video cards and connections is DisplayLink
DisplayLink
DisplayLink is a semiconductor and software startup company. DisplayLink USB graphics technology is designed to connect computers and displays using USB and Wireless USB, allowing multiple displays to be connected to a single PC...
over USB.
GNU/Linux
Userful Corporation developed Userful MultiSeat Linux, a solution that enables up to 11 users to simultaneously share one computer. It works with most of the available video cards and USB multiseat zero client devices, supports Edubuntu and other Linux distributions, and includes educational applications from the Open Source Community.There are different solutions to set up a multiseat and others are constantly being developed. The X.Org Foundation
X.Org Foundation
The X.Org Foundation is the organization holding the stewardship for the development of the X Window System. It was founded on 22 January 2004....
maintains a wiki page with the latest news concerning the solutions. Currently the most pointed solutions by X.Org's wiki are the solutions using either multiple Xephyr
Xephyr
In computing, Xephyr is a KDrive-based X server which targets a window on a host X Server as its framebuffer.- Features :Unlike the similar Xnest, Xephyr supports modern X extensions such as composite, damage, randr, etc. It uses SHM images and shadow framebuffer updates to provide good...
servers over a host Xorg or run severals instances of Xorg.
The Multi-seat display manager (MDM),automseat tool helps to automatize the process of installation and configuration. Users that want to try multiseat are encouraged to try such a tool and avoid the old and hard way to set it up through these howtos (evdev, Xephyr), as stated by foundation's wiki page. On the other hand, MDM suffers from lack of updates and releases beyond the initial announcement (http://wiki.c3sl.ufpr.br/multiseat/index.php/Special:Recentchanges and http://wiki.c3sl.ufpr.br/multiseat/index.php/Special:Newpages).
Userful
Userful
Userful is a desktop virtualization company that develops software to create Linux-based remotely managed virtual desktops that enable up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer...
offers a commercially supported multiseat Linux solution called Userful Multiplier. It enables up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer. It works with most graphics cards supported by X.Org/XFree86 as well as USB multiseat devices. It is available in 64-bit and 32-bit packages in both RPM and DEB formats, and has been tested on most major distributions, including Debian
Debian
Debian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
, Fedora
Fedora (operating system)
Fedora is a RPM-based, general purpose collection of software, including an operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat...
, Mandriva Linux
Mandriva Linux
Mandriva Linux is a Linux distribution distributed by Mandriva. It uses the RPM Package Manager...
, SLED
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop , formerly introduced as Novell Linux Desktop, is a Linux distribution supplied by Novell and targeted at the business market. It is targeted for desktops. New major versions are released at an interval of 24–36 months, while minor versions are released every 9–12...
, SuSE and Ubuntu
Ubuntu (operating system)
Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu...
. A free two-user version of Userful Multiplier software for personal or trial use is available from their website.
Windows
For Windows 2000Windows 2000
Windows 2000 is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, business desktops, laptops, and servers. Windows 2000 was released to manufacturing on 15 December 1999 and launched to retail on 17 February 2000. It is the successor to Windows NT 4.0, and is the...
, XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
and Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
operating systems, there are several commercial products to implement multiseat configurations for two or more seats.
Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 was announced on February 24, 2010. It uses Remote Desktop (Terminal Services) technologies in Windows Server 2008 R2.
World's Largest MultiSeat Computers Deployment
On February, 2009, The Brazil Ministry of Education committed to deploy 350,000 Linux-based multiseat computing stations in more than 45,000 rural and urban schools across the country. The chosen companies to implement this project were the Canadian multiseat linux software company Userful Corporation, and its Brazilian IT partner ThinNetworks.Paraná Digital project
One of multiterminal's successful cases is happening at Paraná Digital project. It is creating multiterminal laboratories on 2000 public schools of the state of ParanáParaná (state)
Paraná is one of the states of Brazil, located in the South of the country, bordered on the north by São Paulo state, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by Santa Catarina state and the Misiones Province of Argentina, and on the west by Mato Grosso do Sul and the republic of Paraguay,...
(Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
). More than 1.5 million users will benefit from the 40,000 terminals when the project is finished. The laboratories have four-head multiterminals running Debian
Debian
Debian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
. The cost of all the hardware
Computer hardware
Personal computer hardware are component devices which are typically installed into or peripheral to a computer case to create a personal computer upon which system software is installed including a firmware interface such as a BIOS and an operating system which supports application software that...
is 50% less than the normal price, and there is absolutely no cost with software
Computer software
Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it....
. This project developer is C3SL (Center for Scientific Computing and Free Software).
Michigan State University Research in Tanzania
Since 2008, electrical and computer engineering students from Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
have installed multiterminal systems with internet access in three schools in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania
Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
. The purpose of the project is to study the impact of having computer systems with internet access in an education system that cannot afford other educational resources such as books. The computer systems run Ubuntu
Ubuntu (operating system)
Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu...
8.04 32-bit and utilize the open source Multiseat Display Manager created by C3SL. The research will eventually be used to present to government officials of third world countries in effort to showcase the positive impact of having cost-effective computing systems in schools. The project is sponsored by George and Vickie Rock and the Dow Chemical Company
Dow Chemical Company
The Dow Chemical Company is a multinational corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. As of 2007, it is the second largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue and as of February 2009, the third-largest chemical company in the world by market capitalization .Dow...
.
Notable installations
- UserfulUserfulUserful is a desktop virtualization company that develops software to create Linux-based remotely managed virtual desktops that enable up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer...
announced a deployment of 356,800 LinuxLinuxLinux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
-based virtual desktops in Brazil (February 2009) - NComputingNComputingNComputing is a desktop virtualization company that manufactures hardware and software to create virtual desktops which enable multiple users to simultaneously share a single operating system instance....
provided 180,000 one to one computingOne to one computingOne to One Computing in education refers to a computer for every student which is an initiative created by many companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Dell, HP, and Intel. One-to-one computing means that every student or teacher is given a computer, the internet and software anytime and anywhere...
seats for K–12 students in the country of Macedonia
See also
- Computer multitaskingComputer multitaskingIn computing, multitasking is a method where multiple tasks, also known as processes, share common processing resources such as a CPU. In the case of a computer with a single CPU, only one task is said to be running at any point in time, meaning that the CPU is actively executing instructions for...
- evdevEvdevIn computing, evdev is a component of the Linux kernel for handling input and a closely related input driver for the X.Org Server. The kernel component is glue code which translates input events from peripheral-specific drivers into a generic structure which the input driver can easily translate...
- Dumb terminal
- faketty
- Linux Terminal Server ProjectLinux Terminal Server ProjectLinux Terminal Server Project is a free and open source terminal server for Linux that allows many people to simultaneously use the same computer. Applications run on the server with a terminal known as a thin client handling input and output...
- MainframeMainframe computerMainframes are powerful computers used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing.The term originally referred to the...
- Multi-monitor
- Multiseat desktop virtualizationMultiseat desktop virtualizationMultiSeat Desktop Virtualization is a method by which a common desktop PC, with extra keyboards, mice, and video screens directly attached to it, can be used to install, load, and concurrently run multiple operating systems. These operating systems can be the same across all "seats" or they can be...
- Multiseat Display Manager
- Multi-userMulti-userMulti-user is a term that defines an operating system or application software that allows concurrent access by multiple users of a computer. Time-sharing systems are multi-user systems. Most batch processing systems for mainframe computers may also be considered "multi-user", to avoid leaving the...
- NComputingNComputingNComputing is a desktop virtualization company that manufactures hardware and software to create virtual desktops which enable multiple users to simultaneously share a single operating system instance....
- NdiyoNdiyoNdiyo is a project based out of Cambridge, United Kingdom, which aims to promote networked computing that is "simple, affordable, open." Ndiyo, pronounced nn-dee-yo, is the Swahili word for "yes" according to the project's website...
- Time-sharingTime-sharingTime-sharing is the sharing of a computing resource among many users by means of multiprogramming and multi-tasking. Its introduction in the 1960s, and emergence as the prominent model of computing in the 1970s, represents a major technological shift in the history of computing.By allowing a large...
- UserfulUserfulUserful is a desktop virtualization company that develops software to create Linux-based remotely managed virtual desktops that enable up to 10 users to simultaneously share one computer...
- Black Box VirtuaCore
- Windows MultiPointWindows MultiPointWindows MultiPoint Server is a Windows Server-based product that leverages Remote Desktop Services technology to enable multiple simultaneous independent computing stations or terminals to be connected to a single computer.-Windows MultiPoint Server 2010:...
- X Window SystemX Window SystemThe X window system is a computer software system and network protocol that provides a basis for graphical user interfaces and rich input device capability for networked computers...
- X.Org ServerX.Org ServerX.Org Server refers to the X server release packages stewarded by the X.Org Foundation,which is hosted by freedesktop.org, and grants...
- XephyrXephyrIn computing, Xephyr is a KDrive-based X server which targets a window on a host X Server as its framebuffer.- Features :Unlike the similar Xnest, Xephyr supports modern X extensions such as composite, damage, randr, etc. It uses SHM images and shadow framebuffer updates to provide good...
- XnestXnestXnest is an X Window System server that shows its output in a window. In other words, Xnest opens a window that works like another screen in which the user can open windows, etc....