Desktop multiplier takes limited PC resources a long way

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Desktop multiplier takes limited PC resources a long way

by Robert Pogson 7/26/2007 12:00:00 AMThis system is similar to one available from http://groovix.com and use the x-window-system of Linux which recently was modified to permit multiple screens, keyboards and mice. This is often called multi-seat X. Aside from connecting inputs/displays to the right session, the system relies on the fact that a typical modern PC is idling most of the time using only 1% of the CPU time. This is because users click and then enjoy the result. CLicks by other users can be serviced while the first user watches the screen. Another advantage of this system besides getting more value form the hardware is that users often use the same files, like the same web browser. With Linux, the first user to run the browser loads the application from the hard drive. The second user gets to use the same file again with much less delay. This makes such systems much faster than an ordinary computer because it is more efficiently caching files. Systems need 50-100 MB RAM per user, 100 MHz of CPU speed, and a pair of USB ports per user. The system will use multiple video cards for the users' monitors. Another related technology which has similar advantages and even lower power consumption is the Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP.org). It is available on many distros and in particular ones designed for school like K12LTSP and SkoleLinux, and EdUbuntu. LTSP uses a powerful central server to run most applications and the thin client (often using only 10 watts and without fans or drives) boots over the network from the server and allows the user to log in. This technique needs a hefty server and a good network but it is easier to administer since there are only hard drives on the server.

Desktop multiplier takes limited PC resources a long way

by Robert Pogson 7/26/2007 12:00:00 AMThis system is similar to one available from http://groovix.com and use the x-window-system of Linux which recently was modified to permit multiple screens, keyboards and mice. This is often called multi-seat X. Aside from connecting inputs/displays to the right session, the system relies on the fact that a typical modern PC is idling most of the time using only 1% of the CPU time. This is because users click and then enjoy the result. CLicks by other users can be serviced while the first user watches the screen. Another advantage of this system besides getting more value form the hardware is that users often use the same files, like the same web browser. With Linux, the first user to run the browser loads the application from the hard drive. The second user gets to use the same file again with much less delay. This makes such systems much faster than an ordinary computer because it is more efficiently caching files. Systems need 50-100 MB RAM per user, 100 MHz of CPU speed, and a pair of USB ports per user. The system will use multiple video cards for the users' monitors. Another related technology which has similar advantages and even lower power consumption is the Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP.org). It is available on many distros and in particular ones designed for school like K12LTSP and SkoleLinux, and EdUbuntu. LTSP uses a powerful central server to run most applications and the thin client (often using only 10 watts and without fans or drives) boots over the network from the server and allows the user to log in. This technique needs a hefty server and a good network but it is easier to administer since there are only hard drives on the server.

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