One Computer - two simultaneous users

Fraserca

A few years ago i came across this system where one computer could be shared by two users using separate keyboards, mice and monitor. They could run programs independently.

Does anyone know how this can be done and where the hardware can be obtained ?

Need_More_Money_2

Fraserca wrote:

A few years ago i came across this system where one computer could be shared by two users using separate keyboards, mice and monitor. They could run programs independently.

Does anyone know how this can be done and where the hardware can be obtained ?

Computers running UNIX as the operating system have been able simultaneously support multiple users for years and years. Not sure if Windows based computers can do it, or if I'd trust them to be stable enough. Windows seems to have trouble staying stable for one user

ManAtHome

Vaguely remember that - think it was around the time PCs cost over a grand though. I'd hazard a guess that even if the system is still around, I'd be cheaper to buy a second PC.

The one I'm thinking about used multi-user DOS, not windows - may have been out around the early days of Win3..?

albertross_2

http://userful.com/products/dm

citrix/easyclone??

http://www.macrocare.co.th/aten/ps-221.htm

Fraserca

Yes ManatHome - I think it was under Windows 3.1.

My reason for asking is I want to set up two workstations simply for internet use.

It seems pointless to buy two computers and pay for two Windows licences when one computer could happily multitask and pull up the odd web page as required.

albertross_2

You're still going to need 2 screens, kvm switch, video cards, kb, mouse etc, you could just buy a cheap 2nd hand P3 base unit for £60...

Need_More_Money_2

It used to be quite common to have one computer running something like UNIX with multiple terminals each connecting to the one computer. One of the big reasons that this became less popular was the fall in the cost of the hardware. The price of a new computer became similar to the cost of the terminal emulator and therefore it was simpler to buy multiple PCs.
What are you planning to use as the terminal hardware? Will this be cheaper than a cheap PC?

Fraserca

Thanks Albertross - great links.

There is also a space problem as I don't have the room for a couple of old base units

albertross_2

These are quite small,, £90

http://www.blinknmissit.co.uk/product.asp?numRecordPosition=2&P_ID=368&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=110

Fraserca

Thanks again - I had looked at them - Some are ex NHS and available on E Bay about £50 with no licence

Probably thats the way I'll go

albertross_2

Make sure you clean it then, PC's are supposed to be a major cause of mrsa infections..