Do you have a spare computer monitor lying unused in some corner of the house? You can easily convert that monitor into a proper PC by just attaching it to one of your existing computers - no additional hardware required.
And do not confuse this setup with Microsoft Multipoint or dual-screens - here two monitors are connected to the same CPU but they are two separate computers. Two users can simultaneously perform different tasks on each of the monitor using their own keyboard and mouse.
This is possible through a free software called Userful which is essentially a Linux Live CD. You connect the two monitors to one computer, pop the CD inside and boot.
Now two users can surf different websites, access their personal emails, write documents and more at the same time on their personal screens. They’ll also have access to common devices like the printer and scanner attached to the main computer.
This solution may appeal when you have basic computing requirements or have no budget for an extra computer.
Userful Desktop Multiplier | Download Live CD
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/two-users-share-one-computer-work-different/1966/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
The concept is similar to terminal servers where users can connect to a main server and share applications installed there.
The other computers just act as dummy computers, but this one is significantly different too since you have to be physically be connected to the machine to make use of it.
Written by Keith Dsouza on 12.20.07
The software is called Userful Desktop Multiplier (not Useful).
And though your article does mention that the download is for Linux, it isn’t really clear that this ONLY works with Linux; Windows users need not apply.
Written by Jeff Hester on 12.20.07
Thanks Amit! By how much the system will slow down when working simultaneously? Have you given it a try? Will it work better while working with multi-core processors?
How to make such a connection? I’ll give it a try
btw, there’s a small typo, its ‘Userful’
Written by vasudev on 12.20.07
Well in this case, you need a great computer, with a great processing speed.
Written by Vaibhav on 12.20.07
Thanks for the heads up Jeff, never have been a Linux girl myself so I guess this one’s not for me!
Written by Amy on 12.20.07
Can my 2.33Ghz Core2Duo and 1GB RAM do it smoothly?
Written by NasirJumani on 12.20.07
your blog is looking better! this post even made me feel more convinced in moving to WP. There is something different in your blog and in a more positive way…i envy you for taking the leap to WP.
BTW, great article post too, exactly the one i need since i am setting up a home network.thanks a lot!more power to labnol! i am subscribe to your rss too but i continue to check your main site too every single day…
Written by Business and Finances on 12.21.07
Is there a windows based solution so that the 2nd terminal can offer windows based softwares to be run without any limitations? I want to run all my windows based applications on the extended terminal.
Thanks.
Written by Matt on 12.23.07
Matt, I think that only a server based OS will allow multiple screens and input devices in this manner. All other windows OSs were designed to hamper the ability to work in this way.
Written by Rogerebert on 12.26.07
Anybody knows how to use 3 monitors???
I’ve got a very huge need in that!!!
Written by XLOR on 04.03.08