Multiple concurrent local users, one rig?

[BD2003]

I'd like to build one PC, with multiple monitors, KBs, etc....and have people be able to log on/off separately etc. Basically the same idea as remote terminals, only directly connected via HDMI/USB rather than a remote session over RDP/ethernet.

Is something like this possible with windows?

 

[Cerb]

The functionality has been there for some time.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/

But, Microsoft wants to make money from it, and so do big vendors. So, unless you can get an educational license, the functionality is effectively disabled on most Windows versions, and your other option is top pay up for a big vendor solution.

 

[BD2003]

The functionality has been there for some time.



http://www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/



But, Microsoft wants to make money from it, and so do big vendors. So, unless you can get an educational license, the functionality is effectively disabled on most Windows versions, and your other option is top pay up for a big vendor solution.

Hmph, that sucks.

I'm curious how well it works though. Is it just good for basic stuff or could you go as far as sharing a gaming rig amongst multiple users?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Hmph, that sucks.

I'm curious how well it works though. Is it just good for basic stuff or could you go as far as sharing a gaming rig amongst multiple users?

I'm only guessing it depends on both the software and the OS, and the previous poster's observations suggests obstacles of a prohibitive nature.

Back in 1987, I bought an NEC 386 system and there was UNIX (Santa Clara?) software which actually allowed for this: a microcomputer configured like a mainframe or mini. I've not even thought about a need, want or possibility for such a configuration since the end of that decade.

 

[BD2003]

Yeah, it's too bad. I've got a gaming PC with HDMI running to my TV. It'd be neat if someone else could still use the PC for something mild like web browsing while I game on it, or have two games going at once, etc.

 

[wlee]

This company makes stuff that's the closest to what you describe.

http://www.ncomputing.com/products/xseries/resources


I tested a few of the Ethernet L300 for connecting to 1<-->1 VDI of Windows XP and Win7.
( not multi-user )

Video performance was no better than RDeskTop.

Their stuff is always a bit troublesome when it comes to Windows Service Packs and updates though.

After every Patch Tuesday, you would have to do a repair install of their "V-Space" software to get it working again.

Microsoft hates people turning desktop vers of Windows into Terminal Server, so I think they were breaking it with patches every chance they got.


M$ does officially support them for Server editions though.