Multiseat

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A four-head multiterminal.
A four-head multiterminal.

A multiseat, multi-station or multiterminal configuration is a single computer which supports multiple users at the same time. The configuration typically consist of one monitor, keyboard and mouse for each user and may include headphones for some users.

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[edit] Why do it?

With the increasing capacity of processors and memory, 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 an intensive computer game, for example) the other users will have a very slow system.

Multiterminals are also more cost-effective: it is not necessary to buy separate motherboards, microprocessors, RAM, hard disks and other components for each user. For example, buying one high speed CPU usually costs less than buying several slower CPUs.

[edit] Requirements

Each monitor will need to be connected to a graphics output. Some video cards have multiple outputs and support multiple monitors. Theoretically it should even be possible to work split screen. For example, to make a four-head (a multiseat for four users), would require four monitors, four keyboards, four mice and two dual or four single output video cards . Most computers have only one PS-2 or serial ports so USB input devices should be considered. Also most modern machines have only one PCIe or AGP slot, so PCI video cards might be needed.

[edit] Case studies

[edit] 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 Paraná (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).

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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