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How Does the Linux Desktop Multiplier Work?

Back to the Future – Multiple Terminals on a Single Computer

So, how is the Multiplied Linux Desktop Strategy different from traditional terminal emulation on Linux? The Linux Desktop Multiplier provides a "full client" for each user. The Multiplier extends a single instance of X, the Linux user interface layer, enabling a single desktop computer to deliver the full client user sessions for up to 10 simultaneous users.

You can think of the Linux Desktop Multiplier as a thin layer of software that sits on top of the Linux kernel and listens for: (1) keyboard input; (2) mouse input; and, (3) monitor output. The Linux Desktop Multiplier then assigns these three items to a unique user session and can track up to ten SLED 10 or openSUSE user sessions at the same time. USB audio headset and memory key support are also included.

A wizard screen allows administrators to assign USB keyboards and monitors to their respective monitor during setup (one-time process). If a keyboard or mouse needs to be reassigned, the administrator simply presses Ctrl+Alt+Break and the wizard screen reappears. Dual-view support allows two monitors to be assigned to a single session where required. The Linux Desktop Multiplier includes support for 3M MicroTouch and Elotouch touchscreen monitors for public access and point-of-sale stations.

Simply press a Function key and click a mouse to assign each keyboard and mouse to their respective monitor.

The wizard screen confirms that the devices have been assigned properly. This process only happens once.

System Requirements

For a 10-user system, Omni recommends the following hardware configuration for optimal performance:

High-end Intel or AMD processor
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 or openSUSE 10.1
Linux Desktop Multiplier
4 GB of RAM
10,000-RPM SATA or IDE hard drive
5 dual-head graphics cards (PCI-E, PCI, AGP)
10 VGA monitors (flat panel or CRT screens)
10 USB keyboards with integrated USB hub to attach mice (reduces cabling)
Powered USB hubs as required
DVI-VGA adaptors as required to connect monitors

Optional Software:

Novell Client for Linux (to connect to Novell file servers)
Novell ZENworks for Linux (to remotely manage and lock down desktops)
User Profile Editor (mini "ZENworks-like" tool that comes bundled with SLED 10)
Win4Lin Pro Desktop (to run Windows applications on Linux)
Clam Anti-Virus

TIP: Where Internet bandwidth is in limited (e.g., in rural areas or over GPRS networks), we recommend using the open-source Squid Web Proxy Cache software. Because all stations are directly connected to the same hard drive, we recommend you configure Firefox to not cache the user accessed pages. These pages will be automatically cached by the Squid proxy for all users. This creates a shared cache and dramatically improves web browsing performance and decreases web traffic.

Multiplied Linux Desktop Scenarios

The Multiplied Linux Desktop Strategy is perfect for migrating or deploying Linux computer labs, Linux thin client deployments, Linux Internet cafés and Linux point-of-sale terminals – wherever two or more computers are within a 5-meter radius of the host machine:

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