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Desktop Multiplier FAQ
Q: What is the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10)?
A: The Desktop Multiplier is a software add-on to the SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop operating system that enables up to 10 users to work from one single PC. Each user still has his or her own monitor, keyboard and mouse, but everyone shares the same computer.
How does this impact performance? It depends. Few users truly take advantage of the modern computer processing power. For the tasks that most users perform - web browsing, email, working with Office documents - you can easily share a computer among as many as 10 users. But keep in mind your users will not be using software that builds space shuttles with the Desktop Multiplier. Why use the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop deployments? The quick answer is significant cost savings. The Desktop Multiplier is the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to deploy large numbers of full-featured, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop workstations. 
Q: Is the Desktop Multiplier a “thin-client solution”?
A: You can think of the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop as the ultimate "zero client". Unlike thin-client solutions that require an expensive server (and operating system licence), individual "thin clients" for each user, and grind to a crawl under modest usage, the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop requires no special hardware, no thin clients (i.e., "zero client"), and delivers "rich" user interfaces with ease.
While both thin clients and the Desktop Multiplier enable multi-user computing, the Desktop Multiplier provides a "fat client" with dedicated video, keyboard and mouse access at a fraction of the cost of thin client technology. This is a very popular question, so we have developed a comparison chart and a series of articles that outline the key differences between the Desktop Multiplier and thin clients.
Q: How does the performance compare to a single-user system?
A: Overall, performance does not significantly differ from regular, single-user systems. In some cases, Desktop Multiplier systems have better response times due the system's automatic file and memory caching. The only noticeable delays are typically seen when one or more users load large applications into active memory, or when a CPU-intensive process is running. In such cases, other users may notice a slight delay in mouse response, or in loading their own applications; however, this delay is momentary.
At the GroupWiseR Summit in The Hague, we ran a six-user Internet café on the Desktop Multiplier, and GroupWise administrators and tech-savvy attendees were amazed that six users were sharing the same Novell Linux Desktop PC – performance is that good!
Q: What hardware do I need?
A: Let's consider a 6-user Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier system.
We recommend the following:
View Desktop Multiplier Setup Guide »
Q: What graphics cards do you recommend?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) is designed to support all single- and dual-head video cards supported by xorg-x11 / Xfree86. Any video card combinations where you can start X in multi-head (i.e., multi-monitor, multi-display) should work with this software.
While not a comprehensive list, we recommend the following low-cost dual-head graphics cards, which are available in both AGP, PCI and PCIe chipsets from a variety of manufacturers: ATI
Typically, a 10 station system would be built using 5 dual-head video cards. While it is possible to support a heterogeneous mix of video chipsets within a single computer box (e.g., mixing Radeon, NVIDIA, and Matrox cards), it is not recommended as it is not possible for us to directly test and support all possible combinations. Using the on-board video card (video hardware built into the motherboard) is not recommended. Please note there is an incompatibility between the linux SMP-kernel and ATI cards with the Multipler. In all SMP kernel environments, we recommend using Nvidia cards, as the linux drivers are much more stable with the SMP kernel. Refer to "SMP-Kernel and ATI Card Incompatibility" forum post for more details.
Q: What motherboard do you recommend?
A: The following motherboards have been used successfully deployed for Desktop Multiplier systems:
Intel Based
Q: How do I set up the Desktop Multiplier on my SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) computer?
A: The following 5 steps will help guide you through the setup process:
Step 1: Install dual-head AGP or PCI video cards (5 min) Step 2: Install SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) (45 min) Step 3: Arrange your monitors, keyboards and mice and plug them into the back of the computer (20 min) Step 4: Install the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) and reboot your computer (5 min) Step 5: Link the keyboards and mice to the monitors with a simple key-press (2 min) Please visit our Documentation section to download the Desktop Multiplier Setup Guide.
Q: After installation, one or more monitors display a black screen. Do I need to reinstall Desktop Multiplier?
A: NO. Some installations have a problem detecting the number of "heads" per video adapter. Desktop Multiplier includes a tool to fix the problem.
You can also force Desktop Multiplier to reassign monitors/keyboards/mouse sessions. Click "start" and choose "Additional Applications" and then open "Userful". In the Userful window, click "Reset all Keyboards". This will reset all the sessions and you should then be ready to go.
Q: How do I install the Desktop Multiplier licence file?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) is licensed based on the number of monitors connected to the host computer. Your Desktop Multiplier licence file turns your trial version into a fully licensed version of the software.
Please login as the "root" user and copy your licence file – 1Box.info – into /etc/X11/ and reboot your computer. Please save this email and licence file in a secure location for future reference, in case you need to reinstall it on your machine. If you require additional licences, you will receive a replacement licence file. To install a licence activation code, please refer to this page.
Q: How do I find my MAC address?
A: A MAC address is a unique number assigned to a Network Interface Card (NIC), commonly called an ethernet card. Do not confuse the MAC address with Apple or Macintosh computers, which are commonly referred to as "Macs". Follow these steps to determine your MAC address in SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) and Windows XP:
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10): To find your MAC address in SLED 10, you need to log in as the "root" user. Then go to Programs > Accessories > Terminal. When the Terminal window pops up, type "ifconfig". In the first line you should see "HWaddr" and a string of 12 numbers separated by colons (e.g., 00:0B:CD:55:63:C9). This is your MAC address. Please send it to us to licence the Desktop Multiplier. Windows XP: If you have not yet installed Novell Linux Desktop and are running Windows XP, click on the Start Button. Click on Run and type "cmd". Once a small black window appears, your Command Prompt, type in "ipconfig /all" (with a space between the g and the /). Locate the number to the right of "Physical Address". This is your MAC address.
Q: How do I link the keyboards and mice to the screens?
A: Once the system has started, each screen will prompt you to press a Function key (F1 through F10). Simply click the Function key and click the mouse to assign them to each monitor. If the mouse is plugged into the USB keyboard (via an integrated hub in the keyboard), the mouse will be automatically assigned along with the keyboard when you press the correct function key. You may then login to your desktop normally.
To reassign a keyboard or mouse combination, unplug the devices and plug them in again. You will be prompted with the Desktop Multiplier screen to reassign the devices. You will not lose any unsaved work.
Q: I need to replace a keyboard or USB hub. Can I force the reassignment of monitor-keyboard-mouse assignments?
A: Yes. You can also force Desktop Multiplier to reassign monitor-keyboard-mouse session.
Q: How far can users be from the host computer?
A: The Desktop Multiplier is ideal for groups of desktop computers in close physical proximity. While greater distances can be reached using USB repeaters or various cabling options, a group of workstations within a 15-foot radius of the Desktop Multiplier system is suggested for obtaining the best overall performance.
Q: How do I shutdown the system? Can I restart an individual workstation?
A: To shutdown your Desktop Multiplier system, you will need to log in as the root user, open up a Terminal window, and type the following command: poweroff -f
To restart the machine, login as the root user and in the Terminal window, type: reboot; reboot You can restart an individual workstation by pressing "Ctrl+Alt+Backspace". This will logout the user and kill all processes running only for that user.
Q: How much does the solution cost?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) costs $99 US (approximately € 80) per seat, plus an optional software upgrade protection plan for an additional 30% of the purchase price. Volume discounts are available for K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions and governments. All purchases include 30 days of support and upgrade protection.
Contact us for a quote at sales@omni-ts.com or 780-423-4200. If you like, we can provide you with a bundled price that includes the Desktop Multiplier, USB keyboards and dual-head video cards. For pricing on the SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) operating system, please visit Novell.
Q: What environments are ideal for this solution?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) is ideal for environments where two or more computers are in close physical proximity, such as: classrooms, computer labs, call centers, Internet cafés and kiosks, government departments, clinical workstations, businesses, Internet connectivity projects, healthcare facilities, tradeshows, job banks, retirement homes and hotel lobbies. Please visit our Perfect For section for more details.
Q: Is it possible to run Windows applications?
A: Yes. To run Windows applications locally, you may want to consider using Win4Lin, WINE or Crossover Office. You can also connect to Windows Terminal Servers and similar systems, using the RDP protocol to run Windows applications remotely. Citrix / Tarantella systems can be used to deliver Windows applications on a Linux machine.
Q: Does the Desktop Multiplier run on other versions of Linux?
A: Yes. While we recommend using SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10), the Desktop Multiplier will work with the following Linux distributions:
Q: Can the system function with wireless mice and keyboards?
A: While USB wireless keyboards and mice are readily available and are compatible, we do not recommend them – some get confused when there is more than one in a room, so there could be mix-ups about which keyboard, mouse, monitor go together. In addition there is the risk of loss and theft.
Q: Is sound supported for each user?
A: The latest version (release 2.2.6) of the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) provides multi-user sound support. To enjoy individual sound support, users require a keyboard or monitor with an integrated USB hub into which they could plug in an audio USB headset.
Q: Are USB memory keys supported for each user?
A: The latest version (release 2.2.6) of the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) provides multi-user flash memory USB key support. To enjoy individual sound support, users require a keyboard or monitor with an integrated USB hub into which they could plug in a USB memory key.
TIP - Do not connect USB memory keys into a Desktop Multiplied environment before booting or restarting the computer. This can halt the boot process if the host PC attempts to seek the boot partition on the USB memory key before all other storage media. If you connect the device to a USB keyboard that is assigned to an existing user session, the device will be available to be "seen" by all of the users, but only the user logged into the session will be able to access the device.
Q: Are external DVD/CD ROM drives supported?
A: Yes, assuming the device is compatible with SLED 10. If you connect an external DVD/CD ROM directly to a USB port on the computer, the device will be accessible by all users. If you connect the device to a USB keyboard that is assigned to an existing user session, the device will be available to be "seen" by all of the users, but only the user logged into the session will be able to access the device.
Q: Are there extra requirements to support multi-user audio and USB memory key devices?
A: Yes there is. Most Linux distrubtions are limited to 32 environment devices. In a multiplied SLED 10 environment, it easy easy to exceed that threshold if 6 or more users are normally logged on at the same time. Please refer to "Desktop Multiplier Tips" for detailed instructions.
Q: How does the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) work with IP-based security?
A: The Desktop Multiplier currently assigns one IP address to the workstation. This IP address is shared by all users connected to a Desktop Multiplier station. Therefore, IP address-based security would not be available with the Desktop Multiplier. The "work-around" for this is that users connecting to a Desktop Multiplier for SLED 10 would need to be members of groups that have the same IP address restrictions. Depending on the demand, it is possible to update the Desktop Multiplier to allow for the IP addresses to be assigned on a per-login basis. This would require a significant amount of work and is not something that is foreseen for the immediate future.
Q: Does the Desktop Multiplier work with ZENworks?
A: Based on our initial testing with ZENworks, everything that is based on your eDirectory user account can continue to be managed by ZENworks, including application deployment. This is because the majority of ZENworks management is based on user accounts rather than hardware. Limiting access to directories and files is a combination of ZENWorks and the native Linux file system. From an application perspective, there should be nothing different about deploying an application on Desktop Multiplier system than there would be deploying that application on a stand-alone SLED10 installation. On the other hand, any ZENworks function that is hardware based, such as remote desktop control, cannot be done with ZENworks on a Desktop Multiplier installation. Additional ZENworks testing is scheduled to be done the week of November 1, 2005. At that time, we will be working with Novell to extend ZENworks workstation remote control, so the ZENworks administrator can provide remote control of a Desktop Multiplier user session.
Q: How do I purchase the Desktop Multiplier for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10)?
A: You can purchase the Desktop Multiplier for SLED 10 directly from Omni or one of its certified resellers world-wide. Please contact Omni at 780-423-4200. We would be happy to assist you with any sales related questions.
Q: What touch screens are supported by the Desktop Multiplier? How do I connect them?
A: Currently you need to have a keyboard attached to your touch screen in order to configure the software. We will be releasing an update by the end of May which enables mouse/touchscreen only stations to work without keyboards. Click Here for more information on supported touch screens, installation and configuration.
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