[Zxian]

Quote

Userful® (Free 2-User Edition) is a simple and free way to transform your dual-monitor PC into a dual-station PC! You'll be able to support two independent users, each with their own screen and keyboard with just one PC. All you need is a computer with two monitors connected (e.g., using a dual-head video card) and an extra USB keyboard and mouse.

Link
Source - SilentPCReview.com

[bj-kaiser]

2 comments on that

• On the source:It's not virtualization, it's just that Xorg supports multiple input devices and monitors.
  
• the only difference between Xorg and userful's thing I see, is that for $99 p. user (if you go >2 users) you get a GUI for the configuration (I almost forgot, technical support)

Maybe it's faster to setup and less of a P.I.T.A. but I just wanted to note that you can get a multi-user system for free (some time of config writing excluded).

[twig123]

That is pretty neat.
Is it possible for both user's to run 3d games at the same time? or is the desktop limited to 2d applications only?

[Zxian]

bj-kaiser, on Dec 19 2007, 12:49 PM, said:

Maybe it's faster to setup and less of a P.I.T.A. but I just wanted to note that you can get a multi-user system for free (some time of config writing excluded).

Free in terms of your bank account maybe, but not in terms of time. It would take me far more time than $100 worth of wages for me to get Xorg setup to that degree (and ease of use).

twig123, on Dec 19 2007, 01:02 PM, said:

Is it possible for both user's to run 3d games at the same time? or is the desktop limited to 2d applications only?

I'm guessing that it's limited to 2d applications. It's mainly meant for use where multiple people need simple applications, such as a web kiosk or the like.

[ashraf21c]

This is not Virtuwalization!!! I thought you mean Virtual Machines

[jaclaz]

If I may, it seems to me that there are some serious problems with the "attitude" of the Company.

I seem not able to find ANY reference to the GNU license, not to sources, it is of course very possible that, notwithstanding the fact that it is Linux based, EVERYTHING they provide is their own independent work, but since they also provide a Linux based "Live CD", they must at least provide the sources for that part AND the GNU license.

The "general" License Agreement is here:
http://userful.com/download/eula/
I have rarely seen such a restrictive EULA, between other things :

Quote

2.5. The customer shall not:
.....
2.5.2. Disclose results of any benchmark tests of the Software to any third party without Userful's prior written approval

And just for a quick laugh, compare this Copyright statement:
http://userful.com/about/terms

Quote

Userful authorizes you to view, copy, download, and print any documents that are publicly available on this website, provided that the documents are used solely for non-commercial purposes, are not modified or redistributed, and all copyright, trademark, and other proprietary notices are reproduced as they appear in any such documents.

to this one:
http://support.userf...x.php/Copyright

Quote

Userful customers who have purchased or are considering purchasing Userful software may print copies of this documentation and use for training or maintenance purposes for the products they have licensed or are currently evaluating.

Should I have to publicly "state" that I'm considering purchasing a Userful product to be legally allowed to print this:
http://support.userful.com/wiki/index.php/...board_USB_ports

Quote

Power issue with unpowered USB hubs and keyboard USB ports

Some USB devices will not work if they are plugged into unpowered USB hubs (which include USB ports in keyboards). If the hub is unpowered, all devices using it will share power. Some devices may expect or need more power from the USB port, and the shortage will cause them to malfunction.

If you have any problem with your USB devices, it is recommended that you use a powered USB hub.

I hope that quoting it on a board is not illegal...

jaclaz