Linux Format forums

Catinaz · Joined: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:14 am Posts: 45

After some thought I have decided to post it here. If moderators feel it is wrong place for this topic pleasse feel free to move it.
I have low spec. PC currently running XP. Got few games for my kids (2 and 4 years) on it installed. Thing is, it's two of them and one of PC... That's right, There is constant “It's my turn now!”. I thought, would it be possible to have like one box running some Linux distro (don't think MS could do this) and two independent sets of monitors, mice, keyboard? So I could run two games independently to each of them?
Yes, with current hardware prices it would be easier just to get another low spec. PC/laptop. But just as a matter of interest, as an experiment? Graphics card (GeForce 400MX) has vga and s-video out, so it is possible to have two monitors. But what about mice and keyboard (got plenty free usb)? My guess, would be, I'd need multi-core cpu and install two separate distros running simultaneously on different cores. But, would it be possible to capture separate inputs (mice, key) and direct them to different outputs (monitors) within one distro? Just to show multi-capabilities of Linux?
What is your thought?
Thanks
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nelz · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:48 am Post subject:

Moved from Hints and Tips to Help because it is a question rather than an answer.
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nelz · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:52 am Post subject:

It seem like you need something like multiseat
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Unix is user-friendly. It's just very selective about who it's friends are.

Catinaz · Joined: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:14 am Posts: 45

Thanks nelz,
Multiseat looks like an answer, except I would need another video card, as stated in their wiki. For me, probably, wold be easier just to get some second hand laptop under £100.
Thanks for reply.

nelz · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:58 pm Post subject:

If your graphics card is capable of dual displays you should be able to get away with one card AIUI. Even if you need a second card, it is a damn sight cheaper than a laptop, and it takes up less space.
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Unix is user-friendly. It's just very selective about who it's friends are.

wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:37 am Post subject:

Userful offer a free 2 seat license for personal use, and it is very easy to set up.
A £20 video card with 2 outputs (VGA and DVI with a VGA converter) will run it easily.
I wrote an article about it (for another magazine) a couple of years ago, tested it out and it worked surprisingly well.
The hardware involved was an Athlon x64 single core with 1 Gb of ram, a cheap nVidia video card, 2 monitors, 2 wireless keyboard/mouse sets, a set of standard speakers and a set of USB speakers.
2 users could use facebook, youtube etc with no problems
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