How to/UMX/Creating a Multi-Seat Ubuntu Linux Desktop

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How to Create a Multistation Ubuntu System with Userful Multiplier™



Copyright © 2007-2010 Userful Corporation. All rights reserved.
(Updated 2010.2.19)


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Contents


Introduction

This will walk you through "multiplying" your Ubuntu PC by installing Userful's software.

Background

Userful Multiplier™ is a set of standard Linux software packages that extend the X Window System to support up to 10 fully independent and concurrent workstations using a single computer box. This is accomplished by adding standard video cards, USB keyboards and mice to a single PC system and installing Userful's software. Userful Multiplier is compatible with all single and dual-headed video cards supported by X.Org/XFree86 and has been tested on most major 2.6 kernel Linux distributions (including Ubuntu ver. 7.10-9.04).

This how-to explains the process for downloading and installing a trial version of Userful Multiplier. (The trial version is fully functional, but you will be periodically interrupted by a 'reminder' screen requesting you obtain a valid license through your Userful Partner/Reseller.) Instructions for obtaining a free 2-user license for personal home use are below.

Further documentation on Userful Multiplier can be found on our support Wiki.

Before You Install Multiplier

Userful Multiplier supports most off-the-shelf hardware (video cards, monitors, keyboards, mice, etc.).

For more details about Userful Multiplier hardware compatibility, please see the Userful Multiplier Readme. For information about compatible video cards, please refer to our User Guide.

Prior to installing and setting up the Multi-seat software on your Ubuntu system, you will need to:

  • Set up multiple user login accounts. (You will need at least one per station. Logging in as the same user on several stations at once causes problems.) This step MUST be completed before installing Userful Multiplier with Ubuntu versions earlier than 9.04.
  • Set the root password (which is not set by default in Ubuntu), in case it is necessary to trouble-shoot in safe mode. At the terminal, enter: 
sudo passwd root
and enter the password you intend to use for root.
  • Add enough video cards, monitors, USB Keyboards & Mice to provide a video head, monitor, keyboard and mouse for each station.
  • Connect all USB devices (keyboards, mice, hubs, etc.) placing one in front of each monitor. We recommend using powered USB hubs or USB keyboards with an integrated USB hub however if you have enough USB ports on your computer it is also possible simply to directly connect the USB devices to the main computer tower.
  • Connect VGA & USB extension cables as needed. Ensure no USB device has no more than 15ft of cable between it and the nearest USB hub.

Installation

Downloading Userful Multiplier

You can download the latest version of Userful Multiplier from our download site. Once you get to the download page, you can get the latest stable release or go to the Beta Download page for our most recent release candidates.

  • Note: Be sure to download the correct package for your Linux distro and version.

Alternatively, for non-internet connected computers, Userful Multiplier can be installed from the Userful Desktop install DVD.

Supported Ubuntu Versions

Userful Multiplier v.325 Supports:

  • 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon)
  • 8.04 (Hardy Heron)
  • 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex)
  • 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope)

Userful Multiplier v.3.7 Supports

  • 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope)
  • 9.10 (Karmic Koala)

Installing From Your Desktop

  1. Log into the desktop as the root user.
  2. Open a file browser and navigate to where you saved the Userful Multiplier zip file.
    userful-multiplier-<version>.zip
  3. Double-click the zip file to open it, then extract.
  4. Go to the newly created directory.
  5. Double-click on installer.sh, then choose the `Run in Terminal' button.
    • Ubuntu users can simply double click the userful-multiplier-<version>.deb file, and follow the instructions.
  6. After the installation is complete, reboot the computer.

Installation from the Terminal

  1. Start a terminal program.
  2. Log in as root.
    $ su
  3. If you have not already done so, unzip the Userful Multiplier zip file.
    $ unzip userful-multiplier-<version>.zip
  4. Change to the to the newly created directory containing the unzipped Userful Multiplier files.
    $ cd userful-multiplier
  5. Run the Userful installer.
    $ ./installer.sh
  6. Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
  7. Once the installation process is complete, you will be prompted to reboot.

Configuration

The first time Userful Multiplier starts, a configuration wizard will walk you through setting your screen resolutions and assigning keyboards and mice to your stations.

Multi-User Audio & USB Keys, Touch Screens. etc

If you have USB audio devices or USB keys and a USB hub at each station, you can have secure audio and private USB key access at each station (Note: Private USB key access is not supported in Ubuntu 9.10. USB devices will inherit the assignment of the parent USB hub. For example, if each user has their own USB hub, and your keyboard and mouse are plugged into a USB hub, any remaining ports on that USB hub can be used for devices such as USB keys, digital cameras, etc..

Getting a License Key

The software will operate in trial mode until you get a license key:

More Documentation

For further information please consult Userful Multiplier's Online Documentation.





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