This page is also available in:   English, Español, Français, Português, Deutsch  

Multiseat computing is technology which allows a single computer to support multiple, independent users at the same time. With appropriate hardware and Userful MultiSeat software, a single computer can be used by up as many as 20 people simultaneously. Please refer to the Userful MultiSeat documentation for more information.

In a multiseat setting, a station consists of the input (mouse, keyboard, microphone) and output (monitor, headphones) devices needed for a computer user. Another way to look at it is that a station is a video output device -- a monitor plus video card, or a monitor plus USB or ehternet zero-client multiseat device --- with associated input/output devices. Please see the Userful MultiSeat User Guide for more information.

Userful MultiSeat takes advantage of the recent boom in USB multiseat devices. These devices connect to a PC through the USB protocol, and have video card-like capabilities; they eliminate the need for multiple video cards.

More recent versions of Userful MultiSeat include support for multiple video cards, as well as the recent advance in USB-over-ethernet technology: ethernet zero-client multiseat devices.

Userful MultiSeat software uses the often underutilized computing power of today's personal computers to support several simultaneous users, each with their own desktop workstation.

This software is available as:

1. Userful MultiSeat: A stand-alone software package compatible with Ubuntu/Edubuntu.
2. Userful MultiSeat Linux: Bundled with Edubuntu and other open-source software.

Userful MultiSeat is a stand-alone software package that can be installed on an existing Ubuntu/Edubuntu 10.04 operating system.

Userful MultiSeat Linux is a DVD bundle providing single-install educational solution: Userful MultiSeat, Edubuntu 10.04 and other open-source software.

The most current information is on supported operating systems is available here.

Userful MultiSeat is fully translated into several languages. For the complete listing, please go to our translations page.

The latest versions of both the Userful MultiSeat package and the Userful MultiSeat Linux DVD ISO are available on Userful's website.

Userful MultiSeat is compatible with any video card supported by the underlying Linux distribution.

Information on video cards supported by Ubuntu/Edubuntu 10.04 can be found in the Ubuntu documentation.

Yes, if you are using Userful MultiSeat version 4.1 or later. For information on what video cards can be used to create a Userful MultiSeat system, please refer to the User Guide.

Userful MultiSeat 4.0 was been designed to take full advantage of USB multiseat devices, and does not work with multiple video cards.

For the most up-to-date information on which USB multiseat devices are compatible with Userful MultiSeat, please go to the list of recommended devices.

For the most up-to-date information on which ethernet zero-client multiseat devices are compatible with Userful MultiSeat, please go to the list of recommended devices.

Please refer to our PC specifications for this information.

No special or unusual hardware is required to use ethernet zero-client devices with Userful MultiSeat. At minimum, you need a router, a switch (gigabit capacity required for more than 2 stations), and a PC with an network card. For more details please see the User Guide and our Network Station Guidelines.

Yes, but manual configuration is required. For more information and instructions, please see the DisplayPort How-To.

The latest versions of both the Userful MultiSeat package and the Userful MultiSeat Linux DVD ISO are available on Userful's website.

That depends whether you are installing the stand-alone Userful MultiSeat package, or the DVD bundle Userful MultiSeat Linux.

If you plan to install Userful MultiSeat Linux, no preparation is needed because the DVD will install a complete operating system -- either replacing the existing OS, or along-side it in a dual-boot configuration. For information on installing Userful MultiSeat Linux alongside an existing Windows® OS, please see this How To.

If you already have an Ubuntu/Edubuntu 10.04 operating system, there are some simple steps you must take before installing the stand-alone Userful MultiSeat package. Please refer to our online instructions.

Installation is easy, whether you are using the stand-alone Userful MultiSeat (please see instructions here) or the DVD ISO for Userful MultiSeat Linux (please see instructions here).

For both varieties, installation is guided by the Userful Install Wizard.

Please see our upgrade instructions here.

With Userful MultiSeat, the only post-install software configuration needed is creating/reviewing extra users, creating a root password and updating the operating system. For more details, please see the appropriate instructions for Userful MultiSeat Linux or Userful MultiSeat.

The Userful MultiSeat Linux installation process will automatically create a number of user accounts to simplify use in a classroom setting. If you later wish to change user names/passwords or create other accounts, please refer to this How To.

With Userful MultiSeat, a different user name must be used with each station. For information on creating or modifying these users, please see this How To.

Ubuntu/Edubuntu does not set a root password by default. Instead, Ubuntu relies on the sudo functionality (see the sudo home page for more information. However, Userful recommends setting a root password in case it is necessary to work in non-graphical mode (for troubleshooting, for example), and to access the Userful Control Center in some circumstances.

For instructions on setting a root password, please go to the User Guide for either Userful MultiSeat Linux or Userful MultiSeat.

Userful MultiSeat must be turned OFF during any system update. For more information please see these instructions.

IMPORTANT: If you are using the Userful-patched kernel, do not get system updates using the graphical Update Manager. It is important not to over-write the custom kernel. Please see Appendix C of the User Guide for more information.

Once Userful MultiSeat or Userful MultiSeat Linux is installed, it's time to set up stations. Please see Userful's documentation on:

• Setting up Video Card Stations
• Setting up USB Multiseat Stations
• Setting up Network (Ethernet Zero-client) Stations

Input devices are assigned manually when:

• Multiple video cards are used to create multiple stations, and/or
• Userful MultiSeat version 4.0 or 4.1 are used.

With Userful MultiSeat version 4.x, automatic input device assignment can be manually turned on for USB multiseat devices.

Input devices are assigned automatically with Userful MultiSeat v5.0 and later when using:

• USB multiseat devices or
• USB-over-LAN multiseat devices

Userful MultiSeat has a simple utility for manual assignment of devices. Please take a look at The Press-F key Utility for more information.

Userful MultiSeat supports auto-assignment of input, storage and audio devices, when possible. In other words, any device plugged into the same USB multiseat device as a given display will automatically be assigned to the display's station. Auto-assignment must be activated in order to work; please see Activating Device Auto-assignment.

You may reassign keyboards and mice at any point by simply pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Break key combination or re-connecting the device by unplugging for at least 1.5 seconds and re-connecting it to the USB port while the system is running. The assignment screen will automatically appear on top of your current desktop. No work will be lost, simply press the correct F-key and return to your desktop.

Note: this feature does not apply to USB-over-LAN (network) stations, which always use auto-assignment of input devices.

A USB multiseat device is a piece of hardware that connects to a computer through a USB port and has graphics capability; that is, the device can support a display without requiring another graphics card in the host computer. There are several types:

• USB-to-VGA adapters used in conjunction with USB hubs.
• USB docking stations with built-in USB multiseat device (some are called "thin clients"). Some have USB ports, keyboard/mouse ports, audio plug-ins, etc. All will have a VGA port.
• Monitors with a built-in USB multiseat device.

For the most up-to-date information on which USB multiseat devices are compatible with Userful MultiSeat, please go to the list of recommended devices.

Userful MultiSeat supports hotplugging, which means that stations can be unplugged, replugged and/or moved without requiring a reboot. Please refer to our documentation on hotplugging for more information.

In simple terms, USB (Universal Serial Bus) describes a way to connect a hardware device (or peripheral) to a controlling device (usually a computer). The term USB also includes the way that the device(s) and controller communicate. USB connectivity is the standard for a wide range of devices and periperals. For more information, please refer to our USB Guide

We recommend using no more than one hub to achieve greater distance, and preferably that hub should be powered. Please see Userful's General USB Guidelines and/or USB Guide for more information.

Not really. Userful does not recommend daisy chaining USB hubs or USB multiseat devices. But if you absolutely must, be sure to use powered USB hubs.

Please see Userful's General USB Guidelines and/or USB Guide for more information.

Ethernet zero-client devices are similar to USB multiseat devices, but instead of using USB cables and connectivity, they use ethernet (network) cables. Thus, stations can be placed a lot farther away from the host PC (USB cable lengths are limited to 5 metres in length to maintain signal quality).

Ethernet zero-client devices are also known as network stations or USB-over-LAN devices.

For the most up-to-date information on which ethernet zero-client multiseat devices are compatible with Userful MultiSeat, please go to the list of recommended devices.

No special or unusual hardware is required to use ethernet zero-client devices with Userful MultiSeat. At minimum, you need a router, a switch (gigabit capacity required for more than 2 stations), and a PC with an network card. For more details please see the User Guide and our Network Station Guidelines.

No. Ethernet zero-client devices MUST be on the same subnet as the host PC to function. For more in-depth information, please see our network station How To.

Firmware can be checked for an individual station through the Userful Control Center by looking at Network station details. Alternatively, firmware for all detected stations can be checked through the terminal by running the following command (with sudo or root): userful device check firmware .

Instructions for updating device firmware can be found in How to Manage Network Device Firmware.

The Userful System Tray is an exciting feature of Userful MultiSeat versions 4.1 and later. It provides a simple, intuitive way to manage USB-connected peripheral storage devices, including flash drives. Mass-storage-mode cameras ands optical drives, such as the host system CD/DVD drive, are also managed through the System Tray.

Please see the User Guide for more information about the System Tray.

With Userful MultiSeat v4.0

• The CD/DVD drive on the host PC is considered to be semi-shared storage. This means that when media is first inserted into the optical drive, it will be accessible to all users; however, only the station that mounts the drive will have access to it after it is mounted.

With Userful MultiSeat v4.1 and Later

• Optical drives (either in the system tower or USB-connected) are managed through the Userful System Tray. Please see the System Tray section of this guide for more details.

With Userful MultiSeat v4.0

USB storage devices (flash drives) will be assigned to individual stations, and accessible to that station, only if the drive is plugged into a USB multiseat device being used by that station.

A flash drive plugged into a USB port on the host computer, or any other port where assignment is unclear, will be treated as a shared device. This means that when the flash drive is initially plugged in, an icon (labelled "Mount (New_Volume)") will appear on every logged-in station, and all logged-in users will be able to mount the device. Once the flash drive is mounted (a new icon appears, "New_Volume"), only the user mounting it will have access. Flash drives must be unmounted (by clicking on the "Unmount (New_Volume)" icon).

With Userful MultiSeat v4.1 and Later

Flash drives and other USB-connected storage devices are managed through the Userful System Tray. Please see the System Tray section of this guide for more details.

Just like any single-user computer, how digital cameras are accessed with a Userful MultiSeat system depends on whether your camera uses a mass storage protocol or PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol); please see Using Digital Cameras for details.

Yes, with Userful MultiSeat v.5.0 and later only. Please see the User Guide for more information.

The Userful Control Center is where you monitor, configure and manage Userful MultiSeat Stations. It features:

• A system/station status dashboard
• Individual or system-wide display configuration
• Individual or system-wide control over station access
• Software updates, license management and access to help and support
• With v.5.0 and later, manage ethernet zero-client (network) multiseat devices

Please see Accessing the Control Center to get started.

Absolutely, although it shouldn't be necessary under normal circumstances.

The Userful MultiSeat Command Line tool combines all terminal or shell commands for the Userful MultiSeat Control Center into a single interface; for information and examples, please go to the Userful MultiSeat Command Line Tool.

The Userful Control Center opens on the Status or Dashboard page. This page gives a snapshot of the current system status, and access to all of the functions of the Control Center. For details please see Userful Control Center: Status.

Yes. With the Userful MultiSeat Control Center, it is possible to disable (deactivate) or enable (activate) individual stations temporarily. Please see Enable/Disable Stations.

With the Userful MultiSeat Control Center, it is possible to change monitor resolution on individual stations or system wide. Userful MultiSeat detects appropriate resolutions for each connected monitor, and offers those choices in an easy-to-use drop-down menu.

Please go to Display Settings for more information.

With the Userful MultiSeat Control Center, it is possible to change color-depth on individual stations or system wide. Please go to Display Settings for more information.

The Userful Control Center can help you solve any problems you may have. Selecting Help and Support > Troubleshoot a Problem from the Control Center navigation tree opens a page with links to relevant documentation that will be most helpful in solving a problem; if a problem cannot be solved using Userful's documentation, the fastest and best way to receive technical assistance from Userful's support team is to submit a problem report directly to Userful Customer Support through the Userful Control Center.

Please go to Troubleshoot a Problem for more information.

The "Network Station" section of the Userful Control Center is where you monitor, configure and manage network stations. It features:

• View available and assigned network stations
• Assign and release network stations
• View network station details, including MAC address, IP address and firmware version.
• Give stations names and/or location tags to make managing large numbers of stations easier
• Configure network settings (to either use DHCP or assign a static address) for stations

Please see the User Guide to get started.

From the "Network Station" section of the Userful Control Center, simply click on a station to view Details for that station.

Absolutely -- but please note that network stations must be unassigned to change the name or location.

Click on the "pencil" icon next to the "Name" or "Location" field of an unassigned station to edit the station Name or Location.

Click on the "pencil" icon located to the right of the network station's IP address to configure network settings for that station.

Please note that network stations must be unassigned to change network settings.

It could be because they have been assigned to another host computer, or because the system hostname has been changed.

Please see this How To for more information.

Your host computer name may contain unsupported characters.

For more information, and for other troubleshooting strategies, please see this How To.

Absolutely. The Userful Control Center allows administrators to specify proxy settings. Please see the User Guide for more information.

Userful MultiSeat can be turned off (and turned back on again!) from the Control Center. Please go to Turn Userful MultiSeat On and Off for more information.

Occasionally. The Userful team is continually working to improve our products performance and feature set for upcoming version releases, and may release important updates between official software version releases. By default, the system checks for updates automatically.

For more information, or to learn how to disable automatic updates, please see Updating Userful MultiSeat.

If it ever becomes necessary to uninstall Userful MultiSeat, it can be easily done through the Control Center.

Access to and permission to change files or folder contents is managed through Ubuntu's file browser, Nautilus.

For more information on how to set file and folder permissions, please refer to this How To.

To enable the full version of Userful MultiSeat, you need to purchase a valid license for each multi-station computer system. The unlicensed version of Userful MultiSeat is fully functional, supporting up to 11 concurrent stations (depending on your specific hardware), but will display a brief registration reminder on all attached screens every 20 minutes or so. Please see Licensing Information for more details.

With Userful MultiSeat, licensing is quickly and easily managed through the Userful Control Center.

Userful offers a Free 2-User License and a Commercial License for Userful MultiSeat and Userful MultiSeat Linux. Please see Licensing Information for more details.

If you have license, you can view important information about the system license from the Licensing section of the Control Center.

Yes - but the process depends on what version of Userful MultiSeat you have.

If you are using Userful MultiSeat v.4.x, and you already have a valid license, but want to increase the number of seats on your license, please go to How To Update a License for instructions.

If you are using Userful MultiSeat v.5.0 and later, the number of seats on your license can be increased through the Control Center.

To get a new license, please Contact Userful.

If you are using Userful MultiSeat v.4.x, and want to replace an existing license, please go to How To Update a License for instructions.

If you are using Userful MultiSeat v.5.0 and later, existing licenses can be replaced through the Control Center.

To install a license on a system that doesn't have access to the internet, please contact Userful to request a license file. Then refer to the User Guide, Installing a License Key from a File.

It depends. You can use it for MultiSeat if it was issued for Multiplier v.3.8.

License keys issued for Userful Multiplier v.3.7 and earlier will not function with Userful MultiSeat. For new license keys for Userful MultiSeat, either use a Free-2-User license, or contact Userful.

Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011 is bundled with Edubuntu, an education-specific variant of the Ubuntu Linux operating system. Edubuntu includes dozens of applications to meet any user's needs -- including many that are especially aimed at educational environments. In addition, the Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011 DVD includes several packages and add-ons to enhance user experience.

For details of all the software and enhancements included in Userful MultiSeat Linux, please go to Userful MultiSeat Linux: Applications and Userful MultiSeat Linux: Extra Features.

Ubuntu and Edubuntu are basically the same operating system, but have different sets of default applications; Edubuntu focuses on educational tools. For more information, please go to the Edubuntu website.

iTALC is open-source software developed as a teacher's classroom control tool. ITALC is installed during the Userful MultiSeat Linux 4.x installation but must be installed separately with v.5.0 and later.

For more information on using iTALC with Userful MultiSeat, please see Using iTALC Classroom Control Tool.

Teachers can manage which websites students can access in a Userful Multiseat Linux lab using the free, open-source program Dansguardian.

For more information please refer to How to Filter Web Content with Dansguardian.

Yes, using PlayOnLinux, which is installed automatically with Userful MultiSeat Linux.

Codecs used to play DVD video, MP3 music, and certain other file formats, must be installed separately. Userful MultiSeat Linux includes a desktop shortcut to make installing these codecs easy. Please see Multimedia for more information.