|
| Home Products News & Events Company Partners Free Trial Support Contact |
Turn One Computer into Two
Share your PC: Free 2-User PC Multiplier™
Userful® (Free 2-User Edition) is a simple and free way to transform your dual-monitor PC (Linux or Windows or Mac on Intel) 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.
General FAQs
Q: Where can I buy extra video cards, keyboards and mice?A: Any linux-compatible video cards should work. We have some very affordable Starter Upgrade Kits available to get you going.
Q: What is Multi-Seat / Multi-Station Linux?A: Multi-Station Linux provides multiple sets of user interface hardware (monitor/keyboard/mouse/sound etc.) so that multiple people can use one computer box at the same time.
Q: Why is this useful? Where would I deploy this?
A: A two-station deployment is perfect for home use. Use it as a dual-monitor system when demand is low or share your computer at night when other family members are home. You may already have a dual monitor setup, in which case all you need is an extra USB keyboard and mouse. In larger deployments Multi-Station is ideal for libraries, Internet cafes, classrooms, computer labs, call centers, hotels, and other high density, cost-sensitive environments. Putting two to ten users on one standard PC creates significant hardware, system administration, and power savings.
Q: How do I contribute to the development of Desktop Multiplier?
A: Userful is in the process of preparing some of our products and tools for distribution under an Open Source license. openUserful.org has been set up to help developers contribute to the development of multi-station Linux, and to make Userful's source code available to the developer community.
Q: In what languages is Desktop Multiplier available?
A: Currently English, Spanish and Portuguese. Visit our translation page to help add support for other languages.
Q: My distro (or version) isn't listed as a Supported Distribution. Can I still run Desktop Multiplier? How do I configure it?
A: Please follow these instructions
Free 2 User FAQs
Q: Is the free 2-user license limited or crippled in any way?
A: No. Software using the free 2-user license is fully functional with no intentionally crippled features. After you first install you will see a nag screen. Simply register the software and the nag screen will disappear. There's no need to even reboot.
Q: What kinds of support are available with the free 2-user license?
A: Support for this product is available through the Userful support forums. Userful does not provide phone support for products licensed under the free 2-user promotion.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade to more than 2 stations after installing the free two-user license?
A: Yes. If you've got the hardware, you can purchase the software licenses from us directly. If you need extra video cards or keyboards, for a limited time we have some very affordable Starter Upgrade Kits available to get you going. The 4-station hardware upgrade kit includes a quad head video card, 4 USB keyboards/mice and extension cables.
Q: What does it cost to upgrade to more than two users?
A: The retail price for licensing and support is $99/station. Educational and volume discounts are available as well as discounts for customers in economically developing countries. Licenses and support can be purchased directly through Userful or through one of our partners and resellers.
Q: Does the free 2-user license support the Dual View feature for each user?
A: No. The free 2-user license does not support Dual View for more than one user.
Q: Are free licenses combinable to make a four-user system?
A: No. Free licenses can not be combined and are not transferable.
Distribution & Bundling FAQs
Q: Can I distribute this software with our Linux Distro, software CD, or white-box computer hardware?
A: Yes, but certain restrictions apply. If you are interested in redistributing Userful products please contact us at distribution @ userful.com for details.
Q: Why should a free Linux distribution include Desktop Multiplier?
A: Desktop Multiplier helps eliminate both hardware and systems management costs. Customers who use this software save as much as $500 per station in hardware acquisition costs and as much several thousand dollars per year in maintenance related costs.
Q: Could selling fewer copies reduce revenue for our commercial Linux distribution?
A: The multi-station feature is becoming in demand. Linux has supported multiple users on a single computer using remote X forever and projects such as LTSP are becoming mainstream. Multi-station computing enables you to license and support more seats without more installations.
Q: What are the costs/revenues with bundling Desktop Multiplier with a our Linux distribution, other software, or hardware?
A: There are two options:
- Free - Send us an email we will send you a distribution agreement for your review. Provided you adhere to those conditions, we can set you up with authorization to distribute a free 2-user license.
- Custom solution - For a nominal setup fee, we'll set you up with a co-branded version of Desktop Multiplier, as well as providing revenue sharing on license revenue from your customers who upgrade to more than 2 users. Optionally Userful can build and maintain a unique RPM/DEB package customized to your distribution. This can include co-branding, documentation and other features. You can choose whether users need to register or not to activate their free second station.
Q: Where can I find out more about bundling or distributing Desktop Multiplier?
A: Please contact us your contact information and your intended application to distribution @ userful.com.