multihead / dual input howto (two local users, keyboards etc.)?

[Simos Xenitellis]

I would say it is more of an issue that many tasks based on
open-source software can be achieved, it just requires the person(s)
to lead the effort.
Apart from the core functionality/programming that takes place in
Xorg, it's an issue of packaging and making it easy for the users to
install and use.

Looking at http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/ it shows that Multiseat has a page at
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/3442/
with over 300 'votes'. Top issues have over 5000 such votes.

It looks to be a trend; there is amazing core functionality in X.Org,
which requires packaging  and dissemination to the end-users. This
does mean that the developers have even more tasks to do; other people
should lead the effort to bring this functionality to the end-users.

Simos

On Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 2:10 PM, Tomasz Chmielewski <mangoo at wpkg.org> wrote:
> Simos Xenitellis schrieb:
>>
>> Do a search for "multiseat". I think it shows more results.
>> I have not tried this, so it's good to post a summary on the list once
>> you have some results.
>
> It still wonders a bit why i.e. Linux distributors still don't offer an easy
> to use tool for setting up a multiseat workstation.
> It's a clear advantage over Windows, where setting up a multiseat is just
> impossible because of design. Use it in self-service Kiosks, libraries,
> schools etc.
>
>
> I once saw a commercial multiseat Kiosk distribution running Linux[1], where
> they had this feature made perfectly.
>
> First, you equip your workstation in multiple graphic cards, keyboards etc.
> (obvious step).
>
> When the distribution boots, it automatically configures all graphic cards.
> Because there can be many keyboards and monitors, it can confuse the user
> which device belongs where, and therefore, on each monitor, it displays
> something like:
>
>  "Press F4 and left-click your mouse if you're
>   sitting in front of this workstation".
>
> or
>
>  "Press F2 and lefte-click your mouse if you're
>   sitting in front of this workstation".
>
>
> This way, it knows that a given keyboard is attached to a given monitor.
>
> Smart!
>
>
>
> [1] http://www2.userful.com/products/userful-multiplier/how-its-done,
> available as a free download
>
>
> --
> Tomasz Chmielewski
> http://wpkg.org
>