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

[Steven J Newbury]

On Tue, 2008-09-09 at 15:07 +0100, Simos Xenitellis wrote:
> 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
I the biggest thing needed currently from an Xorg perspective, with
respect to multiseat, would be the ability to have a HAL policy tie
specific devices to specific displays - unless I'm missing something?