Virtualization

[mercules2178]

I was wondering if there was a way to have several people working from the same computer using virtual software. I would like to have 4 employees working on their own desktop and 1 computer with virtual systems for each.

Thanks

[EzyStvy]

All 4 working at the same time?

[mercules2178]

yes

[EzyStvy]

I know you can pretty easily get two keyboards and mice working together....But with four, wouldn't these people basically have to sit in each others lap to be able to see the monitor?

EDIT - If the pc is pretty stout, you can load 4 different copies of an OS with four seperate key codes etc using something like VirtualPC, Vmware or VirtualBox.....Getting four keyboards and mice to work will be tha hard part.

[mercules2178]

There would be four monitors, keyboards and mice. I figured that the keyboard and mice would be a problem. The idea is to have just one computer. It would save a lot of time and money!

[Force Flow]

The usual setup I've seen is to have a beefy server running Microsoft Virtual Server 2005, and 4 less powerful, inexpensive workstations. Granted, it's still probably not going to feel like you're sitting in front of a "real" workstation.

[mercules2178]

when all you are doing is word processing you do not need a lot of horse power. I hope that someone in the near future builds a virtual desktop enviroment.

[glc]

when all you are doing is word processing you do not need a lot of horse power.

Exactly. The easiest way to manage this is individual entry level business workstations and a basic file server - or what Force Flow said.

You can buy a Dell Vostro with XP Pro or Vista Business with a flat panel monitor for around 500 bucks.