Thread: Has anyone played with Windows Multipoint Server?

It's really just a terminal server. It creates a new desktop for each user logged into it. The drawback we have in the classrooms is that the generic account 'student' can only log into it once. After that, the next student logs in as 'student' and it logs the first one out. The fix is that you create user1, user2, user3, etc. That might benefit you in that you could name them for where they are in the vehicle. That might help in keeping things separate as well. The 'kvm' style connector handles all the connections, as well as the individual soundcard connections (for headsets). It's really a neat setup and might take care of a lot of your headaches.

We use it to save money. We can use existing monitors, keyboards and mice and build 6 stations for around $2200 with the licensing, as opposed to $1100 apiece for 6 desktops.

Originally Posted by cmcd2820

It's really just a terminal server. It creates a new desktop for each user logged into it. The drawback we have in the classrooms is that the generic account 'student' can only log into it once. After that, the next student logs in as 'student' and it logs the first one out. The fix is that you create user1, user2, user3, etc. That might benefit you in that you could name them for where they are in the vehicle. That might help in keeping things separate as well. The 'kvm' style connector handles all the connections, as well as the individual soundcard connections (for headsets). It's really a neat setup and might take care of a lot of your headaches.

We use it to save money. We can use existing monitors, keyboards and mice and build 6 stations for around $2200 with the licensing, as opposed to $1100 apiece for 6 desktops.

Actually that is what I need, User 1, 2, 3, etc. Now the USB connection stuff is where I am lost. Currently my install uses 6 KVMP switches, each has a touchscreen and keyboard attached to it. Those all plug into a 7 port hub, then into the host. Then I have another hub that holds all the sound cards, then plugs into the back of the host. Each USB display adapter is plugged directly into the back of the host. So question is, can I assign devices to a specific station, or do I have to use a 4 port hub for each seat with the devices plugged into those? I mean it would be a headache for me to change if yes, but it is doable. It would be better if I simply assign devices.

Also how does installing programs work? I want to ideally use Centrafuse (which does not play nice in shared environments), but if I have to a can fall to RR, which I know works some what.

From what I gather from the install diagrams, you need to have a usb hub for each terminal for keyboard and mouse, and those hubs connect directly to the host computer. Your USB video adapters would have to be connected directly to the host as well.

You can download a 60 day trial (extendable up to 240 days), so why not give it a whirl?

The connections are usually via 'thin clients' aka Wise Terminals. They cause the separation of everything. Each terminal becomes a separate desktop. I'll try and get the exact specs on the terminals tomorrow if that tech is in the office.

Each Wyse terminal creates it's own session, and the keyboard, video, mouse, soundcard, usb ports, etc, are all isolated from each other. As far as front end, I don't know. Maybe installing RR in 'non profile mode' might work? It essentially makes it 5 or 6 (or however many terminals you have) different computers, so each one could be running it's own instance of RR?

Im going to have to play with it. I'm going to wait till I have all the screens purchased. Im still missing 5 of them. That way i can test better. I emailed MS, so lets see what they say, if they even bother to get back to me.

You should check out the MS website for Multipoint. There are white papers, installation diagrams, and a lot of information on various pages.

Yea, ive looked through most of it. They do not say if touchscreens work. I am sure though that you have to split everything up into hubs. That shouldnt be a big deal though. The PC has lots of USB ports.

Found an interesting article. Looks like Multipoint may be an option. http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/sup...er-2011-140131

I also found this. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...uirements.aspx. So now I need six 4 port hubs. I also need to upgrade my HDD. Its 40gb, but MS MP needs 32gb. So I have a 80gb HDD laying around.

OK, apparently I can not use the onboard audio, unless I am reading wrong. Never the less, I bought a 6th USB soundcard. Only cost me $2.89. Its really cheap, but they work pretty well. They are 7.1 simulated surround sound cards. I also had a 4 port hub laying around, so I decided to order 5 more of the same brand. Cost $12.50 for all 5. They should be here by the end of the week. Now the only thing that is not confirmed is if the MP will work with CF or RR. Even if they dont, I dont care, as long as each user can do his/her own thing.