Microsoft Researching Split-screen Desktop Software

[Guest Reimar]

How reliable it really could be?

Read the articel:

New technology from Microsoft Research India in Bangalore could end the waiting game in offices with limited computers. Researchers are developing software that splits a computer screen in two halves, each side with its own operating system, desktop, applications, cursor and keyboard.

The technology could help small businesses and schools in developing countries reduce their computer costs and could even work in homes where more than one family member needs access.

"At the most basic level, we are allowing two users to work completely independently on the same machine, sharing both the processor and monitor," said Udai Singh Pawar, assistant researcher and project leader. The innovation could salvage time otherwise wasted as one person waits to use a computer.

The working prototype uses a standard 19-inch screen, but can also work on 15 and 17-inch screens, which are more common at small businesses in India, said Pawar. The solution is software-based and does not require that a company trade their current PC for a new one. They would simply need to install the software and plug in a second mouse and keyboard.

The software enables two sessions of Windows to share the computer's processor. It also divides the screen in half, running one operating system on the left and the other on the right. If necessary, a user can move her cursor to the other half of the screen, which opens the door on sharing and collaborating with documents.

[singa-traz]

Usability is a big question.

Have seen such system that share a PC into two, but using two monitors.

[A_Traveller]

The other approach which was in use for a while was the 'mirror' technique where a single CPU served two monitors, keyboard+mouse, leveraging the reality that the CPU is often in a wait state and contention is a managed process.

To be honest I'm not at all sure of the logic of running two sessions in a 15" monitor, {sponsored by eyeglasses R' us}.

However an interesting idea out of Bangalore, I guess. Don't think it'll see the light of day.

Regards

PS Away for a few minutes so didn't see sing's response before posting

/edit add PS//

[solo siam]

If it was a 20" or so widescreen monitor then it would appear as two A4 sized screen next to each other which may be useful.

[Guest Reimar]

If it was a 20" or so widescreen monitor then it would appear as two A4 sized screen next to each other which may be useful.

It's maybe usefull for a writer/editor who can read and write at same time on just one monitor but can controll both screen at same time also!

[Veazer]

I use an old 21" crt for movies. It works great if someone wants to watch a dvd while i'm wokring but they can't do any browsing or anything else requiring input. I'd just like to have a solution that allows me to connect a second keyboard and mouse and use my second monitor as a second pc like singa-traz mentioned. I'm not sure how windows would manage that - 'dual focus' or something to that effect?

[A_Traveller]

I use an old 21" crt for movies. It works great if someone wants to watch a dvd while i'm wokring but they can't do any browsing or anything else requiring input. I'd just like to have a solution that allows me to connect a second keyboard and mouse and use my second monitor as a second pc like singa-traz mentioned. I'm not sure how windows would manage that - 'dual focus' or something to that effect?

There's a package, if memory serves, called 'Mirror PC', which was available from the IT center on top floor of Pantip which does just that.

Regards

PS I think the company Aten provides this type of equipment. I know their KVM kits are sold here.

Aten

/edit add PS//

[cali]

One monitor for two people is the dumbest idea I have heard in a long time. It's about as useful as a two sided cellphone allowing two people to make calls at the same time by holding it between each other. Think about it, it's an ergonomic and privacy nightmare. So hey, why stop at two? Why not make it 4 people can use a monitor, each getting a quadrant? Or more? You could also take a 101 key keyboard and with stickers give each user half of it, maybe even 1/3rd! Or a mouse with a switch so you can hand it between each person to use. Then you could make a two person toilet nearby with one bowl and the lid with two holes. Who comes up with this stuff? I just don't see people lining up for it. As long as it is cheaper to use old dusty computers running old software, this idea seems a practical joke.

[Naam]

Then you could make a two person toilet nearby with one bowl and the lid with two holes. Who comes up with this stuff? I just don't see people lining up for it. As long as it is cheaper to use old dusty computers running old software, this idea seems a practical joke.

:D