VirtuaCore - Desktop Virtualization and Computer Sharing Demo

http://www.BlackBox.com/go/VirtuaCore | This video demo shows how easy it is to set up Black Box® VirtuaCore™ Desktop Virtualization Computer Sharing. This technology enables you to turn one CPU into two or four fully functioning workstations with no loss in PC performance or power. We demonstrate how to attach monitors, keyboards, and mice to the computer CPU, how to load the VirtuaCore software, and how to make connections to the optional VirtuaCore Cubes. Plus, the video demonstrates the simple process of getting the computer to recognize the attached PC peripherals.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• VirtuaCore
• Black Box
• Computer
• Computer sharing
• Desktop sharing

[Hangtube]

What happens if you install a two seat license on a quad core machine or a four seat license on a dual core machine (intel) with hyperthreading ?

[BlackBoxNS]

@Hangtube: You can install a 2-user license on a quad-core CPU and each user will use 2 CPUs. If you install a 4-user license on a dual-core CPU system then you will have 2 users per core and each user will have reduced performance. We don't recommend this. If the dual-core supports hyper threading technology, the user experience will be the same as with just a standard dual-core processor.

[Hangtube]

In these days of cheap commodity hardware, at roughly $400 for a 2 'seat' license, this product is really NOT particularly cost effective except for situations where 'real estate' like desk space, power outlets, network ports, etc, are at a premium.

[BlackBoxNS]

If you are purchasing a single 2-seat license, then you have a point. However, VirtuaCore is exactly for situations where users have a high demand for access to technology in tight spaces, for example in classrooms. If you can imagine having 200 spare PCs in the IT closet, then think about buying the VirtuaCore 4-seat license to make 800 computers out of 200. You still only need 200 network connections, and the admin manages the system from the network, rather than configuring it for each seat.

[BlackBoxNS]

This increases the number of computers a school has without increasing the number of PCs it has to purchase. Plus, every student has access to the system. When you compare 200 PCs to 800 PCs, you will certainly see the difference in desk space, power requirements, heating, etc. Additionally, if you go with a server-based system and thin clients, not only does it slow your network overall, once the server or network crashes, every person loses access to the system.

[BlackBoxNS]

@cyberstick2, VirtuaCore is a directly connected, zero-client system, so it can run multiple OS's on multiple seats with only 1 or 2 PCs. Each seat has its own IP and MAC address, just as if it were a separate PC. It runs standard software, and streams video. It's an extremly cost effective device. Thanks for your interest!

[MultiDavePete]

@Hangtube:

Great question. Regarding the 2 head on the quad core, you would end up with 2 users each with a dual core system. Regarding the 4 head on the dual core (with hyperthreading), you would end up with each user getting its' own core, but the hyperthreaded users would not have as good of a user experience, and the "real" core users would also be affected. This requires one real core (at least) per user.

[SlyDelvecchio]

You fail. You said "it's a Celeron Core2Duo PC". You meant "Celeron Dual Core". Herp derp...

[cyberstick2]

It's almost like nComputing's products. One machine, multiple screens/keyboards/mice/sound. Except you're doing it in software, and can handle multiple OS's. Like a marriage of a hypervisor with standard PC components.

Didn't even know Black Box was doing anything in this realm.