Ubuntu

Multiple users simultaneously

Asked by Scott

I am new to Ubuntu and Linux. I've had a Linux class but its been a year or so and that stuff was pretty basic. I plan on putting Ubuntu 9.04 64-bit on some computers (both desktop and server editions). I need to run Windows in a virtual environment on some of these computers for multiple reasons. One of the Windows virtualizations will be for my fiance to play WoW. The other Windows virtualizations is for me to run Windows Server because I am studying for certifications in them. I would like to have 2 people using separate laptops be able to remotely log into one of these desktops under different users simultaneously. Both user's would be able to work and log in and out without the other user knowing or being effected (outside of resources being used).

Is this possible? What would be the best way to do this?

Two different ways I have looked into approaching this. The first is to get a good laptop for the one that needs to run WoW and virtualize it locally on the laptop. The second way is to use not so good laptops and remote connect to a desktop that can do the above.

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Scott (snick8484) said : 		#1

Also, what kind of hardware would be required?

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Steven Danna (ssd7) said : 		#2

This is completely possible. There are no hardware requirements other than a network connections however, you should know that having multiple users both running Windows in virtualization will require pretty substantial system resoures. As far as WoW goes, you might want to look into running WoW in Wine since I'm told it works relatively well.

In terms of getting multiple remote graphical logins, there are a number of ways to do that. One way is to use a vnc server:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VNC

However, I really have no idea how well performance will be if you are attempting to play games over VNC.

Alternatively,

You can use XDMCP, which looks considerably easier to set up. Here is an article on how to set it up:

http://www.zolved.com/synapse/view_content/28158/Remote_Login_via_XDMCP_on_Ubuntu

I hope this helps

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Steven Danna (ssd7) said : 		#3

I just tested the XDMCP directions in that article, and they didn't
seem to work for me. That doesn't mean they won't work for you, but
I'll try to find some working directions for you if you want to go
that route over VNC.

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Steven Danna (ssd7) said : 		#4

Well, I was unable to find XDMCP directions that were significantly different than the ones I posted. Please post back with further questions or problems you run into.

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Scott (snick8484) said : 		#5

Thank you very much for your help. I will read these articles and attempt something. It may be a month or so before I write about my findings. Thanks again.

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Scott (snick8484) said : 		#6

If this VNC is to work, I still need 2 different users logged into the remote computer simultaneously and both actively working. That is the functionality I need. Is that possible? And if so, can't I just use some sort of remote desktop? I know that is a Windows application, but I'm sure there is some sort of reversed engineered open source version of it.

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Steven Danna (ssd7) said : 		#7

I think you should be able to set up VNC to allow multiple people to be logged in at the same time. I've found this article:

http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/Remote_Access_to_the_Ubuntu_Linux_Desktop#Accessing_a_Remote_Ubuntu_Linux_Desktop_from_a_Windows_System

At the bottom it describes how to set vnc up for multiple users.

I've never set this up myself so I can't vouch for how well this will work for you.

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