Re: Real multi-user linux

[James Simmons]

> > > So, instead of trying to add more and more terminals to a single box,
> > > you could stick with four-headed X servers, which would probably be
> > > more scalable.
> 
> > The biggest limitation is the PCI bus. Only so many cards can go in. I
> > guess you could fill the machine up with graphics cards and go with
> > external USB audio and TV tuner cards. One to match each graphics card.
> 
> No need:
> 
> A single machine can support four displays, keyboards, and mice easily.  We
> can use such machines as X servers for four people.  Each one can be connected
> via Ethernet to the Linux supercomputer.  That way you get the cost advantages
> of the multi-headed setup, with the scalability of the X server setup.  I think
> you could scale to 64 or 128 users like that.

  Basically you are describing a thin client kind of model. I like to 
create 
high end thin clients but I don't have any funding. Currently thin 
clients don't have the power to do multi-media as well as PCs. 
  I did everything so far with my own money and time. I don't think we 
need a supercomputer. Here is a idea but it would require a good amount 
of work. Create a X server that runs on one remote server and it programs 
the hardware remotely. Now that would save enormously. I started to work on 
this but didn't have time. Just some ideas to throw at you.