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260

Unleash the full potential of Linux's multi-user capabilities: Ubuntu + Ndiyo's Hubster

260 points posted to Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Desktops and Laptops by limulus 08/02/07

When you think of a Windows machine, generally speaking, its a box connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, which one user uses at a time. Dell's Desktop Ubuntu machines are currently shipped the same way.



But Ubuntu is Linux and so has the potential for many users to use the same computer at the same time, as is done with a server.



Imagine if you will being able to buy a single computer and everyone in the house can use it at the same time; no more fighting over who gets to use it when or who gets stuck using the old computer if there is another one. This is the exciting potential of Ndiyo's Hubster.



"Hubster is the first ultra-thin-client terminal with completely user-configurable hardware"

* plug a USB hub into your computer
* plug the Hubster, a USB keyboard and mouse into the hub
* plug a monitor into the Hubster

and you have a Terminal that behaves just as if it were its own computer. Repeat the process for a second Terminal, etc.



Some new monitors will even have the hub built right in to make it that much easier.

Watch the demo video on their page and be as awe-struck as I was :-)

AFAIK, there is nothing currently like this offered by any major OEM; if Dell were to get it to market I'm sure many families would want one!

limulus
08/03/07		 The thing about doing this sort of networking is that you'll want a nice fast computer as the basis of it and so when considering a computer system one would be more inclined to buy a higher-performance system rather than several lower-end systems that add up to the same price (note: profit seems to be highest for Dell in high-end systems), plus you're buying more monitors per system (Dell wouldn't be sad about THAT ;). I suspect that individual users won't be interested in this sort of system at all and this setup is truly a "family computer".
kenjennings
08/03/07		 This would go well with any small office/home office that has more than one computer. Dell could use it an excuse to sell bigger, more powerful computers up front with a lot of extra monitors and keyboards.

Don't know about geeks using linux. My mother in-law uses a linux system I set up for her. She cruises the web, reads email, looks at pictures of her grandkids, and doesn't even know she's using linux. Her computer was "upgraded" after self-corrupting Windows imploded yet again. I got tired of doing maintenance and system administration every time we visited her. It's been running a couple years without issues. She thinks I'm some kind of magician.

Windows just isn't ready for the desktop. Only geeks that like to reinstall and watch virus scans running use Windows. Everyone else just wants to use their computer and not be punished by it.
jervis961
08/03/07		 I think its a great idea. I'm happy to see something posted about Linux that isn't just saying offer it here there and everywhere but actually has some thought put into it. Also very good use of HTML to add the pictures and links. You get a one man standing ovation from me (not that it means much).
premcv
08/03/07		 A very good idea. Good thought, limulus!
dino
08/03/07		 This along with WiFi USB hubs (do out soon) would rule.
premcv
08/03/07		 Surely, I feel!
jdelidc
08/03/07		 i want that
mkmaster78
08/03/07		 sorry for the demote, because, though I feel that the concept is a great one (thin client that is easily configurable) USB is definately not the way go, it should be gigabit ethernet.
kenjennings
08/03/07		 The Ndiyo folks also have a version that uses ethernet if you need a longer cable. The point of the ultra-thin-client is that the bandwith required is actually very low. USB 2.0 is more than sufficient to drive the setup described. Though you're always limited by permissable cable length.

A small office with cubes/partitions could divide one computer by six cubes using USB, since they're together. Other places might opt for ethernet, especially larger installations that are already wired for networking fat client PCs. At home I'd probably also use the ethernet given the distance between rooms.
ebrahim
08/03/07		 Having one PC and multiple thin clients is a great idea. But Dell should first search for alternatives to this USB solution. I think dell can do it through Ethernet (as mkmaster78 said).
jdelidc
08/03/07		 they should offer both. ethernet is great for long distance/budget cuts but USB would be able to keep traffic off an already busy network. or they could offer the ethernet to everyone and only offer USB to med & large business.

i'm starting to like this site
desertc
08/04/07		 FROM THE FAQ

Can I get it?

Not yet, no. The software is still in an early prototype form and not suitable for release. If you're subscribed to our blog or our mailing list, you'll be able to keep up with the latest

http://www.ndiyo.org/systems/hubster/faq
limulus
08/06/07		 desertc: Indeed; we as consumers can't buy these yet... However, if Dell was willing to invest in the company, I suspect they could become available to Dell customers sooner ;)
cosh
11/24/07		 Awesome idea.
kenjennings
Mar 1		 It would be nice to see some motion on this at Ndiyo. The dates on all the web pages and the RSS update are all just before this idea was posted about six months ago.
jdelidc
Mar 1		 forgot about this idea. but again, i like it. but there's gotta be a way to have that done through the local machine without having to pay for an extra program or hardware. i ain't figured it out (although i do use xdmcp, which i'm guessing is what all these hubs use)
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