Multiplicity (software)
Multiplicity is a computer program that enables one keyboard and mouse to access two or more client computers from a host computer. It was developed for Stardock as part of their ThinkDesk subscription service, but is now available separately.
Operation and features
Multiplicity is unlike remote desktop applications in that instead of opening windows to a client computer on a host computer’s desktop, the mouse pointer and keyboard focus shifts from one computer to another. It is closer in concept to a KVM switch, but while these have multiple cables to each computer, with Multiplicity the keyboard and mouse remain connected to the host computer and input is forwarded from the host to client machines via network connections — typically over TCP/IP port 30564.[1] Each computer uses its own display.[2] Switching is triggered by movement of the mouse to the appropriate side of the screen (or keyboard shortcuts, if desired), both from the desktop and in full-screen video modes.[3][4]
Multiplicity comes in two versions; the standard Multiplicity has the ability to copy and paste images and text between computers,[2] while Multiplicity Pro can control up to nine client computers and can copy files, folders, and other data between machines.[5]
Supported platforms as of 2010 are Windows XP and above (32-bit and x64, not IA-64) and Windows Server equivalents.
Multiplicity cannot emulate the capability of the KVM switch to let one display serve all the connected computers. Neither does it permit combining computers with different operating systems, like Mac OS and Linux. The modern alternative would be the combination of a HDMI switch and a USB switch, but the software-hardware comparison remains equally valid.
Alternatives
- x2x - Software for the X Window System that allows the console (keyboard and mouse) on one X terminal to be used to control another X terminal. It also provides ancillary functions like clipboard sharing. Developed in 1996 by David Chaiken at DEC.
- x2vnc - x2vnc allows the console (keyboard and mouse) on an X terminal to be used to control another console running a VNC server. It also provides ancillary functions like clipboard sharing. The remote displays can be running on any operating system that can run a VNC server... Developed in 1998 by Fredrik Hubinette, based on source code from x2x and VNC.
- Synergy — A free software option that allows users to use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers over TCP/IP. It is multiplatform (supporting Windows, Linux, and others), and supports text copy and paste.
- MaxiVista — A commercial option allowing users to use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers over TCP/IP. MaxiVista can also share the monitor of a computer with other computers to create a multi monitor setup.[6]
- ShareMouse — A cross-platform Windows and Apple Mac OS X option allowing users to control any networked computer from the mouse and keyboard of any other computer. ShareMouse does not require any manual configuration and works in any direction. ShareMouse is also available as a portable application.[7]
- Any remote desktop software that runs on the X Window System, together with a suitable window manager, can achieve the same effect, though not as efficiently. This does not require the use of multiple displays, but Xinerama can be used if multiple displays are desired, as long as one of the machines is capable of connecting to multiple displays at the same time. As this approach transports the output to the primary machine, it can be too slow for demanding video/audio apps and games.
References
- ↑ Matt Lake (September 2005). "Three Screens, No Waiting". ComputerUser.com. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- 1 2 Neil J. Rubenking (25 February 2005). "Multiplicity Pro - Full Review". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ↑ Jeff Partridge (21 July 2005). "Multiply Your Abilities". Lockergnome. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ↑ Don Reisinger (August 21, 2007). "Stardock Multiplicity Software Review". PC World. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
- ↑ Anne Chen (6 June 2005). "Pings and Packets - Multiplicity Tidies Up Work Spaces". eWeek. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ↑ "Multi Monitor - Dual Monitor - KVM Switch". Retrieved 2010-02-20.
External links
- Multiplicity home page
- Multiplicity in action — blog post explaining usage
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