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Thread ID: 15341 2002-02-04 22:02:00 Single computer network? Guest (0) Press F1
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34383 2002-02-04 22:02:00 Is it possible to create a network using one PC/server and then having multiple workstations with only monitor/keyboard/mouse with the capability to have internet access and separate mailboxes as well as program/file sharing linked to it?

If possible any ideas of where to get some information about what is required to set this up?

Or is it simpler/logical/cheaper to just network multiple pc's together?

Any ideas?
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34384 2002-02-04 22:10:00 It IS possible, however its not the best of ideas, for practical computing, as each of the terminals tends to be VERY slow.

We use one at work running 5 terminals off one processor unit, and its horribly slow. Not to mention that there is one particular component that is effectively a network hub connecting to a parrallel port for connecting all of the monitors to the computer... that alone costs about $1000.
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34385 2002-02-05 02:46:00 I have seen this done in a number of ways, and it is hardly ever worth the bother.

Windows Terminal Server was made for this sort of thing, and I saw this work remarkably well in one location. But nobody knew how it worked and they threw it out in the end and replaced them with PCs.

Robo
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34386 2002-02-05 06:43:00 Theres a linux project at k12ltsp.org which is aimed at schools and has quite a bit of information (if linux is an option for you). Guest (0)
34387 2002-02-07 00:43:00 I've seen an advertisement for just that configuration. It was in Byte magazine, about 1981. It showed the office with the boss at his desk on a stage, with the computer (a 386) and the five office droids down at their small desks on the floor using their terminals.

You could easily do it with a Linux box (but you would have to get the multiport serial server).

But it's easier and will be cheaper to use computers and ethernet.

Admittedly, 'obsolete' gear goes cheaply: the last few VT420s and VT320s I bought cost me $2-5, whereas VT220s used to cost about $800-900. And Dec Server200s about $2000.
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