Multiplicity (software)
Encyclopedia
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.
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. Each computer uses its own display
. Switching is triggered by movement of the mouse to the appropriate side of the screen (or keyboard shortcut
s, if desired), both from the desktop and in full-screen video mode
s.
Multiplicity comes in two versions; the standard Multiplicity has the ability to copy and paste images and text between computers, while Multiplicity Pro can control up to six client computers and can copy files, folders, and other data between machines.
Supported platforms as of 2010 are Windows XP
and above (32-bit and x64
, not IA-64) and Windows Server
equivalents. A Mac OS X
client was reportedly in development, due in part to the popularity of the Mac mini
, but has never been released.
Computer program
A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...
that enables one keyboard
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
and mouse to access two or more client computers from a host computer. It was developed for Stardock
Stardock
Stardock Corporation is a software development company founded in 1991 and incorporated in 1993 as Stardock Systems. Stardock initially developed for the OS/2 platform, but was forced to switch to Windows due to the collapse of the OS/2 software market between 1997 and 1998...
as part of their ThinkDesk
ThinkDesk
ThinkDesk was a productivity application subscription service, launched by Stardock on 14 April 2005 as a utility counterpart to their Object Desktop and TotalGaming.net services. Subscriptions were for one year, after which users could choose to renew or keep the software that they have, including...
subscription service, but is now available separately.
Operation and features
Multiplicity is unlike remote desktop applicationsRemote desktop software
In computing, the term remote desktop refers to a software or an OS feature allowing applications, either command line programs or graphical applications, to be run remotely on a server, while being displayed locally. Remote desktop applications have varying features...
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
KVM switch
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. Although multiple computers are connected to the KVM, typically a smaller number of computers can be controlled at any given time...
, 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
Transmission Control Protocol
The Transmission Control Protocol is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol Suite. TCP is one of the two original components of the suite, complementing the Internet Protocol , and therefore the entire suite is commonly referred to as TCP/IP...
port
TCP and UDP port
In computer networking, a port is an application-specific or process-specific software construct serving as a communications endpoint in a computer's host operating system. A port is associated with an IP address of the host, as well as the type of protocol used for communication...
30564. Each computer uses its own display
Display device
A display device is an output device for presentation of information in visual or tactile form...
. Switching is triggered by movement of the mouse to the appropriate side of the screen (or keyboard shortcut
Keyboard shortcut
In computing, a keyboard shortcut is a finite set of one or more keys that invoke a software or operating system operation when triggered by the user. A meaning of term "keyboard shortcut" can vary depending on software manufacturer...
s, if desired), both from the desktop and in full-screen video mode
Video mode
Video mode can mean:* Operation mode used in DVD recorder to create DVD-Video compatible discs. See also VR Mode* Operation mode in frame buffer display modes* IBM PC compatible video display mode set by BIOS interrupt call INT 10H...
s.
Multiplicity comes in two versions; the standard Multiplicity has the ability to copy and paste images and text between computers, while Multiplicity Pro can control up to six client computers and can copy files, folders, and other data between machines.
Supported platforms as of 2010 are Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
and above (32-bit and x64
X86-64
x86-64 is an extension of the x86 instruction set. It supports vastly larger virtual and physical address spaces than are possible on x86, thereby allowing programmers to conveniently work with much larger data sets. x86-64 also provides 64-bit general purpose registers and numerous other...
, not IA-64) and Windows Server
Windows Server
Windows Server is a brand name for a group of server operating systems released by Microsoft Corporation. All are part of Microsoft Servers.- Members :This brand includes the following software:* Windows 2000 Server* Windows Server 2003...
equivalents. A Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
client was reportedly in development, due in part to the popularity of the Mac mini
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is a small form factor desktop computer manufactured by Apple Inc. Like earlier mini-ITX PC designs, it is uncommonly small for a desktop computer: 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches tall. It weighs 2.7 pounds...
, but has never been released.
Alternatives
- SynergySynergy (software)Synergy is a software application for sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers. It is used in situations where several PCs are used together, with a monitor connected to each, but are to be controlled by one user...
— A free softwareFree softwareFree software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
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.
- Any remote desktop softwareRemote desktop softwareIn computing, the term remote desktop refers to a software or an OS feature allowing applications, either command line programs or graphical applications, to be run remotely on a server, while being displayed locally. Remote desktop applications have varying features...
that runs on the X Window SystemX Window SystemThe X window system is a computer software system and network protocol that provides a basis for graphical user interfaces and rich input device capability for networked computers...
, together with a suitable window managerWindow managerA window manager is system software that controls the placement and appearance of windows within a windowing system in a graphical user interface. Most window managers are designed to help provide a desktop environment...
, can achieve the same effect, though not as efficiently. This does not require the use of multiple displays, but XineramaXineramaXinerama is an extension to the X Window System which enables multi-headed X applications and window managers to use two or more physical displays as one large virtual display.It was originally developed by Madeline T...
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.
External links
- Multiplicity home page
- Multiplicity in action — blog post explaining usage