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 six 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. A Mac OS X client was reportedly in development, due in part to the popularity of the Mac mini,^[2] but has never been released.^[6]

Alternatives

• 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.^[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

1. ^ Matt Lake (September 2005). "Three Screens, No Waiting". ComputerUser.com. http://www.computeruser.com/articles/2409,5,14,1,0901,05.html. Retrieved 2006-12-27. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} Neil J. Rubenking (25 February, 2005). "Multiplicity Pro - Full Review". PC Magazine. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1770371,00.asp. Retrieved 2006-12-27. 
3. ^ Jeff Partridge (21 July, 2005). "Multiply Your Abilities". Lockergnome. http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2005/07/21/multiply-your-abilities/. Retrieved 2006-12-27. 
4. ^ Don Reisinger (August 21, 2007). "Stardock Multiplicity Software Review". PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/30393/review/multiplicity.html. Retrieved 2010-02-02. 
5. ^ Anne Chen (6 June, 2005). "Pings and Packets - Multiplicity Tidies Up Work Spaces". eWeek. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1821904,00.asp. Retrieved 2006-12-27. 
6. ^ OS X Multiplicity (forum post by XavierBlac), April 23, 2005
7. ^ "Multi Monitor - Dual Monitor - KVM Switch". http://www.maxivista.com/. Retrieved 2010-02-20. 

External links

• Multiplicity home page
• Multiplicity in action — blog post explaining usage