linux - Run two X sessions

07
2014-07
  • Brenden Carvalho

    I would like to run XBMC on one session and the Ubuntu Desktop on another. Basically the computer is connected to my TV through HDMI. XBMC should show up on that. Now, The final setup should be XBMC on the TV, and when I VNC to the computer the Ubuntu desktop should show.

    I tried the following lightdm.conf but CTRL+ALT+F7 and CTRL+ALT+F8 showed two different ubuntu desktops, no XBMC

    [LightDM]
seats=Seat:0 Seat:1

[SeatDefaults]
autologin-guest=false
greeter-session=unity-greeter
user-session=XBMC
#xserver-allow-tcp=true
autologin-user-timeout=0

[Seat:0]
autologin-user=brenden
user-session=XBMC
greeter-hide-users=true
autologin-session=XBMC-autologin
#allow-guest=false


[Seat:1]
user-session=ubuntu
autologin-session=lightdm-autologin
autologin-user=brenden
greeter-session=unity-greeter
display-setup-script=x11vnc -xkb -noxrecord -noxfixes -noxdamage -display :1 -auth /var/run/lightdm/root/:0 -forever -alwaysshared -bg -rfbauth /etc/x11vnc.pass -rfbport 5900
vt=8

    Any help will be appreciated!! Thanks

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    Related Question

    windows 7 - Can two users simultaneously share one pc
  • greye

    It's easy to have multiple user accounts on one computer and even switch between accounts without logging off. It is also possible to have more than one display connected to a single computer.

    Is it possible to have one multi-core computer be used simultaneously by two users in their own accounts? Is there specific hardware required (to allow keyboard and mouse distinction for each user) and software configuration?

    I know you can setup remote connections on windows that allow you to open and use a second user account without bothering the first user, but how about working locally on the same machine, essentially removing the network delay of remote desktops?

    What OS supports this? Linux Ubuntu? Windows 7?


    • Related Answers
  • Nathaniel

    Yes. It's called multiseat. There is software for both Linux and Windows (2K, XP, Vista, probably 7) to handle this. I think Fedora 12 is aiming to ship with support. That's all I really know (and don't ask me how... I got to reading about this months ago).

  • BBlake

    Yes, this is doable using the software the the linked Wiki article passes. According to Microsoft, however, this is a clear violation of the licensing agreement on Windows client operating systems (XP, Vista, 7) and violations could trigger the invalidation of your license. Though it would not be a violation of their server O/S's (2003, 2008). If you ask the companies behind the software, they disagree of course. So it is a matter of considerable debate.

  • Chris McGrath

    a program called SoftXpand should do the trick for what you are looking to do im not sure on the cost since they dont appear have it on their website but you find it at http://www.miniframe.com/

  • Miniframe

    Miniframe has a program called SoftXpand Duo that gives you the ability to have two simultaneous users working on the same PC. Each session is independed. The price for the software is $49 and you can purchase it online at : http://www.miniframe.com/try-buy/buy-now.html. It works with Server 2008 and Windows 7.