Catch up on stories from the past week (and beyond) at the Slashdot story archive

 


Forgot your password?
Close
typodupeerror
×
Software Operating Systems Unix Windows

Teleffect for Win2k and WinXP? 62

Posted by Cliff from the drawbacks-of-the-upgrade-treadmill dept.
TechnoMage asks: "Before Win2K and XP I used to use software(software only) called Teleffect which lets you use the input from one computer (mouse and keyboard) on any number of other machines on the same network. Instead of using a switch box to control the machines, you use your TCP/IP connection. You would move the mouse off the screen and it would appear on the next computers monitor(similar to how windows now handles multiple monitors). There was no unreasonable limit to how many machines you could control. Teleffect with an install and a little configuring can make any machine controllable not being tied to any hardware restrictions or installation. To make it a little clearer as far as what this thing does. One keyboard and mouse, 10 machine, 10 monitors, 1 out of the 10 machines can control the mouse and keyboard functions of the other 9 machines over the network. You can also cut and paste from the clipboard of one machine to another machine. Once XP and 2K came out, I could not get it to work with them. Not only that but the people responsible for the software are MIA. Does anyone have any updated info on this software and how we can make it work with 2K or XP, or if there is going to be any development for this software, or even if there is something else out there that does the same thing?"

"This software was one of the most important apps on my machines. For those of you who are going to ask 'Well why the hell would you want to do anything like this and why don't you just buy more keyboards and mice (all of which I already have)', there was a earlier article about someone needing something similar to this and I don't think a solution was ever found.

I read over the majority of the posts on that thread and it has A lot of suggestions and info.. but none of them close to what this software does. Most of them were very expensive and dependent on hardware.

The software also works with Unix/Linux machines. I tried to contact the company about a newer version, if they were still developing it and so far, no luck. I haven't received a response from them in the 2 years I have been emailing them (about 5 emails). Everything I find on the net is for the Unix version which also seems to have stopped development. I was also able to find mention of an SGI version, and found a link to the original manufacturer of the Windows version.

For anyone who has multiple computers and would like more desk space, this software is the answer. When I had it working I was basically using a few machines to control about 10 (the number went up and down). I had maybe 3 keyboards/mice on the desktop while all the rest were sitting on top of or next to machines. I had plenty of desktop space and it worked flawlessly. Surprisingly enough, it even worked with a few games. The workflow possible with this was fantastic.. instead of a workspace with multiple monitors I had a workspace using multiple monitors with multiple machines. Using the full speed of machines with tasks split between them (3D animation production as well as anything else I needed) there was no slowdown because of a million apps running. Does anyone here at Slashdot have a replacement for this software or knows of any other software that also does this? I think a lot of people out there could use it.

Thanks again for any assistance you may be able to provide."
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.

Teleffect for Win2k and WinXP? More

Teleffect for Win2k and WinXP?

Comments Filter:

  • State the obvious (Score:1, Insightful)

    by trompete ( 651953 )
    I know that you want to do this via TCP/IP, but wouldn't just having a switch save you nine monitors. It would take up less space and probably be cheaper.
    • heh heh.. The 10 monitors was just an example though I do have about that many now. In most instances I want or need the monitors displaying the information to be visable at all times and dont want to have to switch to see them.
      • heh heh.. The 10 monitors was just an example though I do have about that many now. In most instances I want or need the monitors displaying the information to be visable at all times and dont want to have to switch to see them.

        That's exactly what Teleffect was/is used for... most often with a PC and SGI... two monitors side-by-side, one on each system, one keyboard and mouse. Really easy to just move the cursor and type on either display. I know lots of folks that still use it, albeit with SGI IRIX and W

  • Synergy (Score:5, Informative)

    by PyromanFO ( 319002 ) on Tuesday July 29, 2003 @01:59PM (#6561748)
    Synergy [sourceforge.net]



    Thank you, drive through.

    • Re:Synergy (Score:5, Informative)

      by phUnBalanced ( 128965 ) on Tuesday July 29, 2003 @02:06PM (#6561868) Homepage
      one of THE BEST applications.

      I've been using this for a bit under a year now. I have to linux boxes, monitors side by side, and it works beautifully.

      I also run it on my laptop, and when I plug my network into the laptop. suddenly it becomes a third device.

      For the occasion that I need to reboot into windows and play some games, synergy also works there!

      I just can't say enough good things about this program.

      • Re:Synergy (Score:2, Interesting)

        by undef24 ( 159451 )
        I just installed this program as per these posts. I agree, this thing is great. i just took my second keyboard and mouse off my desk. Thanks.

    • Re:Synergy (Score:3, Interesting)

      by irix ( 22687 )

      Thank You

      I used to use Teleffect so I could share my mouse / keyboard between my PC and my SGI IRIX box. This looks exactly the same except it works with Linux too. Excellent.

    • Wow... this looks exactly like what teleffect used to do. I am using multiple platforms from 98,NT,XP,2K, to Linux. (yes some people still use those older systems with good reason :) I am looking into it this synergy now.. but from the description it sounds like its right on the money... Thanks for the info. Will let everyone know how it works out.
      • Well working with the synergy so far has been.. well so far its not working :) I am still trying to find out why... and its limited to 4 machines.. which teleffect did not have as a limitation but it still pretty much looks like one of the best solutions. Going to experiment on a few other machines to see if its machine specific..

  • Synergy2 (Score:1, Redundant)

    by wpc4 ( 169892 )
    There is an application that allows you to do what it appears you want, application is called Synergy. The cool thing is it's also crossplatform, so you could move your mouse from windows to linux. It's available from http:// synergy2.sourceforge.net

  • VNC (using x2vnc, for linux) (Score:5, Informative)

    by dschuetz ( 10924 ) * <.gro.tensad. .ta. .divad.> on Tuesday July 29, 2003 @02:04PM (#6561828)
    I do something very much like this with VNC. I've got VNC server running (as a service, so I can lock / unlock the Windows box) on a Win2K desktop. Then, on my linux box, I start up x2vnc, pointing it at the aforementioned desktop, and giving it an edge where the desktops connect. Then, when I drag the mouse from the linux machine over towards the Windows monitor, the mouse and all keyboard input change focus accordingly.

    It's all very cool.

    I think there's a vnc2vnc (or something like that) that allows this to be used amongst multiple windows desktops.
    • The windows version of x2vnc (by the same author) is called win2vnc. I've used x2vnc and win2vnc and both work very well.
    • Last time I used VNC was when it first came out..... years and years ago.. I didnt know you could do remote control without viewing the desktop.. looks like its also a possible for me.. but the Synergy sounds like its exactly what I wanted and designed to do as well as sharing clipboard data which is almost a killer app type of thing once you start using it. Thanks for the suggestions.. will check them both out.

  • VNC + Win2VNC (Score:3, Informative)

    by lubeboy ( 669348 ) on Tuesday July 29, 2003 @02:05PM (#6561840)
    VNC sessions on the other boxen, each with win2vnc to allow the mouse to go to the next terminal when the edge is hit. Win2VNC [hubbe.net]
    • Win2VNC and X2X, Win2Win, etc, all rock.

      I have a Solaris box and A Windows box sitting side by side. [win][sol] If I move the mouse to the right, it pops up on the solaris box, I use my 1 keyboard 1 mouse, on 2 systems (2 monitors).

      Its like having a dual monitor setup, but one monitor runs another OS. (linux/macos/bsd or another windows box, amiga, beos, etc...)

      Only problem, alt-tab locks the vnc session. And its plain VNC, not tight.
  • Okay, I know some are saying use vnc, but if you're using XP remote desktop is more secure (if anything windows can offer is secure) and has better compression, IIRC.

    Why spend the money on a bunch of monitors and the software to control them when you get it for free?

    If you must use 2K then I suspect you'll have to use vnc (although remember that all network traffic is unencrypted by default with vnc.)

    Yet another possibility would be to use VNC, but then a Linux box as a the controler so that you could just

    • Uh, with 2k, you use terminal services which is the technology that Remote Desktop is using.
      • Only for servers -- since the original poster references pre-2k and XP, it sounds like workstations are in question here, and I have not found a RDP server for 2k Pro.
    • The idea is to allow keyboard and mouse control of a machine with its own monitor! They're talking about versions of VNC which pass along control commands but no video. Standard VNC/Windows Terminal Services wouldn't do this cos they only provide a remote view of the workstation.

      Picture this: You have two PCs. You also have two sets of mice and keyboards. So, put Synergy/xVNC (or similar) on both machines, pack away the mouse and keyboard for the second PC, and when you move your mouse cursor off the edge
      • Yes, I did read the original question; however to do *exactly* what he wanted would require a third party program that, in all likelyhood would cost more money. Beyond that, there is power consumption by each monitor plugged in, and I was offering a low cost (no money, just costs some time) solution that would be more environment friendly.

        Now can you give me a good reason why you should use the extra power verses using vnc (via ssh to ensure that the master passwords are not sent out unencrypted.)

        The only

        • to do *exactly* what he wanted would require a third party program that, in all likelyhood would cost more money

          Well, you obviously haven't read any of the other replies, otherwise you'd know that you can do exactly what he wants using xVNC or Synergy, both of which are free.

          Now can you give me a good reason why you should use the extra power verses using vnc

          When I'm coding using PHP/ASP or whatever, it's very often useful to be able to see the results at the same time as the code - thus, two monitors.

    • Well the operating systems used are mixed.. win98, NT4, XP, and 2K as well as linux. Yes there are some people who use those older systems for a reason :) So the XP remote desktop would not work in this particular instance.. Thanks for the suggestion though.. I am looking into the Synergy and VNC thing now :)
  • running a vnc server on the other machines, and using win2vnc (if your controlling computer is a windows box) or x2vnc (if your controlling computer is a linux/bsd box.) The limits to this are that you you can control only up to 4 machines. (up - down - left - right)

    info at http://www.hubbe.net/~hubbe/
    • Why can't you chain the computers together?

      [ Screen A |] [ Screen B|] [ Screen C]

      "|" denotes the area where it switches to the other computer. Network lag might be a problem if you get have too many systems though.

    • AFAIk this works with x2vnc at least. The master was x, the second was vnc and that one ran vnc2vnc or something.
    • I didnt know there was a limit of 4 machines. Not bad but can be limiting. Telefect did not have that limitation. I will see what the Synergy option offers. I am looking into that and the VNC options.. Thanks..
  • I think you are looking for Win2VNC [hubbe.net]. There is also x2vnc [hubbe.net].
  • I've been using this [netop.com] for a while. Nay too bad.
    • Thanks for the suggestion... been having problem with their web site.. but it seems to be what I am looking for.. Another possibility in addition to the VNC and Synergy :)
  • Netopia makes a product called Timbuktu that's really nice and it works over TCP/IP. When I used to work at Qwest I used it to control either PCs or Macintosh computers. It was a great way I could get into the NT Development Server to restart the Web App. Server I was working on where the machine was physically located across town. I thought it used to work on UNIX flavors as well but I didn't see anything when I checked the site. Timbuktu was pretty fast on a local connection even with full color. We w
    • thanks for the suggestion... I was looking for something that did not have the lag of actually viewing the remote desktop.. but from the posting i have found quite a few options to explore :) Thanks again.

  • VNC? (Score:1)

    by harryk ( 17509 )
    Pardon the obvious response, but what is wrong with VNC? You've already stated that you're using a graphical intereface, so why not use VNC, or UltraVNC. All work with the same functionality that you are referring to.
    • Back when I last used VNC which was when it first came out I dont think it did remote control without viewing the desktop (which I dont want or need for this instance) .. Now it seems everyone knows it can do this so I am going to look into it as well as a few other options that have been posted here.. Thanks for the comment.
  • I needed this last year. I was updating a project with Windows and MacOS version and had to have a mac on my desk. There was plenty of room for the extra keyboard and mouse. The trouble was just that I'd forget to actually switch to the other set. So, half the time I'd end up staring at the mac monitor while moving the PC mouse. It was funny the first few times, but quickly got annoying.

  • Okay, a clearer explaination (Score:5, Informative)

    by djkitsch ( 576853 ) on Tuesday July 29, 2003 @09:40PM (#6566779)
    Since this seems to confuse many people, here goes:

    You have 3 PCs all in constant use, all with keyboard and mouse (KM for future ease), and you want to control all 3 from the same KM combo. You could connect all three monitors to one PC and run 2 copies of VNC to view the other two desktops, but that would consume network and CPU resources. So:

    1) Leave all 3 monitors connected and move them next to each other.
    2) Run Synergy or similar on all 3 PCs, setting the middle PC as the Server.
    3) Put the two other PC's KMs somewhere out of the way.
    4) Now, your KM for the middle PC will work as normal, except when you reach the side of the desktop with your mouse cursor, it will move off that PC's desktop and onto the desktop of the adjacent PC.
    5) Now you have what looks like a PC with 3 monitors connected, except the two side monitors are running on individual PCs, controlled by the master PC's KM. Each PC can do its own thing, but can be controlled as easily as the centre PC.
    • I was going to add it would be cool if you can cut and paste between the pcs using synergy but then I read their page and found out you can. It even does newline conversion and unicode. And it will synchronize the screensavers and screenlocking.
    • Thanks for the suggestion and trying to clarify for everyone.. I tried to do that with the 10 pc example and someone was like.. get rid of all the monitors :) ha haa.. Anyways.. Synergy is one of the options as well as VNC I am going to check out .. the clipboard feature is invaulauable once you start using it.. so I think from all the positive response here that I will be set once I get it installed and running.. :) Thanks again..

Slashdot Top Deals

One way to make your old car run better is to look up the price of a new model.

Close