[comp.sys.ibm.pc] Multiuser AT

ehw@sbo.UUCP (Errol White) (10/18/89)

Recently, I requested some help configuring a two user system on an AT.
So far I have received one response and some tid-bits from similar
questions pertaining to 386 machines.

I desperatedly need more suggestions on how to approach this.

My AT includes 2 Meg memory total memory, 1 VGA card and 1 monitor/keyboard
 + other essentials.

          System Memory:    ~230k DOS_3.3 + Desqview (menuer) + Drivers
                            ~390k Foxbase (database running under Desqview)

          Extended Memory:  ~40k Desqview
                            Rest Ram Drives used by Desqview and Foxbase

All works well although the 640k region is a bit cramped.


The two users will need the following:

   User1: full capability to call up any programs put under the menu
              manager Desqview.  One program is a database application.

   User2: to run only the database application.


Some thoughts I have are:

  -I think I might be able to run another process in background mode under
      Desqview.  Any ideas on what that process could be to give life to User2.

  -Buy a cheap XT or AT and network to the main AT. (Maybe use NAD; thanks Bill)
      What is available in this arena?  Can anyone describe NAD for me?  (Size,
      Hrdwr, software involved, Capabilities)

  -Work out some scheme using the i/o ports, maybe using a dumb terminal.

  -Use another scheme supporting two VGA cards (difficult!)...

  -Buy pc version of UNIX or another operating system and start all over.


Anyone with ideas &/or questions, please post or reply via email.

--

		Errol White		 	...!mcdphx!sbo!ehw

--
Grandpa Charnock's Law:
	You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.