ASTER Multiseat using Virtual Monitors

The ASTER multiseat program, combined with virtual monitor drivers and remote access applications like AnyDesk or Parsec, offers a unique solution for creating multiple workplaces without the need for physical monitors. This innovative approach allows users to extend their system's capabilities and access Windows applications from non-Windows devices, making it ideal for remote work or play.

The virtual monitor drivers, such as the Indirect Display Driver, enable users to connect virtual monitors to their system without the need for additional PCIe slots or physical cables. This means that users can create multiple virtual monitors within a single system, which can be used as separate workplaces with their own applications, settings, and data.

With ASTER multiseat, users can have up to 12 virtual workplaces within a single system, each with its own virtual monitors. These virtual monitors can be remotely accessed using popular remote desktop applications like AnyDesk, Parsec, or TightVNC. This allows users to access their virtual workplaces from anywhere in the world using a variety of devices, including Android, Linux, or macOS devices.

One of the significant advantages of this setup is that users get full-fledged access to Windows, along with all the resources of the system, making it suitable for running resource-intensive applications like games or 3D graphics applications, as long as the system has adequate hardware capabilities. This eliminates the need for virtual machines or BootCamp setups, providing a seamless and efficient way to access Windows applications from non-Windows devices.

This setup is particularly useful for remote work scenarios where users can access their virtual workplaces and work on Windows applications from their non-Windows devices, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones. It allows for increased flexibility and mobility, as users are not tied to a physical location and can work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Moreover, this setup can also be beneficial for other use cases, such as remote gaming or software development, where users may require access to Windows applications or resources from their non-Windows devices.

However, it's important to note that proper licensing and compliance with software usage policies are essential to ensure legal and ethical use of ASTER multiseat, virtual monitor drivers, and remote access applications. Users should also ensure that their system has adequate hardware resources to support multiple virtual monitors and remote access without any performance issues.

In conclusion, the combination of ASTER multiseat, virtual monitor drivers, and remote access applications offers a powerful solution for creating multiple workplaces without physical monitors and accessing them remotely from non-Windows devices. This setup provides flexibility, mobility, and increased productivity for remote work, gaming, and other use cases, making it a compelling option for users looking to enhance their workflow and efficiency.

To set up ASTER workplaces with virtual monitors and play games on the workplace remotely using the Parsec application, follow the steps below.

1. Download the virtual monitor driver from this link (Figure 1).

2. Once downloaded, extract the driver and then run the “install_cert_runas_admin.bat” file to install the certificate file required for the driver (Figure 2).

3. Then, open device manager the “Action” and choose “Add Legacy Hardware” (Figure 3).

4. Click the “Next” button on the “Add hardware” wizard (Figure 4).

5. Now, choose the “Advanced” option and then click the “Next” button (Figure 5).

6. Choose “Display Adapters” from the list and then click the “Next” button (Figure 6).

7. Click on the “Have disk” button (Figure 7).

8. In the “Install from Disk” window, click the “Browse” button and then navigate to the extracted folder and then select the “RustDeskIddDriver.inf” file from its subdirectories. Then click the “Open” button (Figure 8).

9. Click the “OK” button, the device driver will list in the “Model” field, then click the “Next” button (Figure 9).

10. You will see “RustDeskIddDriver Device” listed there, click the “Next” button to start the driver installation (Figure 10).

11. Windows Security will ask you if you want to install the driver. Click the “Install” button to continue the installation (Figure 11).

12. Once the installation is done, click the “Finish” button to close the Add hardware wizard (Figure 12).

13. Now, open the extracted folder and run the “RustDeskIddApp.exe” as an administrator (Figure 13).

14. The app will open in the terminal. Now press “a” in the keyboard to add a virtual monitor to the system (Figure 14). 15. You can open window “Display Settings” to see the added virtual monitor which will appear as Monitor 2 (Figure 15). 16. Now, open ASTER control and then configure the 2 workplaces with monitor 1.1 assigned to Place 1 and monitor 2.1 (Virtual monitor) to Place 2 (FIgure 16). 17. Switch to “General Settings” and then change the “How to start workplace” option to “Manually by ‘Run ASTER Workplaces’ button” then click the “Apply” button to save the changes(Figure 17).

18. Now, click the “Enable ASTER and reboot PC” button to enable ASTER and restart the computer.

19. Once the computer has restarted, open the “RustDeskIddApp.exe” as admin once again, and the press “a” in the keyboard to add the monitor to the system (Same as in 14 item).

20. Now, open ASTER control and then click the “Run ASTER workplaces” button (Figure 18).

21. Wait for a few seconds after the Place 2 starts, then check the Parsec app, using the parsec account logged in on 2nd Place. Then click the “Connect” button.

22. Now, the workplace with the virtual monitor will start.

23. Open Parsec and login then click the “Connect” button on the Workplace with the virtual monitor.

24. You can run applications and games as you would do on the workplace with physical monitors.

25. View the video which show the how this works out with example of running Fortnite game on Place 2 and remotely connecting to it from an Android Phone link

For more video on ASTER, check our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@astermultiseat

Wiki written by: Rabi Shrestha ASTER Tech Support Manager IBIKSOFT

Video by: Rabi Shrestha

Virtual monitor driver by fufesou (GitHub)