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en:v2:core:article:htrc_aster [2021/07/18 17:14] 127.0.0.1 external edit |
en:v2:core:article:htrc_aster [2023/06/17 16:56] (current) maria_k [How to Turn Single PC into Multiple one.Transforming Home PC into Universal Center of Work and Entertainment] |
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| Well, our first IR remote, despite the IR receiver, is used only for the training of our second universal remote. To do this, we should select first "device" (button), which we will use to control our media center workplace, and then use the selected profile to train general buttons (ok, exit, off, arrow keys, etc.). See the user guide of the remote for details. Next, we could put aside our IR remote, but embed their IR receiver into the system unit by connecting it to the internal USB port of the motherboard and put out IR "eye" outside of the system unit. Also, we should train some buttons of the selected profile of our universal remote to control TV, audio system, or receiver, in order to set volume up or down or to change inputs. This also could be done by training our universal remote to learn "native" remotes of devices we want to control. If there are buttons unused by a controlled device left, then they could be trained to control other IR-controllable devices. As a result, we obtain a central remote to control all the houses. | Well, our first IR remote, despite the IR receiver, is used only for the training of our second universal remote. To do this, we should select first "device" (button), which we will use to control our media center workplace, and then use the selected profile to train general buttons (ok, exit, off, arrow keys, etc.). See the user guide of the remote for details. Next, we could put aside our IR remote, but embed their IR receiver into the system unit by connecting it to the internal USB port of the motherboard and put out IR "eye" outside of the system unit. Also, we should train some buttons of the selected profile of our universal remote to control TV, audio system, or receiver, in order to set volume up or down or to change inputs. This also could be done by training our universal remote to learn "native" remotes of devices we want to control. If there are buttons unused by a controlled device left, then they could be trained to control other IR-controllable devices. As a result, we obtain a central remote to control all the houses. | ||
| - | The next most important is somehow make it possible for our single system unit to work as two independent PCs (desktop PC and media center) in such a way that while one user work on the desktop workplace, for example using Photoshop, another user should be able at the same time to play a video game or to watch movies at the big screen on media center workplace, throwing himself into a sofa. It's time when an interesting software, mentioned before, will help us. This software is [[https://www.ibik.ru|ASTER by IBIK.]] | + | The next most important is somehow make it possible for our single system unit to work as two independent PCs (desktop PC and media center) in such a way that while one user work on the desktop workplace, for example using Photoshop, another user should be able at the same time to play a video game or to watch movies at the big screen on media center workplace, throwing himself into a sofa. It's time when an interesting software, mentioned before, will help us. This software is [[https://ibiksoft.com/|ASTER]] by IBIK. |
| - | {{ ..:..:..:htrc_astersite.png?nolink&700x257 | ASTER website}}Here is a short description from the official website: "ASTER is a program (and only a program!) which allows creating a few workplaces on the base of a single PC. ASTER is a multiseat software for Windows XP/7/8/10. ASTER does not use any thin clients and terminal stations, i.e. ASTER is analog of such multiseat programs, as MS MultiPoint, SoftXpand, Betwin, Userful, etc." | + | {{ ..:..:..:htrc_astersite.png?nolink&700x257 | ASTER website}}Here is a short description from the official website: "ASTER is a program (and only a program!) which allows creating a few workplaces on the base of a single PC. ASTER is a multiseat software for Windows XP/7/8/10/11. ASTER does not use any thin clients and terminal stations, i.e. ASTER is analog of such multiseat programs, as MS MultiPoint, SoftXpand, Betwin, Userful, etc." |
| - | I’ve tried other pure-software solutions, but I’ve chosen ASTER, which appeared to be an optimal combination of the setup simplicity, functionality, and cost. And what’s more, it shows itself very stable during the long period without any “crash” or “freeze” for 6 years! The recent version of ASTER supports Windows 10 and has a more user-friendly interface than the previous version, which supports Windows 7. By the way, it could provide up to 12 workplaces. It’s good to reserve for future use. Over time, I plan to create an additional “side” of my central PC – a smart home controller. But it’s subject for the other article. Note, that ASTER is an advanced multi-user system, that’s why it’s not freeware. But it costs not so much with a respect to containing features. Also, it’s offered a fully functional 30 day trial period, during which you could evaluate all advantages of the ASTER. | + | I’ve tried other pure-software solutions, but I’ve chosen ASTER, which appeared to be an optimal combination of the setup simplicity, functionality, and cost. And what’s more, it shows itself very stable during the long period without any “crash” or “freeze” for 6 years! The recent version of ASTER supports Windows 10 and has a more user-friendly interface than the previous version, which supports Windows 7. By the way, it could provide up to 12 workplaces. It’s good to reserve for future use. Over time, I plan to create an additional “side” of my central PC – a smart home controller. But it’s subject for the other article. Note, that ASTER is an advanced multi-user system, that’s why it’s not freeware. But it costs not so much with a respect to containing features. Also, it’s offered a fully functional 14-day trial period, during which you could evaluate all advantages of the ASTER. |
| Let me in two words **describe the essence of the ASTER setup**. See the user guide for detailed instructions with [[..:ugd|step-by-step guides]] and screenshots. | Let me in two words **describe the essence of the ASTER setup**. See the user guide for detailed instructions with [[..:ugd|step-by-step guides]] and screenshots. | ||
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| This software also should be set up to auto-start at the “TV” workplace. It adds the possibility to transform smartphone or tablet into fully functional touch-pad and keyboard with Cyrillic in order to control our PC number 2 | This software also should be set up to auto-start at the “TV” workplace. It adds the possibility to transform smartphone or tablet into fully functional touch-pad and keyboard with Cyrillic in order to control our PC number 2 | ||
| - | With the help of this software, I could easily launch a web browser with any website, watch any film, movie, or online video, lying on the sofa at the same time. \\ Exclusively for YouTube, I use a better approach: set up Chrome web-browser to start at full-screen with the opened page [[https://www.youtube.com/tv#/surface?c=FEtopics&resume|https://www.youtube.com/tv#/surface?c=FEtopics&resume]]This page has “Link TV&Phone” settings. The connection is easy and guarded by entering code numbers. This approach makes it possible to start playing movies directly from the smartphone’s Youtube application, as convenient as from the smart TV. | + | With the help of this software, I could easily launch a web browser with any website, watch any film, movie, or online video, lying on the sofa at the same time. \\ Exclusively for YouTube, I use a better approach: set up Chrome web-browser to start at full-screen with the opened page [[https://www.youtube.com/tv#/surface?c=FEtopics&resume|https://www.youtube.com/tv#/surface?c=FEtopics&resume]]This page has “Link TV&Phone” settings. The connection is easy and guarded by entering code numbers. This approach makes it possible to start playing movies directly from the smartphone’s YouTube application, as convenient as from the smart TV. |
| **Let’s summarize.** “TV” workplace auto-start contains the following basic applications: 1) Kodi 2) Chrome 3) Ultimate Mouse | **Let’s summarize.** “TV” workplace auto-start contains the following basic applications: 1) Kodi 2) Chrome 3) Ultimate Mouse | ||