| 1. |
What is BeTwin VS?
BeTwin VS software enables two to five users to share the computing power
and resources of a single computer. All users can simultaneously perform any tasks that they would perform on a standard Windows Vista (32-bit).
Additional users are supported by add in off-the-shelf PCI or PCI-Express
VGA cards and monitors along with USB keyboards, USB mice and, optional, USB
Audio.
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| 2. |
Why would I want to buy the BeTwin VS software?
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Reducing your initial investment |
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Reducing your cost of upgrading |
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Offering ease of maintenance and services |
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Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) |
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| 3. |
What are the recommended BeTwin System requirements?
| • |
Pentium IV 2.8GHz or faster recommended
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| • |
Microsoft Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or
Ultimate Edition - 32-bit) |
| • |
For Windows Vista (32-bit), the minimum requirement for 2 users is 1
Gigabytes of RAM
With Windows Vista Aero enabled, the minimum requirement for 2 users is 1.5
Gigabytes of RAM
256 MB of additional RAM or more is recommended for each additional user,
depending on the applications the user will be running. |
| • |
PCI or PCI-Express video graphic adapters that support multiple
displays (one per each station) |
| • |
USB ports (and Hubs if necessary regarding to the number of USB
devices) |
| • |
USB keyboard or PS/2 keyboard with USB to PS/2 adapter (one per
additional station)
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| • |
USB mouse or PS/2 mouse with USB to PS/2 adapter (one per
additional station)
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| • |
SVGA monitor per each station |
| • |
Optional USB Audio each station |
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| 4. |
What are the recommended PCI and PCI-Express VGA cards for BeTwin stations?
PCI VGA Cards:
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ATi Rage XL |
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ATi Radeon - all models |
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nVidia GeForce - all models |
| • |
nVidia Quadro - all models |
PCI-Express VGA Cards:
| • |
nVidia Quadro |
| • |
ATi Radeon |
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Dual Head/ Dual View VGA Support:
BeTwin VS will not work correctly if the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA is
configured:
| • |
for the Host PC (using the primary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA) and BeTwin Station (using the secondary VGA output to the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA) |
| • |
for one BeTwin Station (using the primary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA) and another BeTwin Station (using the secondary VGA output to the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA) |
However, you can use a Dual Head/ Dual View VGA to configure for one BeTwin Station only (using either the primary or secondary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA and leaving the unused VGA output "disconnected"). In other words, you need to install a separate VGA card for each BeTwin Station.
Click HERE to view the list of VGA cards* tested to be working. Take note that this does not represent a complete list, as there may be others that are working with BeTwin which has not been reported or updated yet.
* You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the document.
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| 5. |
What do I need to take note in regards to enabling the Windows Vista Multiple Display Monitor feature prior to the installation of the BeTwin VS software?
Please refer to
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/display/multimonVista.mspx regarding
Windows Vista Multi-Monitor support
Unless the VGA cards are working correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor
mode, BeTwin VS will not work. In other words, you have to get the VGA cards
to work correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor mode before installing
BeTwin VS.
If you are not able to get the VGA cards to work correctly in Windows Vista
Multi-Monitor mode, please consult your PC and VGA vendors for assistance on
how to get the VGA cards to work correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor
mode.
a. Windows XP VGA Drivers Support on Windows Vista (32-bit)
Not all Windows XP VGA drivers will work correctly on Windows Vista (32-bit)
; With
some Windows XP VGA drivers, we have encountered symptoms such as Windows
boot-up problem, Windows auto restart problem, etc.
From what we have tested:
i. ATi Windows XP VGA driver versions 8.342.0.0, 8.321.0.0, 8.252.0.0, etc.
will not work correctly on Windows Vista (32-bit)
. However, ATi Windows XP VGA driver
versions 8.241.0.0 and 6.14.10.6517 appear to work correctly on Windows
Vista.
The following are the ATi PCI/PCI-Express VGA cards tested to be working on
the BeTwin Station:
- Radeon X300
- Radeon X700
- Radeon X1550
- Radeon X1800
- Radeon 9250
- Radeon 9200
- Radeon 7000
- Rage XL
ii. nVidia Windows XP VGA driver version 93.71, 91.47 and 91.31 will not
work correctly on Windows Vista (32-bit). However, nVidia Windows XP VGA driver
versions 83.50 and 81.98 appear to work correctly on Windows Vista.
The following are the nVidia PCI/PCI-Express VGA cards tested to be working
on the BeTwin Station:
- Quadro NVS280
- GeForce FX5200
- GeForce 660GT
- GeForce MX4000
- GeForce MX400
- GeForce MX200
- GeForce 7100GS
For VGA cards not listed above, please consult your PC and VGA vendors
regarding Windows Vista (32-bit) compatibility and the availability of Windows Vista
WDDM, Windows Vista XDDM and/or Windows XP VGA drivers that will work
correctly on Windows Vista (32-bit) and in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor mode.
b. Dual Head/ Dual View VGA Support
BeTwin VS does not currently support Dual Head/ Dual View VGA when the Dual Head/
Dual View VGA is configured:
i. for the Host (using the primary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA) and
BeTwin Station (using the secondary VGA output to the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA)
ii. for one BeTwin Station (using the primary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View
VGA) and another BeTwin Station (using the secondary VGA output to the Dual/ Dual
View Head VGA)
On the other hand, BeTwin VS does support Dual Head/ Dual View VGA when the Dual Head/
Dual View VGA is configured for one BeTwin Station only (using either the primary or
secondary VGA output of the Dual Head/ Dual View VGA and leaving the unused VGA output
"disconnected"). In other words, you need to install a separate VGA card for
each BeTwin Station.
c. Things to do before installing BeTwin VS
i. Within Windows Display Properties, make sure you are able to configure
the BeTwin Station's PCI/PCI-Express VGA card to "Extend my Windows desktop
onto this monitor" so that the Windows desktop will be displayed on the
Hosts and Stations monitors.
Unless the VGA cards are working correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor
mode, BeTwin VS will not work. In other words, you have to get the VGA cards
to work correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor mode before installing
BeTwin VS.
If you are not able to get the VGA cards to work correctly in Windows Vista
Multi-Monitor mode, please consult your PC and VGA vendors for assistance on
how to get the VGA cards to work correctly in Windows Vista Multi-Monitor
mode.
ii. The BeTwin Station's USB Keyboard, USB Mouse and USB Audio must be
configured to use Microsoft native USB Keyboard, USB Mouse and USB Audio
driver respectively, all third parties' USB Keyboard/USB Mouse/USB Audio
drivers or utilities need to be uninstalled.
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| 6. |
How do I purchase/ register the BeTwin VS software?
You can purchase/ register the BeTwin VS software online via the BeTwin VS
Control Center or visit our web site at http://www.thinsoftinc.com
Important Notes for Internet Registration:
| 1. |
Ensure that you are using the Microsoft's Internet Explorer as the
default browser. |
| 2. |
Make sure you have logged into the Windows Vista (32-bit) as an
Administrator with full access rights. |
| 3. |
Within Microsoft Internet Explorer, click on Tools => Internet =>
Options => Security => Custom Level. Set the "Reset To:" option to "Medium"
and click on the Reset button. Next, click on the "OK" button to apply the
changes. This is the required Internet Explorer setting and is what the
BeTwin VS Registration page requires in order to successfully work the
purchase/registration process. |
Notes:
When prompted to install and run the "ThinSoft ..." and/or the "SheriffNet
Module" ActiveX controls, you must click on the "Yes" button to install and
run the ActiveX controls.
Please wait for each page to load completely before proceeding to the next
page.
Step 1: On the Windows desktop, right-click on the BeTwin VS Control Center
icon and then click "Run as administrator". Click on the BeTwin VS Control
Center icon located on your desktop. This will launch the BeTwin VS Control
Center. First, select Help from Control Center menu, and then select
About.BeTwin from the Help sub-menu. Next, click on the "Internet
Registration." button.
Step 2: Microsoft Internet Explorer will be launched and directed to the
BeTwin VS Registration site. Select the language you wish to use to register
BeTwin VS.
Step 3: If you have purchased BeTwin VS prepaid serial number(s), enter the
prepaid serial number(s), and click the "Register New Serial Numbers"
button.
If you do not have the BeTwin VS prepaid serial number(s) and want to
purchase/ register BeTwin VS license online, select the option "Check this
box if you would like to purchase additional user licenses" and click
"Create New License and Purchase BeTwin VS" button.
Step 4: Enter the information requested and click "Continue with
Registration".
Step 5: Once BeTwin VS is successfully registered, you will need to restart
Windows.
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| 7. |
How do I buy additional software licenses for different number of users?
BeTwin VS can be purchased online via http://www.thinsoftinc.com at a price of US$ 99.95 per user. As user
needs increase, additional licenses can be purchased online.
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| 8. |
Can both users access the Internet at the same time?
Yes, one of the best features of BeTwin VS is that all users can concurrently access the Internet.
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| 9. |
Does BeTwin VS support faster modems?
Yes, BeTwin VS supports dial-up modems. It also supports ISDN, ADSL, Cable,
T1 and any broadband connection.
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| 10. |
Can I share peripherals, like a printer or CD Rom?
Yes, all users can share the same peripheral devices.
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| 11. |
Can I share the Modem?
Yes, all users can share the modem. When you log onto the Internet through
an Internet Service Provider (ISP), all users will be able to share to
concurrently access the internet, with no increase in cost.
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| 12. |
Does BeTwin VS allow me to view video clips and listen to music or other sounds?
Yes, you can view the video clip on the BeTwin Station. If sound is required
at the station, USB Audio can be used.
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| 13. |
Can both users use the same program at the same time?
Most software products will allow all users to open and edit different documents at the same time, using the same program. Each user can also use different software products, concurrently.
Users who intend to run the software products concurrently on the BeTwin Station(s) and Host Computer are advised to review the Software Products' End User License Agreement.
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| 14. |
Will multiple users of a single program make my computer work slower?
Most applications, once loaded, will run nearly as fast as with one user.
Activities that place the most demand on the computer's resources (games and
video clips) may experience some slowing, but most users will notice little
difference in speed or performance.
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| 15. |
Can I use DOS applications with BeTwin VS?
BeTwin Station supports windowed DOS prompts under Windows Vista (32-bit). You can now run DOS applications and access the DOS command prompt from the BeTwin Station.
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| 16. |
Can I use the monitor from an older PC for the second station?
Yes, as long as it is a VGA or Super VGA monitor.
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| 17. |
Can I add more than one station on the same computer system?
Yes, up to the maximum of four BeTwin Stations can be connected.
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| 18. |
Can I play interactive games on both stations?
Yes, but it depends on the type of games to be played.
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| 19. |
Can I add a BeTwin System to a computer network (e.g. LAN)?
Yes, Windows and Novell Netware networks are supported. You only require one network node (one network card and one IP address) for all the users. Users can login to the network by using different user names and passwords.
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| 20. |
Can the main system user monitor and control the activities on the second station?
The main system cannot turn off the BeTwin Station(s).. You cannot control the activities on the BeTwin Station(s).
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| 21. |
How can I prevent the user on the BeTwin Station from shutting down the computer?
The Security Policy Settings in Windows Vista (32-bit) allow the Administrator to control certain user's privileges, as well as control certain actions allowed for the user. Administrator can modify the security-relevant settings, including users' rights to shut down Windows, by configuring the Security Policy.
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| 22. |
Can we install two CD-ROM drives on the main system so that two users can access separate CD-ROM drives at the same time?
Yes, you can have 2 CD-ROM drives in the same system.
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| 23. |
In order to enhance the speed of BeTwin system, should I increase
the Memory (1GB RAM to 2GB) or upgrade the CPU speed (e.g. 2.8GHz to
3.2GHz)? I have a limited budget and can only afford one upgrade.
It depends on the types of applications you are running. If it is memory-intensive application, it is recommended that memory be increased. If it is a CPU-intensive application, it is recommended to upgrade your CPU.
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| 24. |
When both users open the same file, can they save the file at the same time
It depends on the types of applications you are running. Some applications will provide full read and write privileges to the user who opened or accessed the file first, the other users may then have read only privilege.
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| 25. |
Can the BeTwin system run on Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Home or Professional Edition?
No, BeTwin VS only supports Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate Edition - 32-bit)
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| 26. |
Can I install programs on the BeTwin Station?
It is recommended to install the applications on the Host PC.
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| 27. |
When connecting the BeTwin system to the LAN, can two different users login to the network using different accounts?
Yes, Windows and Novell Netware networks are supported. You only require one
network card and one IP address for all the users. Users can login to the
network by using different user names and passwords.
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| 28. |
What type of hard disk should I use to get optimum performance?
Hard disks with faster access time and transfer rate are preferred. Ultra DMA hard disks, SATA hard disks and SCSI hard disks generally provide better performance.
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| 29. |
How should I setup the BeTwin Station?
Installation is simple. By following a few steps, a two- or five-user system
should take less than 30 minutes to set up. Please refer to the BeTwin VS
User Manual for detail instructions.
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| 30. |
What is the maximum USB cable length supported?
A maximum of 30-meters is supported. The USB specifications state that an active USB hub is required for every 5-meter interval and a total of five (5) USB hubs can be used in one chain.
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| 31. |
What is the maximum video cable length supported?
It can support up to a maximum of 30-meters. To get a good display quality,
double-shielded/twisted-pair video cable is recommended.
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| 32. |
Can the main system and BeTwin Station access the same CD-ROM at the same time?
Yes, it depends on the CD-ROM contents to be accessed.
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| 33. |
Do I need to buy additional software licenses?
Additional software licenses may be required, kindly check your Software End User License Agreement. Users who intend to run the software products concurrently on the BeTwin Station(s) and Host Computer are advised to do the following : (a) Review the Software Products' End User License Agreement if they are authorized to run multiple instances/sessions, using a single copy of the Software Products, concurrently on the BeTwin Station(s) and the Host Computer and/or (b) Check with the respective companies of the software products for such usage and/or similar usages.
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| 34. |
How can I register the BeTwin VS software on the computer that does not have Internet access?
User must install BeTwin VS on the computer that has Internet access to
register the BeTwin VS software.
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| 35. |
How many IP addresses can be assigned to the computer under Windows Vista (32-bit)?
Windows Vista (32-bit) allow users to use multiple IP addresses per network connection for multiple IP numbering schemes, such as public addresses used for the Internet and private addresses, and for multiple logical IP networks on the same physical network segment.
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| 36. |
How can I protect the data on the computer from unauthorized access?
Windows Vista (32-bit) allows users to set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions. However, you can set file and folder permissions only on drives formatted to use NTFS.
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| 37. |
How should I upgrade the VGA drivers?
Step 1: Deactivate BeTwin via BeTwin Control Center\Options\Set
Configuration and restart Windows.
Step 2: Upgrade the VGA drivers and restart Windows.
Step 3: After Windows has restarted, under Windows Display Properties, you
must be able to configure the PCI/ PCI-Express VGA card to "Extend my
Windows desktop onto this monitor" so that the Windows desktop will be
displayed on the Host and Station monitors.
Step 4: Activate BeTwin and restart Windows.
Step 5: If the BeTwin Station does not turn on after 90 seconds, you may
need to restart the Windows again. You may also require to re-run Configuration Wizard to re-setup the Host and Station(s).
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| 38. |
Is Windows Vista x64 (64-bit) supported?
Windows Vista x64 (64-bit) is currently not supported.
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