Create a Multiuser DOS Graphics System
 
Microbytes Daily News Service
Copyright (c) 1989, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
The VPC Multiuser Graphics System is a combination hardware and
software multistation DOS system.
 
A multicontroller card supports either two EGA-type 2000 or
four Hercules graphics card-type 1000 monitors. To help prevent
any communications bottlenecks, the data entry point is connected
to the controller through 13 twisted-pair video lines. Hardware
drivers amplify the video signal, so you can use cables up to 90
meters long.
 
The station controller is housed in a box measuring 16 by 12
cm. At the entry points, it divides the signals into the video,
keyboard, and communications ports and passes them on to the
relevant outputs. The system supports up to eight screens with
each graphics controller physically connected to the system bus,
which eliminates delays due to signal conversion. VPC retains
standard interface connections so you can operate 80386 host
computers, monitors, keyboards, and graphics I/O devices.
 
The DOS operating system remains unchanged. However, to help
you establish a multistation system, VPC contains a special
management program that divides the main memory into areas. The
program then allots these areas to individual stations or virtual
machines (VMs). Each VM has its own DOS environment and, as such,
is an independent computer; you can even boot it separately
without affecting the other stations.
 
VPC also has a timesharing system, called the System Resource
Monitor, that constantly monitors software activities. As soon as
one job is processed, it switches the processor onto the next
one. The fileshare subsystem carries out access and file
management for all disks independently, which guarantees free
access to all unprotected data. The Password Protection System
lets each user protect individual files or whole areas (e.g.,
directories) from unauthorized access.
 
VPC runs on the IBM AT or an 80386 computer with at least 3
megabytes of RAM, any version of DOS, one 1.2-megabyte 5.25-inch
floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, and a Hercules graphics
card- or EGA-compatible monitor.
 
Price: 1700 deutsche marks for the VM/386 Multiuser Software
package; 3802 DM for an EGA Set for one host and one remote
station; 4492 DM for an EGA Set with two remote stations; 4922 DM
for an MDA Set with four remote stations.
 
Contact: I.E.S. GmbH, Industrie Electronic & Service,
Spitzwegstrasse 10, D-8012 Ottobrunn, West Germany,
49-89-604-063.
 
                              --- Martha Hicks
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
