May 4, 2007 — New technology from Microsoft Research India in Bangalore could end the waiting game in offices with limited computers. Researchers are developing software that splits a computer screen in two halves, each side with its own operating system, desktop, applications, cursor and keyboard.
The technology could help small businesses and schools in developing countries reduce their computer costs and could even work in homes where more than one family member needs access.
"At the most basic level, we are allowing two users to work completely independently on the same machine, sharing both the processor and monitor," said Udai Singh Pawar, assistant researcher and project leader.
The innovation could salvage time otherwise wasted as one person waits to use a computer.
The working prototype uses a standard 19-inch screen, but can also work on 15 and 17-inch screens, which are more common at small businesses in India, said Pawar. The solution is software-based and does not require that a company trade their current PC for a new one. They would simply need to install the software and plug in a second mouse and keyboard.
The software enables two sessions of Windows to share the computer's processor. It also divides the screen in half, running one operating system on the left and the other on the right. If necessary, a user can move her cursor to the other half of the screen, which opens the door on sharing and collaborating with documents.
