Want to share applications from a centralized location.

[mrSHEiK124]

I have a couple of applications that I'd like for two people to simultaneously (and independently) be able to use, if necessary. What is more likely, is that we will be using, say, out of the 5 programs, one at a time, each. User #1 uses Program #2 while User #2 uses Program #4, but if User #1 needs to use Program #4, they can fire up their own instance.

I know there's some sort of virtualization I can use, but computers are only a hobby of mine. Can someone with more experience fill me in? Can it be done for free? I do have a relatively robust (at least for these apps, nothing intense) server available to mess around with. Also - one user will be on the same LAN as the server, and one user will be, well, anywhere.

 

[ilisidi]

For the user on the same LAN, networking would probably be easiest, probably. It depends on the programs, though, and what they need to have access to. And also if said programs have a 'client' installation that has to be done, or if you can just run the exe off a mapped drive. Networking is built into windows, so it's free, but 'cost' for networking usually involves what applications you're trying to run if the network is already set up.

THe non-networked user...remote desktop? That's free, it's part of windows. All you'd need is the ip, username and password of the server. So long as no one is using the server (only one person can be logged in at once, and remote desktop counts), the remote user can connect in and then use the server as if they were sitting in front of it.

 

[bico]

why not just install them on both machines?

 

[heymrdj]

The vendor will best be able to help you. You may be looking at something like Terminal Services for Windows Server? Typically you can't get around the licensing game, you'll need to pay for multiple licenses of the software.