The Buddy 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 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Home or Professional (32-bit) Edition.

The Buddy kit's included PCI video cards support additional users. Each user also needs a monitor along with USB keyboards, USB mice and, optionally, USB speakers. The monitors and USB peripherals are not included in the Buddy kit and must be purchased separately.

The Buddy system will reduce the cost of adding computing stations by:

•	Reducing your initial investment
•	Reducing your cost of upgrading
•	Offering ease of maintenance and services
•	Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO

•	Pentium II 333 MHz minimum, Pentium III 450 MHz or faster recommended
•	Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Home or Professional (32-bit) Edition
•	128MB of RAM plus 64MB for each station added
•	PCI 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)
•	USB mouse or PS/2 mouse with USB to PS/2 adapter (one per additional station)
•	SVGA monitor per each station
•	Optional USB audio speaker per each station

Yes, one of the best features of the Buddy software is that all users can surf the Internet on different websites at the same time, using just one telephone line, one modem and one Internet Service Provider account.

Yes, the Buddy system supports 28.8K, 33.6K and the new 56K modems. It also supports ISDN, ASL, ADSL Cable, T1 and any broadband connection.

Yes, all users can share the same peripheral devices.

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 the same modem, telephone line and ISP account, to concurrently access the internet, with no increase in cost.

Yes, you can view the video clip on the Buddy station. If sound is required at the station, USB speakers can be used.

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 Buddy Stations and Host Computer are advised to review the Software Products' End User License Agreement.

Most applications, once booted up, will run nearly as fast as with one user including Modem communications. 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.

Buddy stations support windowed DOS prompts under Windows 2000 Professional or Server Edition and Windows XP Home or Professional (32-bit) Edition. You can now run DOS applications and access the DOS command prompt from the Buddy Station.

Yes, as long as it is a VGA or Super VGA monitor.

Yes, up to the maximum of four Buddy Stations can be connected.

Yes, but it depends on the type of games to be played.

Yes, Windows NT, Windows 2000 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.

The main system cannot turn the Buddy station OFF but Shutdown only. You cannot control the activities on the Buddy station.

The Security Policy Settings in Windows 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Professional (32-bit) Edition 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 Local Security Policy.

Yes, you can have 2 CD-ROM drives in the same system.

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.

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.

No, Buddy only supports Windows 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Home or Professional (32-bit) Edition.

It is recommended to install the applications from the Host PC.

Yes, Windows NT, Windows 2000 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.

Additional information provided as follows:-

Two users can send messages to each other using the Buddy Control Center "Send Message" features.

Two users can send email to each other using the same or different email accounts.

HDDs with faster access time and transfer rate are preferred. Ultra DMA/33/66/100 HDDs and SCSI HDDs generally provide better performance.

Installation is simple. By following a few steps, a two- or five-user system should take less than 30 minutes to set up. See users manual for detailed instructions.

Buddy can support up to the maximum of 30-meters. Under USB specifications, 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.

It can support up to the maximum of 15-meters. To get a good display quality, double-shielded video cable is recommended.

Yes, it depends on the CD-ROM contents to be accessed.

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 Buddy Stations 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 Buddy Stations and the Host Computer and/or

(b) Check with the respective companies of the software products for such usage and/or similar usages.

Unlike the BeTwin 2000/XP software, the Buddy system does not require registration on-line.

Windows 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Professional (32-bit) or Home Edition 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.

Windows 2000 Professional or Server and Windows XP Professional or Home Edition allow 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.

You can install with the Microsoft Loopback adapter in a virtual network environment where access to a network is not feasible. Network clients, protocols, and so on, can be bound to the Loopback adapter, and the network adapter driver or network adapter can be installed at a later time while retaining the network configuration information.

Isolating configuration errors from hardware errors is often the easiest way to pinpoint the source of the problems. These problems may originate from the network adapter or the network adapter driver not being compatible or being defective.

If your computer is installed with Windows 2000 Professional or Server, you can install the Microsoft Loopback adapter to test in a virtual network environment. Network clients, protocols, and so on, can be bound to the Loopback adapter, and the network adapter driver or network adapter can be installed at a later time while retaining the network configuration information.

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).

This is related to Windows Local Security Policy --> Local Policies --> Security Options --> Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only (Default is Enabled; ie user without password will not be able to logon into Windows) security option. If you have problem logging with a user without password, the following are the possible resolutions:
1. A user must have a password in order to logon into Windows; or

2. Disable the security option "Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only"

a. Windows XP Pro

Go to Windows Local Security Policy --> Local Policies --> Security Options and set the "Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only" option to "Disabled" (from Enabled or Not Defined). Then restart Windows.

b. Windows XP Home

i. Go to Windows Registry --> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa and double click on DWORD value "limitblankpassworduse" and change the "Value data" to "0". Then restart Windows.

ii. If the "limitblankpassworduse" is not present, manually add a DWORD Value "limitblankpassworduse" and set it's "Value data" to "0". Then restart Windows.

With Buddy and iTALC (Intelligent Teaching and Learning with Computer freeware), teachers will be able to execute the following, such as

• view activities on students’ workstations by using the overview mode, including taking snapshots
• remote-control students’ workstations to support and help students
• show a demo (either in full screen or in a window) - the Teacher PC's screen is displayed on all students’ workstation’s screen in real-time
• lock students’ workstations so that students have undivided attention on teacher
• send text-messages to students’ workstations

Click here to view the illustration diagram (example: 1 x Teacher PC and 1 x Buddy system consisting of 5 Student workstations) and follow the steps described below to set up the Smart Classroom with Buddy and iTALC software:

Assumption:

• User account “Teacher” is logon into Windows on Teacher’s PC.
  
  
• User accounts “Student1”, “Student2”, “Student3”, “Student4” and “Student5” are logon into Windows on Students’ workstations #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 respectively.

Step 1:	Install iTALC software (the Client Application - ICA) on the Buddy system. Next, install the Buddy software to setup 1 Host and 4 Stations (5 student workstations).
Step 2:	Install iTALC software (the Master Application - IMA) on the Teacher’s PC.
Step 3:	Copy the 2 keys from the Teacher’s PC (at C:\Program Files\iTALC\keys\private\teacher and C:\Program Files\iTALC\keys\public\teacher) to the BeTwin system ( at C:\Program Files\iTALC\keys\private\teacher and C:\Program Files\iTALC\keys\public\teacher).
Step 4:	On the Teacher’s PC, go to Windows Start => Run. Type ""C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -unregisterservice" to unregister the service. A message will pop up to confirm that the service is unregistered.
Step 5:	Create an ica.exe shortcut on the Teacher’s PC. On the Teacher’s PC, right click on Windows desktop and select New => Shortcut. Type ""C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport [port number] " (i.e. "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4000; where 4000 is the port that is opened/ available on the Teacher’s PC). Copy the shortcut to the Windows Startup Folder of the Teacher’s PC.
Step 6:	Create an ica.exe shortcut on the Student’s workstation #1 (Buddy system’s Host). On the Student’s workstation #1, right click on Windows desktop and select New => Shortcut. Type ""C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport [port number] " (i.e. "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4001; where 4001 is the port that is opened/ available on the Student’s workstation #1. Remember to rename the shortcut as “ica_4001.exe” for easy reference. Copy the shortcut to the Windows Startup Folder of the Student’s workstation #1.
Step 7:	Create similar shortcuts for Student’s workstations #2, #3, #4 and #5. Change the port for each of the workstation (i.e. "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4002 for Student’s workstation #2; "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4003 for Student’s workstation #3; "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4004 for Student’s workstation #4 and "C:\Program Files\iTALC\ica.exe" -ivsport 4005 for Student’s workstation #5). Remember to rename the shortcuts as “ica_4002.exe”, “ica_4003.exe”, “ica_4004.exe” and “ica_4005.exe” for easy reference. Copy each of the shortcut to the Windows Startup Folder of the Student’s workstation #2, #3, #4 and #5.
Step 8:	Reboot both the Teacher’s and Buddy system. Run the iTALC Master software from the Teacher’s PC after all the users have logon into Windows on the Students’ workstations.
Step 9:	Teacher can now create new classroom, computer and configure settings via the iTALC Master software to establish connection (i.e. username and IP Address:Port, 123.123.123.123:4001 to connect to Student’s workstation #1).

For more information on iTALC software, refer to url, http://italc.sourceforge.net/home.php.

The User Manual for iTALC software is available for download at url, http://italc.sourceforge.net/italc-manual-20070129.pdf

With Buddy and LogMeIn software, administrator will be able to see and interact with desktop applications remotely.

Click here to view the illustration diagram (example: 1 x PC for Remote Administration and 1 x Buddy system consisting of 5 Workstations) and follow the steps described below to use the LogMeIn software to remote control the Buddy Station:

Assumption:

• User account Administrator is logon into Windows on the PC for Remote Administration.
• User accounts User1, User2, User3, User4 and User5 are logon into Windows on Workstations #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 respectively.

Step 1:	On Workstation #1, go to www.LogMeIn.com and click to create an account.
Step 2:	Choose the LogMeIn Free Trial option under Personal Remote Access.
Step 3:	Fill in the registration form and follow the instructions to set up your LogMeIn account. You will need to enter a valid email address and password (e.g. user1@hotmail.com and password TEST123) to log in to the LogMeIn website.
Step 4:	Carefully follow all instructions in the email you receive from LogMeIn regarding account activation.
Step 5:	Once you have the account activated, you can now proceed to download and install the LogMeIn software on the Workstation #1. Click +Add Computer on the My Computers page and the Installation Wizard will be launched automatically. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the installation.
Step 6:	You are now ready to control the Workstations (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5) remotely from the PC for remote Administration. Please ensure that the WorkStations meet the following conditions: WorkStations #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 are turned on All Workstations are connected to the internet with a live connection The LogMeIn Service is running
Step 7:	On the PC for Remote Administration, go to www.LogMeIn.com.
Step 8:	Log in using your LogMeIn ID (e.g. user1@hotmail.com and password TEST123). The My Computers page is displayed.
Step 9:	On the My Computers page, click the name of the computer you want to access remotely.
Step 10:	While connecting to Workstation #1 remotely, you will be prompted to enter the Windows username and password (e.g. User1).
Step 11:	To launch a remote control session, click Remote Control from the menu on the left side of the browser window. You will now be able to see the Windows desktop of WorkStation #1. Note: PC for Remote Administration must be connected to the Windows desktop of Buddy Host/ Workstation #1 before it can be switched to the Windows desktop of other connected Workstations.
Step 12:	To view the Windows desktop of WorkStation #2, #3, #4 or #5, click on the Options button of the Remote Control page. Click on the Terminal Server option and select one of the connected Workstations. Click to switch between sessions.

For more information on LogMeIn software, refer to url, https://secure.logmein.com

The User Guides for LogMeIn software are available for download at url, https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/supportdocs.asp