Deploying Windows MultiPoint Server 2010
Welcome to the Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Deployment Guide for Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Academic. Unless otherwise noted, all references to MultiPoint Server refer to both versions.
For a downloadable version of this topic, see the Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Deployment Guide.
Built on Windows Server technology, MultiPoint Server enables multiple local stations to be connected to one computer. Several users can then share one computer at the same time, which enables each user to perform independent work or a group activity. Each station consists of a station hub, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. MultiPoint Server includes MultiPoint Manager, which helps you, as an administrative user, to monitor and manage MultiPoint Server stations. In contrast to IP-based thin clients, you can connect the MultiPoint Server to each station without connecting it to any other network.
With respect to setup, there are two main differences between the OEM version and the Volume Licensing version of MultiPoint Server. These differences include the following:
The OEM version is pre-installed on the server with which it is sold.
The initial customer setup experiences might differ slightly.
Generally, a customer who purchases the OEM solution will connect the required peripheral devices (using explicit instructions from the vendor), turn on the server, and follow instructions on-screen or in the accompanying documentation to complete the setup. This might require fewer deployment tasks to be completed.
However, Volume Licensing customers will generally have to consider capacity planning, choose their own hardware, and install the server software (either manually or by using Windows deployment tools for larger scenarios).
This document explains how to deploy and configure your MultiPoint Server system. The MultiPoint Server Deployment Task List is provided for you to use as a checklist of the tasks that you must complete for successful deployment. Additional sections provide recommendations for initial planning and configuration tasks such as establishing hardware and software requirements. Detailed information and procedures are provided that are required to complete deployment tasks, such as setting up the physical layout of your MultiPoint Server system, configuring user accounts, and updating device drivers, among other things.
Finally, sections are included that describe advanced MultiPoint Server configuration tasks in addition to a troubleshooting section that can help assist you with common issues that you might encounter when you deploy MultiPoint Server.
For information about deploying Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, see the following topics: