Introducing MultiPoint Server

Welcome to the Windows® MultiPoint™ Server 2011 Planning Guide. MultiPoint Server enables multiple stations to be connected to one computer. Multiple users can then share the computer at the same time. There are three ways that stations can connect to the computer running MultiPoint Server:

• Directly to video ports on the computer

• Through specialized USB zero clients (also referred to as multifunction USB hubs)

• Over the local area network (LAN)

Each of these methods is described in more detail in MultiPoint Server Stations later in this document.

This document addresses the following factors to consider when you are planning to deploy MultiPoint Server:

• Selecting Hardware for Your MultiPoint Server System: What hardware decisions should you make?

• Hardware Requirements and Performance Recommendations: What hardware is required to install the MultiPoint Server operating system?

• MultiPoint Server Site Planning: Where will the computers that are running MultiPoint Server and their stations be located, and how will they be configured?

• Network Considerations and User Accounts: The networking environment into which the MultiPoint Server system is deployed can affect how user accounts are managed. What is your networking environment? How will user accounts be managed?

• Storing Files with MultiPoint Server: Where will user files be stored, and how will they be accessed?

• MultiPoint Server Predeployment Checklist

For a downloadable version of this document, see the Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 Planning Guide in the Microsoft® Download Center.