StarNet is shipping a USB-based PC X server that lets Windows PC users run graphical applications that reside on remote Linux systems, and carry their sessions with them. The X-Win32 Flash launches an X Window server application when plugged into a host PC running Microsoft Windows, according to the company.

StarNet says that its X-Win32 Flash product lets users carry their pre-configured sessions with them on a “USB key” or other USB-based flash drive, from PC to PC. Nothing is left on the host PC, once the USB device is removed. The product is the first PC X server distributed on a standard USB flash drive, according to the company.

KDE 3 on SuSE 9.3 with the “Render extension” enabled
(Click to enlarge)

Tray utility sessions menu

Additional touted features include:

• Window caching technology for speed
• Supports “render extensions” for graphical quality
• Simple interface with tab view, icon view, or wizard
• Screenshot tool for graphical cut/paste
• SSH connection module
• Supports Xresources/Xdefaults, for x-hosted application color support
• Interface translations for 29 languages, automatic keyboard detection for 117 different keyboard layouts, and full Unicode, UTF-8, East Asian, and Euro font sets

StarNet claims that PC X Servers are used by “millions” of electrical and mechanical engineers, software developers, network and server administrators, and “others who use their Windows-based computers to access applications residing on powerful Linux and Unix servers.”

CEO Steven Schoch stated, “Flash represents the biggest improvement in PC X server functionality since we pioneered the integration of SSH connections in 2000. Flash increases security by eliminating duplicate installations on unsecured computers. Being able to take your pre-configured sessions to any PC without having to install anything is convenient and cost effective.”

Availability

X-Win32 Flash is shipping now, under commercial, educational, and government licenses. Educational licenses start at $23; commercial licenses at $225. A free (with registration) one-month evaluation license key is also available.

Additionally, the product is available pre-installed on flash keys from 1GB to 4GB, at prices starting at $300.

 
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