NComputing M300 User Manual
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NComputing M300 User Manual

Ethernet virtual desktop with vspace server
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M300
Ethernet Virtual Desktop
with vSpace Server™
User Manual

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Summary of Contents for NComputing M300

  • Page 1 M300 Ethernet Virtual Desktop with vSpace Server™ User Manual...

  • Page 2: Important Notices

    Please note that reproduction of this User Manual in whole or in part, without express written permission from NComputing, is not permitted. NComputing reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes to this User Manual and to the products, programs and/or specifications described herein at any time without notice. Information contained in this document may have been obtained from internal testing or from a third party.
  • Page 3 Microsoft or as expressly set forth in the “Microsoft Windows Server to Windows XP License Rights” section of the NComputing EULA. In all cases, your rights and obligations with respect to the use of vSpace Server software with Windows Server software and Windows Client software are defined by both the software EULA and the applicable Microsoft Software License Agreement or EULA.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Client Access License (CAL) Installation ...................... 25 M300 Device Setup ............................. 26 Additional Hardware Requirements ....................... 27 Mounting the M300 to a monitor ......................27 M300 Firmware Update .......................... 28 Using Your M-series Access Device ......................29 The “Server Selection” Screen ........................ 29 Device Information ..........................
  • Page 5 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 NComputing vSpace Server Management Console Guide 1.0 Getting Started ............................47 1.1 Installing vSpace ..........................47 1.2 Registering vSpace ..........................47 1.3 Connecting Your Devices ........................47 2.0 NComputing vSpace ..........................48 2.1 vSpace Information ........................... 48 2.2 License Information ..........................

  • Page 6: Safety Information

    Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. For enhancing performance and reliability, we recommend using an FTP or STP cable between the M300 and the client devices.
  • Page 7 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 8 제조년월 : 제품 뒷면 참고 이 기기는 가정용으로 전자파 적합 등록을 한 기기로서 주거지역에서는 물론 모든 지역에서 사용할 수 있습니다. 제품의 성능 및 신뢰성 향상을 위하여 M300와 XD3 Access Device의 연결 시 FTP 혹은 STP Cable의 사용을 권장 합니다. European Community:...

  • Page 9: Gpl Declarations

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 GPL Declarations The NComputing M300 access device contains – in part – some free software (software licensed in a way that ensures your freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software). This free software is also contained in the M300 firmware update files that are distributed together with NComputing vSpace Server software installation packages that are expressly for the M300.

  • Page 10: M300 Overview

    With up to 45 users per PC, you will save money on each workstation by NOT needing an individual PC and OS for each user. The M300 lowers the cost per seat through greater user density per server, low power, fewer PCs needed, ease of set up and reduced maintenance costs.

  • Page 11: M-Series Models

    USB Pass-through ports (to Large Client) 1 (USB A/B Size 9) Acceleration for full-screen video support Yes** *NComputing M-series access devices use remote USB 1.1 or 2.0 to provide transparent USB redirection. ™ **Video acceleration powered by Numo Page 11 of 78...

  • Page 12: Host Setup

    Host Setup System Requirements While the vSpace Server software itself can support up to 45 M300 client connections, the host specifications required to provide an optimal user experience will vary by the number of users connecting to a given host and the average usage habits of those users. The tables below provide an estimated starting point from which administrators can test and, if needed, adjust the hardware specifications of their chosen host systems.

  • Page 13: Vspace Server Software Installation

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 vSpace Server software installation Per the instructions below, always check the NComputing website for the latest vSpace Server software. The software on the CD in your package may not be the latest version. • Insert the software installation CD into the host computer's CD drive. In most cases, a window will automatically appear after a few seconds with installation options.
  • Page 14 When dealing with certain firewall applications, you may need to make sure that the Note: NComputing .exe files have proper access permission to the network. These .exe files include: KMSERVC.EXE, BOOTSRV.EXE, KMMSG.EXE, KMUPDATE.EXE, KMREGWIZ.EXE Within the Exceptions tab of the Windows Firewall the ports that should be opened are:...

  • Page 15: User Account Creation

    (as needed). User Account Creation The M300 can access a Windows session using either local or domain user accounts. The optimal type of user account will vary depending on the type of environment the vSpace host is being deployed into.

  • Page 16: Product Registration

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Product Registration Important! DEVICE AND VSPACE SERVER SOFTWARE REGISTRATION ARE REQUIRED TO RECEIVE VSPACE UPDATES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT. Product registration is required for all M-series devices and vSpace Server software to enable normal product use, downloading updates, and technical support. When registering the software, all the access devices must be connected to the host system using Ethernet.

  • Page 17: Online Registration

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Online Registration In the case of Online Registration, follow the instructions below. Otherwise skip to the section titled “Offline Registration.” Online registration will be completed automatically if possible during software installation. If your host system is unable to access the internet •...
  • Page 18 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 • On the Registration Type screen, select “Register online, using your Internet connection” and click “Next.” Note: If you use a Proxy Server for internet connectivity, enter the Proxy connection data here. • The registration wizard will then show you a list of all unregistered M-series access devices that are currently connected to this vSpace Server host that can now be registered.
  • Page 19 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Page 19 of 78...

  • Page 20: Offline Registration

    You’ll need to select the location where you wish to store the registration data file that you’ll later email to NComputing. Note that you cannot type directly into the “Create activation file” field, but you must click on the “Select” button to navigate to the directory where you wish to store the offline registration data file.
  • Page 21 • Next, email the created “txt” file to registration@ncomputing.com. Alternately, you can copy the “txt” file to another PC, if necessary, to send the email. It should normally take only one or two minutes to receive the vSpace Server license file by returned email.

  • Page 22: Registration Reminder

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 • Click “Select” or “Select the activation file” to navigate to the file, and click “Open” once you have located the correct license file. Then click “Next” to load the license file and apply it to the vSpace Server host system.

  • Page 23: Uninstallation

    “Exit” button. When the download is complete, the installation of the new version will begin. Uninstallation To uninstall the vSpace Server software, select “Uninstall vSpace Server” under the “NComputing vSpace Server” folder in the Start menu (or select vSpace Server from the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Windows Control Panel).

  • Page 24: Windows Configuration Notes

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Windows Configuration Notes The following are some initial Windows configuration notes to be aware of. • Windows 7* Installation: You must have administrative rights to install vSpace Server 6 onto Windows 7*. However, unlike in Server 2008 R2, the actual “Administrator” account is not enabled by default in Windows 7.

  • Page 25: Client Access License (Cal) Installation

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Client Access License (CAL) Installation For multi-user applications, in addition to installing and activating the Windows Server operating system license on the host system, you need to acquire two types of client access licenses. First, standard Windows Server CALs for each user or device are needed.

  • Page 26: M300 Device Setup

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 M300 Device Setup Each M300 kit includes one Large Client and two Small Clients. The Large M300 Client must be connected to the host PC via an Ethernet switch, router, or other network connection. Each of the Small Clients must be connected to the Large Client via Direct Connect (Ethernet) ports.

  • Page 27: Additional Hardware Requirements

    Optional: speakers, headphones, microphones and USB peripherals Mounting the M300 to a monitor Each of the M300 devices include VESA™ compatible mounting points which allow them to be secured to a monitor via 75mm or 100mm VESA™-compliant mounting holes. A total of six (6) mounting screws are included with each M300 kit;...

  • Page 28: M300 Firmware Update

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 M300 Firmware Update It is always recommended to use the latest available version of firmware on your M300 device. Each installation of vSpace Server includes the latest firmware, so no additional downloads are necessary to complete this process.

  • Page 29: Using Your M-Series Access Device

    Using Your M-series Access Device The “Server Selection” Screen The “Server Selection” screen is the first to appear when the M300 device starts. From here, you can connect to a host, refresh the Available Connections list, view Device Information, or enter the Device Setup menu.

  • Page 30: Device Information

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Device Information The following information can be viewed from the Device Information screen: o Device name o Device ID o Firmware version o Serial number o Interface o IP address o Subnet mask o Gateway...

  • Page 31: Device Setup - The "Connection Settings" Tab

    If the M300 does not successfully connect to the second server in the list, the device attempts to connect to the third device in the list, etc. When the M300 reaches the end of the list, it starts again at the beginning of the “server group”...

  • Page 32: Device Setup - The "Manage Groups" Tab

    Groups of host systems by following the on-screen instructions. The M300 adds the concept of a “server group” to the Autoconnect feature which in turn creates the auto failover feature. By autoconnecting to a group of servers, more flexible connection options are possible.

  • Page 33: Device Setup - The "Login Settings" Tab

    The Login Settings tab contains various device settings related to performance within Windows, including: • Video Settings (each of the 3 M300 client devices within a given kit must run the same resolution and same color depth) Resolution Color Depth •...

  • Page 34: Device Setup - The "Network" Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Device Setup - The “Network” Tab The Network tab contains the device’s network communication settings, as well as a Ping Test tool. The settings that can be configured are: • Device Name Used to identify the device within the vSpace Server management console •...

  • Page 35: Device Setup - The "Password" Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Device Setup - The “Password” Tab The Password tab allows the user to enable or disable the device’s firmware password. If set, the device will prompt for the password anytime a user attempts to access the Device Setup screen or tries to cancel an automatic connection.

  • Page 36: Device Setup - The "Update" Tab

    Start menu (Start/All Programs/NComputing vSpace Server/NC-Console). Once in the console navigate to Terminals > M-series and locate the desired M300 device in the right-hand pane. Right-click this device, select “Update Firmware,” and follow the onscreen prompts to initiate the firmware update.

  • Page 37: Returning To The "Server Selection" Screen

    Once a client has connected to a host, there are two ways of returning to the Server Select screen. Method 1: From the Ncomputing “Press Any Key” splash screen. Once connected to a server, you can return to the M300 Server Selection screen by doing the following: 1.

  • Page 38: The Ncomputing Splash Screen

    The NComputing Splash Screen Once a client has connected to a host, it will be taken to the NComputing “Press any key to start” screen. The client will return to this screen if a user logs out. Once a key is pressed, the Windows login interface will be shown.

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting & Error Messages

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Troubleshooting & error messages For the latest information and troubleshooting help, please visit the NComputing online knowledge base at: http://www.ncomputing.com/support DHCP server was not found If the access device cannot find a DHCP server, this error message appears.
  • Page 40 Device Will Not Reset The Large M300 Client includes a recessed reset button that can be used in the event that the client will not reset through normal means. This button is located on the back of the Large Client next to the DC power port and can be activated using a pen or paper clip.
  • Page 41 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Connection was closed Message “Connection was closed but your data is not lost and application is still running on the server. Please connect to the terminal server later.” This message appears when the connection stops due to abnormalities occurring on the host PC or network equipment.

  • Page 42: Glossary

    CPU, VGA, and PC chipsets; it only uses a programmable SoC to connect to a Host PC. An access device using NComputing User eXtension Protocol (UXP) can be connected to Host PCs by using the LAN cable. Also, it can be connected to remote PCs through the Internet using TCP/IP.
  • Page 43 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 • IP Address: the Internet Protocol (IP) is basically the set of rules for one network communicating with any other (or occasionally, for broadcast messages, all other networks). Each network must know its own address on the Internet and that of any other networks with which it communicates.

  • Page 44: Faq

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 For the latest information and FAQs, please visit the NComputing online knowledge base at: Q: Must the versions of the vSpace Server software in a network be the same? A: Different vSpace Server versions within the same environment can cause data communication problems.
  • Page 45 This means that to achieve the same quality of video as the M300, a thin client must be 2-3X more expensive and require painful management of the local software stack to constantly ensure that codecs are loaded.

  • Page 46: Ncomputing Vspace Server Management Console Guide

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 NComputing vSpace Server Management Console Guide Page 46 of 78...

  • Page 47: Getting Started

    For the purpose of this document we will be using vSpace 6 in conjunction with the L300 and M300 access devices. Older versions of vSpace may contain variations in console layout and features, but many of the same concepts and terms will apply. While certain examples given herein highlight the L-series specifically, it should be noted that the L-series and M-series share nearly identical configuration options.

  • Page 48: Ncomputing Vspace

    Indicates the current firmware version available for download from this host M300) Firmware Left-click on the “+” sign next to the “NComputing vSpace” section of the left navigation tree to display the “License Information” and “System Settings” sections. Page 48 of 78...

  • Page 49: License Information

    The type of license associated with the current vSpace install Serial Number The vSpace Server Software Serial Number Maximum Number of The maximum number of simultaneous NComputing device sessions Connections allowable under the current license Registered Device The length of time each registered device is allowed to maintain a session...

  • Page 50: System Settings - Common

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 2.3 System Settings - Common Left-click on the “System Settings” section of the left navigation tree to display settings that affect the host, as well as devices that connect to it. The “Common” tab provides the following options and...

  • Page 51: System Settings - L-Series/M-Series

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Display Desktop Enabling this feature will allow device users to select and display custom Desktop Wallpapers Backgrounds within their Windows sessions. Display Last User Enabling this feature will auto-populate the user name of the last user to log in Name when a new user attempts to log in to Windows.

  • Page 52: System Settings - Performance Profiles

    (such as Wireless, Low, and High Speed networks). Assign Allows the administrator to choose from a selection of custom performance Performance profiles to be used by specific NComputing products. Profiles Advanced Provides additional advanced configuration options. (see section 2.6)

  • Page 53: System Settings - Performance Profiles Advanced

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 2.6 System Settings – Performance Profiles ADVANCED The Advanced menu allow administrators to create, edit, or delete individual performance profiles. The specific settings and their effects are detailed below. Administrators can add or remove profiles using the “Create Profile” and “Delete Profile” buttons located to the top left of the menu.
  • Page 54 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Cursor Shadow Enables or disables the shadow seen beneath the mouse cursor. (Mouse shadows are not supported) Allow blinking Enables or disables the blinking cursor effect. cursor Enables or disables smoothing which can improve the appearance of fonts in some Font smoothing situations at the cost of increased resource usage.

  • Page 55: Profiles

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 3.0 Profiles Left-click on the “Profiles” section of the left navigation tree to display information on device profiles that have been saved for future use. You can edit or delete these profiles by right-clicking on them in the profile list on the right side of the console.
  • Page 56 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 4.0 USB Assignment Left-click on the “USB Assignment” section of the left navigation tree to display information on USB controllers available to the host. From this interface, you can assign individual USB ports to specific user sessions.

  • Page 57: Sessions

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 5.0 Sessions 5.1 Session Overview When one or more devices connects to your vSpace host, the “Sessions” section of the left navigation tree will be populated with a list of active sessions. Left-click on the “Sessions” section to display an overview of active sessions on the right side of the console.

  • Page 58: Session Information

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 5.2 Session Information In addition to the session summary, you can expand the “Sessions” section of the left navigation tree to reveal information about individual sessions. Select these sessions to display additional information on the sessions themselves. The Session Information screen provides the following information: Session The session’s identifying number...

  • Page 59: Session Controls

    Stop – Stops the selected session, effectively logging the user out. Registration –Opens the Registration dialog box. Help – Opens the Ncomputing Support page on an external web browser. *While using the “View” function on a session, administrators can right-click on the top bar of the view window to take control of that session.

  • Page 60: Device Management

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.0 Device Management 6.1 L-series / M-series The L-series and M-series sections of the console provide all of the tools and options needed to configure and maintain your devices, as well as important usage information (such as user name and session number).

  • Page 61: Device Groups

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.2 Device Groups When dealing with large numbers of devices spread throughout several logical or physical groups (for example, deployments across several office floors or classrooms), it can be advantageous to group these devices within the vSpace console itself. This can be accomplished by right-clicking on the “L-series”...

  • Page 62: Information Tab

    Displays the currently loaded firmware version of the selected device. In this Firmware Version example, the device firmware is out of date, as indicated by the text “Please update firmware.” Schema ID Miscellaneous build information (for NComputing internal use only) Page 62 of 78...

  • Page 63: Connections Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.4 Connections Tab The “Connections” tab provides several host configuration options that determine how the device finds and then connects to available hosts. From here, you can set the device to automatically detect available servers, or instruct the device to connect to specific predetermined hosts or groups of hosts.

  • Page 64: Server Groups Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.5 Server Groups Tab The “Server Groups” tab allows administrators to combine several servers into a group, and then instruct the device to connect only to servers in that group. Exactly which servers are included in a given group and the order in which devices connect to them can be designated and altered within this menu.

  • Page 65: Login Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.6 Login Tab The “Login” tab provides several configuration choices that determine how the device will behave once it connects to a given host system, including screen resolution and automatic login options. Note that the L-series and M-series Login configuration menus vary slightly as seen below.
  • Page 66 NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 Sets the screen resolution and color depth to be used by the device once it Screen Resolution connects to a host. Note that for the M-series, all three clients in an M-series kit share the same resolution and color depth settings.

  • Page 67: Network Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.7 Network Tab The “Network” tab provides standard network configuration options, including a choice between static and dynamic IP acquisition. Interface Indicates the device’s network interface. Optimize for Indicates the type of network being used; LAN = Local Area Network.

  • Page 68: Password Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.8 Password Tab The “Password” tab provides the option of setting a password that will restrict future access to device configuration. Use this tab to enable and disable password protection. No Password for Sets the device to be accessible for configuration by any user.

  • Page 69: Update Tab

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.9 Update Tab The “Update” tab is used to check for and install (if available) firmware updates for the device. This tab allows you to select from several different update methods, and can be set to draw firmware updates from inside your network, or from an external FTP location.

  • Page 70: Search Settings And Columns

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.10 Search Settings and Columns The “Search Settings and Columns” features in the upper-right side of the “L and M-series” sections provide additional tools for locating, sorting and displaying device information. The L/M-series Device Search Settings dialog box provides administrators with the ability to locate devices anywhere on the network (provided that the connections in question are allowed by the network’s routing rules), as well as the ability to search specific IP ranges, while ignoring others.

  • Page 71: Configuration Profiles

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.11 Configuration Profiles As of vSpace version L-6.5.1., the NComputing vSpace Console includes the ability to save L-series device settings and apply those settings to other L-series devices across the network. While administrators retain the option to fine-tune devices on an individual basis, the Profile Management feature adds the ability to design and then deploy pre-selected configuration profiles to groups of devices in one step.

  • Page 72: Editing Profiles

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.13 Editing Profiles Once a profile is created, administrators can edit the profile in the same way they would apply changes to the settings of an individual device. To do this, select “Profiles” from the left navigation tree within...

  • Page 73: Applying Profiles

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 6.14 Applying Profiles To apply a saved profile to other devices, select one or more L/M-series devices within the L or M-series Device list and then right-click on any of the selected devices. From the pop-up menu that displays, select “Apply Configuration Profile,”...

  • Page 74: Remote Vspace Servers

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 7.0 Remote vSpace Servers The “Remote vSpace Servers” section of the console allows administrators with multiple host systems on a given network to view and manage multiple hosts from one location. Additional features include the ability to view a given remote server’s active sessions and USB port assignments.

  • Page 75: Remote Console Features

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 7.2 Remote Console Features While many of the host management features can be accessed remotely, there are some differences between what can be accessed remotely (from a different vSpace host on the same or different subnet) and what can be accessed locally (from the Management Console running on the host to which devices are connected).

  • Page 76: Common Tasks

    The technician logs into the Sales1 server (using the virtual machine’s console application, such as VMWare’s vSphere Client). Once logged into the server, the technician launches the NComputing vSpace Management Console. (If this host were on a “bare metal” system, they could just as easily have opened an RDP session or, if the host were located in their part of the office, they could simply go to the host itself and log in to the host using an admin account.)

  • Page 77: Maintenance Tasks - Performing A Firmware Update On An Active Device

    NComputing M300 User Manual rev.02.21.12 8.2 Maintenance Tasks - Performing a Firmware Update on an Active Device In this example, we will simulate performing a firmware update on a device that is currently in use. To do this we need to give the current user advanced notice of the impending update before proceeding.

  • Page 78: Deployment Tasks - Installing And Configuring A New Computer Lab

    Storing and applying a device profile to multiple devices simultaneously The Scenario: A school is adding a lab with an additional 20-devices to their existing NComputing deployment. To expedite the deployment process, they will perform as many tasks as they can from the host rather than configuring individual devices.

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