Author Topic: Desktop Geeks! Need some help on Desktop Emulation. (Read 279 times)

Zippatuh · « **on:** November 17, 2004, 11:21:40 AM »

Anyone floating around here know of a tool that can simulate multiple windows desktops from a single server? I’m working on a project where I need to load test an application; unfortunately I do not have the 200 desktops and personnel to accomplish this.

The application being tested is written such that only one user can log into it from a single desktop at a time. I’ve been doing some surfing but haven’t had much luck in finding what I need.

I know there are several people on here that either work with or are into this type of stuff as a hobby. If anyone has ideas I’m open.

Thanks!

AcId · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2004, 12:31:39 PM »

It exists but I don't know of a "name" of one that exists. More often those types of apps are written in-house. From the basic description of what you need it sounds like something that could be scripted.

Anyhow, I sent an email out here at work, it sounds like something someone around here would have since most of what we do is R&D, test & development, and qual testing. I'm on the Unix/Linux side of the house so I'm just waiting for a response from the "point & click" folks now.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2004, 12:34:04 PM »

VMware is what I believe you might be looking for. Check out their website.

AcId · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2004, 12:35:51 PM »

I thought of that at first too Rip but I don't think thats what he's looking for.

It would entail using VM's but I'm not sure if the qual test folks use VMware or something else.

Manedew · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2004, 12:57:23 PM »

I don't think he needs to simulate the full systems .. just the protocols he'll be interacting with? kind of like a honeypot simulation ....? or is he testing serverload ...?

what exactly are you testing .... how the application will work over the network .... or how the server will handle load from 200 systems? You need to know what you want frist .... and so do the people here, if you want good help.

make a list of what exactly you need to test then you'll have a better idea what you need.

don't know any programs off hand beyond VMware .... that doesn't sound like what you need with your meantion of 200 workstations.

=======

by 200 desktops do you mean like 200 explorer.exe?

Nashwan · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:00:03 PM »

Quote

unfortunately I do not have the 200 desktops and personnel to accomplish this

VMWare or VirtualPC will work for smallish numbers, but nowhere near 200 workstations on 1 server

AcId · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:00:15 PM »

Try here zipp.......Virtual Server 2005

pretty much MS's version of VMware

AKIron · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:26:01 PM »

You could simulate this on the cheap with just a few PCs and a server if you're willing to spend the time. Set up a Windows 2000/2003 server in application mode. Connect to it via remote desktop on the PCs as many times as you need (can make multiple connections from one pc) and run the application you're tesing in each instance. Not very scientific but it may yield the info you're looking for. You will have to login each session as a different user.

Zippatuh · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:56:16 PM »

Thanks gents. Looking at the Microsoft version of virtual PC now.

The application I’m using will not let you log more than one agent into the system. If you try to it logs the other out.

The application is web based and specific to the desktop. I have to pop the screens when testing to gauge bandwidth usage so scripting the messages isn’t an option.

Microsoft has a 45 day trial that I’m getting ready to down load now and see if will work for what I need it to.

This is basically for a call center. An agent can sit at their house or in an outsource center, log into the agent application, and the switch dials the number they input. Could be their PCS number, home phone, or desk. All the dialing, answering, and general telephony work is done via the desktop application.

Zippatuh · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2004, 02:00:50 PM »

I have 20 desktops that I can load it on. Depending on memory we'll see how many I can get on one...

MrCoffee · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2004, 02:22:03 PM »

vmware but you'll need a powerfull system and lots of memory. Each vmware session is like a seperate system with networking.

DoctorYO · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2004, 02:59:33 PM »

if the app is web based and desktop dependent a cheapo (free) one for XP is here.. (get 50 boxes x4 desktops each)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

get the desktop manager... (only 4 desktops though..) X windows feel on Microsoft Box so even if this doesn't work out its still usefull for XP workstations..

If your brave and got some time to read.... Suggest shell replacement.. via darkstep, litestep etc..

google shell replacement or darkstep to see what im talking about...

DoctorYo

PS: VM ware or virtual pc is the way to go if you got the hardware to support it...