I propose to create an application interface that would enable users to easily switch between their regular computer operation and LAN party operation seamlessly and easily. The interface would completely separate the two 'modes' so neither one could affect each other. The program would also offer the same expandability and customisation of the regular operating system.
Original sketch of the basic interface.
Example of the possible interface showing the procedure to use LANT's main feature in the context of Windows XP.
Reasoning
I think the "LANner's Toolkit" would be a successful and popular application in the ever-growing LAN 'community'. As a 'LANner' myself, and having asked my 'LANning friends' it seems there is a demand for an application like this to be made.
Because LAN parties are so different to regular computer operation, a 'LANner' often has to change settings for their display, network, etc. and it would make life easier if these settings were available at 'less clicks away' than usual. The LANner's Toolkit would also make available 'handy' programs that LANners commonly use, but usually have to search or look for, such as pinging or ip configuration programs.
I believe that Regular and LAN mode should be as separate as possible because of how many changes a computer often has to go through at a LAN. Changes made at a LAN often create a huge difference between LAN and regular operation, and it can sometimes be quite 'lengthy' to put those settings into play at the beginning of a LAN and reset them after the LAN has ended.
Although there are many programs similar to this (VirtuaWin, YODm3D), none of them successfully separate the desktops enough, or, of course, provide relevant 'tools' for LAN parties.
Target Audience and Implementation
This program would be primarily aimed at 'hardcore' LANners or just regular people attending LAN parties, even for the first time. However, it could also possibly be used by network administrators of large networks. These audiences suggest that LANT's users would only have be computer literate enough to install LANT, and that the options provided by default would be available to them easily, but aren't actually a part of LANT, and are certainly not required, instead, as already hinted at, they are recommended.
LANT would be made for the modern Windows PC (XP and above). It would feature the programs and options which are relevant to LANs and which are already included in Windows. LANT would be Windows only, as computer games all primarily run on Windows, and so people attending a LAN are likely to be running it. Other operating systems such as Linux or OSX aren't at all popular for gaming or LAN parties, and so are not worth implementing on or designing for.
Technical Details
LANT would be an 'extended' version of virtual desktop software. It would save settings of regular operation to its own files when LAN mode is enabled, so that when LAN mode is disabled, regular operation can continue immediately exactly as it was before, and visa-versa.
The software would give the option to be able to run on startup, and would include an icon in the system tray of Windows.
LANT would also display technical details on an overlay (configurable) on the desktop. These details could include system uptime, memory/network and CPU usage, computer's workgroup/name/IP address etc.
LANT could also include configurable hotkey shortcuts and combinations to perform actions or launch programs.
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