A cluster computer system including multiple network accessible computers that
are each coupled to a network. The network accessible computers implement host
computer programs which permits the network accessible computers to operate as
host computers for client computers also connected to the network, such that input
devices of the client computers can be used to generate inputs to the host computers,
and such that image information generated by the host computers can be viewed by
the client computers. The system also includes a cluster administration computer
coupled to the multiple network accessible computers to monitor the operation of
the network accessible computers. A method for providing access to host computers
by client computers over a computer network includes receiving a request for a
host computer coupled to a computer network from a client computer coupled to the
computer network, wherein the relationship of the host computer to the client computer
is to be such that after the client computer becomes associated with a host computer,
an input device of the client computer can be used to generate inputs to the host
computer, and such that image information generated by the host computer can be
viewed by the client computer. Next, a suitable host computer for the client computer
is determined, and the client computer is informed of the network address of the
suitable host computer.