Two computers on one monitor, mouse, and keyboard?

[unknown9]

I've got a server computer and a main computer sitting right next to me. I see it a waste of space, and it would be much easier if I could use one monitor, mouse, and keyboard for each computer.

I know how to get 1 monitor on 2 computers with a switchbox. What I don't know how to do, is get a keyboard and mouse on a switchboard. Anybody have any idea's for me as how to do this? I hate having 2 keyboards and 2 mice becuase I have a pullout keyboard holder, and they look junk everywhere else.


Thanks again guys at TechIMO,
Matt

[Cyclone2]

What you need is a KVM switch [Keyboard Video Mouse] rather than just a monitor switch -many stores or ebay etc should fix ya up

[unknown9]

Thanks man, thought they might make those....I'll look around.

[StealthyV]

at NewEgg, these are the two items I got:

item #: Description:
17-107-501 SWITCH BOX|KVM 2 PORT KS302 PS2+VGA (newegg doesn't carry this model anymore)
12-107-101 CABLE KVM GWC|86000 M2M RET (x2)

total cost was under $40. the KVM switch is powered by the Keyboard ps/2 port, so no external power source is needed. very convenient.

the cables are SHIELDED which is very important. do NOT get cables longer than 6' (six feet) as you will have problems with line noise/signal quality.

Cables...HIGH QUALITY ps/2

KVM SWITCHES HERE

avoid getting the switch that is built-into the cables...if you have a bad cable, you have to return the whole unit, which isn't cost-effective. also, don't forget that you need male-male cables...don't make the same mistake I did and order the wrong cables...I had to RMA them and it was an extra hassle.

I have two computers I use the KVM switch with, and have had no problems. it's much easier to hit a button to switch between computers than scoot my chair over and keep switching keyboards. you may want to invest in a second set of speakers though.

hope this helped!

~Branson

[unknown9]

Thank you guys a ton! Despite built-in cables, how's this one look?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...107-250&depa=0


It says "Hotkeys" as how to switch, as in keyboard hotkey's?

[StealthyV]

on my kvm, the hotkey is the "scroll lock" button...if I hit it twice really fast (like a double-click of the mouse) then the kvm beeps,and it's supposed to switch, but it doesnt.

that feature is designed for those people who don't want clutter on their desks, and prefer to have a keyboard shortcut to switch desktops.

glad to have helped!

newegg is a great company, and I keep going back!

~Branson

[Beemer]

scroll lock + scroll lock then a number 1 through 4 on mine.

Cheers!

[MegalosSkylaki]

Some KVM's work with speakers too --but cost more.

Also some have USB2, to share USB peripherals (like printer?). More co$t.

Also chech to Monitor resolution that the KVM supports: some won't keep up with your monitor.

The full-featured ones cost 2 to 3 times as much.

DOOOG

P.S. unkown3 , I seem to recognize you from an old TV show,,,,,

[lynch]

I use this one:NewEgg Linksys 2-port

[sweeper2]

I heard that there is a program you can download, can't think of it off the top of my head, but i was going to do the same, use my main rig and this optiplex gx1 as a second pc. Thought you would just need a cat5/6 cable and if both pc's have Lan accessabilities, you could run this program on both pc's ?



found it, was told this in by another person..but i will put it in here... (not my quote)

#1 a KVM switch About 30.00 You use 1 keybord mouse monitor for both PC's
#2 install tight VNC on both PC's
VNC open a screen of your 2nd servers desktop and you see it from the 1st clients monitor
#3 Or use the XP programs for remote destop