KVM Switch question

[CyberGhost]

If I get a 4 port KVM switch:

I want to control 2 pcs and 1 laptop, the 2 pcs share the same monitor but the laptop uses it's own! so obviously the VGA cable won't be connected to the laptop

so if I switch to laptop in KVM, will it still turn off the pc monitor?

or will the pc monitor stay on? and working with PC?

[M_Six]

If you connect the VGA cable to the laptop, you'll see the laptop screen. If you don't connect it, you'll get a blank monitor (or a "Signal Lost" message).


EDIT: I should say, you'll see the laptop screen if you export the VGA image (usually either a Function Key and CRT/LCD key or a Shift key and CRT/LCD key). Otherwise, you'll get a blank screen even if the cable is hooked up.

[John Prophet]

It'll cut off the current monitor no matter if there is another monitor hooked up or not..for instance if you have no computer hooked up at all it'll just go blank when you switch over.....and under certain circumstances you will be switched to a certain comp....then turn it off...when you come back and turn on your main comp you will have forgotten that it was switched to the other comp and it'll boot but with no picture...then you scratch your head for a few seconds till you remember the kvm....

JP

[CyberGhost]

hmm, so... there is no way! to watch 2 monitors(1 laptop the other connected to the pc) at the same time?

I mean to switch the keyboard and mouse to the laptop and leave the pc monitor with the pc

[M_Six]

Not without a second vid card in the PC. Or you could use a remote control app like Radmin or VNC.

[CyberGhost]

hmm... that's very bad!

Do the remote control apps work well?

I guess i'll have to buy 2 port kvm and control laptop with separate mouse and keyboard

[CyberGhost]

I just checkout the remote control app it is AWESOME! Thanks!

btw, are they secure from the outside world?

are Radmin and VNC the best remote control apps?

[M_Six]

Radmin is the best, but it's not free. It costs $35 for a license. That covers both machines, though. VNC is free, but it's not as secure and it's slower, although over a LAN you may not notice a difference.

Radmin is very secure, especially on a LAN. You should have a firewall between you and the outside world anyway. Make sure no ports are open from the outside. You can also change the default Radmin port. Anyone who scans a network and sees port 4899 open knows Radmin is being used. It's really easy to change the default port. Just make sure you pick a port that isn't already in use by some product and make sure you change it on both machines.

[CyberGhost]

That covers both machines? I want it to run 3 machines! I think there won't be any problems?

Thanks for the advices!!! I'll follow them!