The Case Of The Spare Computer

**Cade Foster** · August 31st, 2007, 05:50 PM

I think this belongs in here, apologies if it doesn't.

Like most of you I imagine I have spare parts that I'd like to put to use. Well lately I got inundated with spare parts, along with an old Dual Pentium 2 server board. So After scavenging the good bits for my current system I figured it would be nice to have this old horse carry some of the load. Problem is I only have 1 monitor so my question is, is there any way to setup this "spare" to act as some kind of slave device to plug in drives and bear some of the load, or have I just been watching star trek too long?

P.S don't mind delving into Linux once again, if i think it could bear some fruit

Thnx for any suggestions.

**carl33p** · August 31st, 2007, 06:10 PM

Dont really understand, but let me take a stab.

You have multiple towers(current desktop and a server), yet only 1 moniter. You want to run more than one computer with one moniter.
Solution:

A KVM switch (with KVM being an abbreviation for Keyboard, Video, Mouse) is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse.

Cheap KVM Switch for 2 computers.

They make KVM Switches that support up to 16 PCs!

**Cade Foster** · August 31st, 2007, 06:28 PM

Thankyou, hadn't heard of that, just the kind of info I was looking for Thanks Carl - Right on the money

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · August 31st, 2007, 06:43 PM

That quote looks very familiar...... Hmmm... Haha... Have fun...

**KarmaKiller** · August 31st, 2007, 07:46 PM

KVM is one way..

Another way is to use something like VNC. You can have your tower desktop open in a window on your monitor, minimize it, whatever you want. It uses your LAN connection.

It's easy to setup, free software. Works really well...
That's what I use on 3, sometimes 4 computers..

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · August 31st, 2007, 07:54 PM

I use VNC at work, but I find it INCREDIBLY slow... Another way, which I personally prefer if not laying any money out is to use RDP (Remote Desktop) to connect to the other PC - esp as it is about 3 times the speed...!! Having said that it would need to be running a Pro version of a Win OS....

**KarmaKiller** · August 31st, 2007, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Nude_Lewd_Man

I use VNC at work, but I find it INCREDIBLY slow... Another way, which I personally prefer if not laying any money out is to use RDP (Remote Desktop) to connect to the other PC - esp as it is about 3 times the speed...!! Having said that it would need to be running a Pro version of a Win OS....

In my experience, VNC is waaaay faster. RDP is slower on any of my machines.
But really I prefer VNC cuz I can remote into my linux boxes from windows, or vice versa.
Works well for me.

**BattleToad** · September 1st, 2007, 12:01 AM

just my $0.02. If either machine is gonna run linux, and be run as some kind of server, you could always just ssh into the box from the other machine.

X can also be piped through ssh, although does require some configing. this is all ofcourse depending on him running a *nix.

**Cmptr-Gy-Dv** · September 1st, 2007, 10:37 AM

if your using one box just for server, backup and stuff, it don't need a monitor

loading home server on spare box would be a great way to go,

it really does some cool stuff, great for home use, on spare computer,

no keyboard, mouse, monitor needed,

**talion96** · September 13th, 2007, 01:02 AM

If they are both on the internet, use LogMeIn. I use it regularly, it is beyond simple to setup, and you can access the PC from about anywhere - you only have to have an internet connection. No file transfer available on the free version though.

www.logmein.com

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · September 13th, 2007, 02:43 AM

VNC is free, and about the same speed as LogMeIn, and I think you only get a free trial for one month.

You can use port forwarding on your router to use VNC from outside the LAN, matching the global availability of LogMeIn...