Mouse/Keyboard/Monitor Switch

[lager_brains 0]

Hi Guys,

 

I have at the moment one computer (with 2 monitors).

 

I want to buy a second computer but I don't want to buy a second mouse or keyboard keyboard (or monitor).

 

I want give the new computer one of the 2 monitors and 'share' the keyboard and mouse (data connected via a lan which is already in place and working).

 

I believe there are switch boxes which allow you to switch from one computer to another whilst still using the same mouse and keyboard.

 

Does anyone have any experience of these switch boxes and could anyone recommend them (we're only talking 2 computers here) ??

 

Also, do they have any disadvantages ??

 

Does this setup work fine ??

 

Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[Bursar 0]

They work just fine. However, your best getting one of the electronic ones rather than a mechanical one.

 

I use the Belkin 4 port KVM switches at work which run for about £100 for the switch and £12 for a set of cables (which you'll need 2 of).

 

The electronic switches maintain a connection between the box and the machine whilst you are switched away from it. The mechanical ones don't which can cause Windows to think the keyboard and mouse have been disconnected. This can cause problems when you switch between machines as you'll probably that although the keyboard will respond again, the mouse probably won't without a reboot.

[INFERNO2000 0]

One problem with the KVM switches is the fact that it's just a PS2 mouse

 

IF you have a mouse that is USB and will only work in 2k with USB(The Razer Boomslang, for example), you can't use the KVM switch for mice

 

or...you can just have a seperate mouse for that computer, and simply not plug the PS2 part into the PC

 

 

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[lager_brains 0]

Thanks Guys,

 

I've taken a quick look at Belkin (and sent them an email of my requirements).

 

Can you guys help me get my head round this (my confusion lies around me having 2 21" monitors.

 

If I connect a monitor to each cpu, does that mean that I'd only need to connect the 'shared keyboard and mouse' to the switch box and then run a keyboard cable and a mouse cable from the switch box to each PC ??

 

In other words I don't need to connect anything to the switch box that relates to the monitors because they are directly connected to each PC.

 

Thanks,

 

Jez

[Bursar 0]

You are correct.

 

If you have a monitor on each machine, then you can just use the switch for the keyboard and mouse.

 

The Belkin cable packs are basically two long PS/2 extension leads and a monitor extension lead cable tied together.

 

If you are only going to be using the keyboard and mouse through the switch, then you could just get 4 PS/2 extension leads and save yourself a few bob.

[lager_brains 0]

Thanks Bursar.

 

Jez