one keyboard, one mouse, one monitor...many systems

[gildan2020]

hi,

i'm planning to buy a kvm switch...
my question comes in two-fold:

1. wat brand would u suggest?
2. i plan to have my two systems networked, so do I need another LAN connectivity or does the kvm switch suffice?

thx,
gildan2020

[Darth Sushi]

The KVM switch does not handle network connections. Basically, I bridged both of my PCs network connection by using a crossover cable since it's cheaper than a router/switch. One PC has 2 network cards so I enabled sharing on one card thus letting the second PC connect to the internet via crossover. BTW, I have a Linksys KVM.

As for KVMs, there are choices between USB or standard keyboard/mouse connections. I prefer the ones where switching between PCs only requires hitting a keyboard combo...I don't like the ones with a button on a box. The only other consideration is having audio connections included. Also, look carefully for some models don't come with all the necessary cables!

[Duffman]

I was gonna do that, but youd be amazed how easy it is to find a monitor in the garbage that works and keyboards and mice too.

[clocker]

I was gonna do that, but youd be amazed how easy it is to find a monitor in the garbage that works and keyboards and mice too.

I guess we shouldn't be amazed to find you in the garbage, huh?

Say...while you're in there rooting around, if you come across a 4000 San Diego please let me know.
I'd go as high as $20 for it.

[gildan2020]

I was gonna do that, but youd be amazed how easy it is to find a monitor in the garbage that works and keyboards and mice too.

I guess we shouldn't be amazed to find you in the garbage, huh?

Say...while you're in there rooting around, if you come across a 4000 San Diego please let me know.
I'd go as high as $20 for it.

[lynx]

You have to select the ebuyer UK site to use these links.

This is similar to the one I use, which is fine for 2 systems.
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=46611

If you want audio connections too you may prefer one of these, usb or ps2:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=75772
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=75166

If you want to control up to 4 systems, you'll need something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=48147

All the one's I've shown here include all the cables from the switch to the systems. Be careful, some do not include cables or not enough to control 4 systems. Adding cable sets can push the price up considerably.

[gildan2020]

hmm...the usb product does seem impressive with the audio and all
but my keyboard is still a good ol' ps2, is there any ps2/usb converter selling out there or something?


gildan2020

[lynx]

The second Belkin one was PS2.

Here it is direct from Belkin's site:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_ID=177448

If you want to work out your own configuration:
http://web.belkin.com/config/kvm3/kvmconfig.asp?catid=6

[gildan2020]

erm, u misunderstood
my mouse uses usb, my keyboard uses ps/2
how do i go from here?


gildan2020

[lynx]

I didn't misunderstand, you never mentioned the fact that your mouse was USB.

There are plenty of converters to plug a ps2 keyboard and a ps2 mouse into a single usb port (which is what the kvm switch has), but I haven't seen anything that will take one of each. I assume that all your systems have ps2 ports for both keyboard and mouse, so the obvious solution is to convert the mouse to ps2.

Get an adapter to convert it to ps2 (if you can find one), or buy a ps2 mouse. Or buy a usb keyboard/mouse combination.