2 Computers-1 Keyboard?

I know this question may sound alittle odd, but I do have a reason, which I'll explain. Is it possible to use one keyboard on 2 totally separate machines? Via a splitter cable, if that even exsists? Here's what I'm attempting..my monitor can support 2 computers (via 'A' - 'B' switch) one of the machines will be running Win2000 Pro and the other Win98SE, the latter will be strictly for games..no internet connection, no Office 2000, no fire wall or virus protection. In plain words nothing to slow the machine down!! I do have 2 keyboards, but in order to save alittle space, I was wondering if what I purpose is even possible? If not, then I'll just have to make room for the other keyboard! I know, I know, I could use a 'dual-boot' type of set-up, and that would probably be easier, but since I don't know how to set one up, I'll have to go this way. In case your interested, here are the specs on the 2 machines:

AMD 3200+ (400 FSB)
768 megs of PC-3200 DDR RAM
GA-7n400 Pro2 (Revision 2)
FX-5700 Ultra (128 Meg)
Audigy2 ZS Soundcard
80 gig Maxtor, 7200 RPM, 8meg, ATA-133
7 in 1 Floppy Drive
Lite-On 52x32x52 CD-RW
Memorex 52X CD-Rom
Internal Zip Drive

AMD2600+ (266 FSB)
GA-7VTXE (Revision 2)
512 Megs RAM
GeForce2 Ultra (64 megs)
SB-Live Sound Card
40 gig Maxtor, 7200 RPM, 8meg, ATA-100
32X CD-Rom
Floppy

So, what do ya think, is it possible to use one keyboard on both thses machines? Or would a 'dual-boot' configuration be more logical? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

2 machines one keyboard sounds kinky LOL! pretty sure there is nothing like that trust me get another keyboard a give up a little space. A wireless keyboard and mouse (one ach may be an option if space is that critical)or i have 3 machines all diff os w/wireless keyboards each a different collor and store them on a shelf above the pc (ahhhh plastic milk crates- a bachelors dream entertainment center)

anyofthishelp?

 

You need a KVM switch. We use them all the time, Classified and Unclassified PC sharing a common monitor/keyboard & mouse.

Many different types for under $40 bucks...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107251
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=302004&pfp=cat3

Shop around.

 

THANKS Jerkyking!! I just ordered that 'TrendNet' KVM from Newegg, thanks to your post. I checked out the other one also and read the reviews on both of them and it appears that the 'TrendNet' was the better of the two To be perfectly honest with you, I never even knew that a KVM exsisted , until now. But that's the solution I was hunting for. Again, thank-you for your replies and for pointing me in the right direction. It is VERY much appreciated!!!!!!!!

 

Cool, I just picked two a random.

Saving space and money in the Navy is important. Hope it works for you.

 

Good picking!!! Being an ex-Marine and you being in the Navy, if it doesn't work out....I'l just blame on the Navy, which Marines usually do anyhow LOL

 

I've been using the KVM switch you've ordered for a few months now. Sometimes the keyboard doesn't work on the Win98 computer, but it's intermittant and I don't usually use the Win98 computer. A nice reboot fixes that problem, though. And the box where all the cables come in/out of may need to be held in place, as it's light and slides around a bit.

Overall, it's been a great purchase for me. Enjoy!

 

Put 2 monitors on to one computer and then use remote desktop to control the second computer , I have this setup and works great. Not for gaming but you can have 2 cpu intensive programs running at same time and control both from 1 keyboard and mouse.there is also a program out there called multiplicity that lets you control 2 pcs from one keyboard.
http://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/

 

Multiplicity


link for multiplicity here at Major Geeks

 

Thanks for the info Noahawk! Since I'm going into this rather blind, I'm at least glad to know that I made the right decision on the KVM. I do have a question for you though, since you're using the same thing..is there a switch on it that permits switching from one machine to another, or do you have to specify a 'hotkey?' Or is the 'hotkey' already specified? See, I told you was going into this blind THANKS!!

As for that Multiplicity software, well I'm not too sure about that. It's bad enough that I'll probably screw up this KVM thing, let alone some software too LOL!!! Seriously, I went to that site you posted Martinck and if it works as good as they proclaim it does that may just be another option for me. However, that option may just have to wait for alittle while because I just hit my wife up for that new KVM, so I better wait until the smoke clears from that first!! Still, thanks alot for your time and info. It is very much appreicated!!!

 

There is a button on the switch itself that has 2 different colored LEDs - 1 for each computer and there is a Hot Key already assigned for each computer - Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + 1 (or 2) to go to a different computer.

It's really flexible, as you can choose to "Unbind" the audio/microphone from the keyboard, mouse, and monitor and listen to audio on one computer while working on the other.

And although the instructions say don't use the number pad on the right, I've found it works most of the time, too.

If you have more questions before it arrives, just ask

 

Hi again! Thanks for the additional info, Noahawk. And, trust me, I will undoubtly be 'picking your brain' somemore once this thing arrives. I'm sure it comes with pretty good printed instructions but, in my opinion, regardless of how good the instructions are...nothing beats experience!! I guess that's why I 'haunt' these forums so much. This place has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I haven't found anywhere else. So if I have a problem, I check out the appropiate forum to see if someone else has had that particular problem and if so it usually solves mine. If not, then I post my problem and before long it too is solved!! Again, thanks for the info and I have the feeling that you'll be hearing from me again

 

Oh, just one more thing..I noticed that you're from PA. I was born and raised in Lancaster, PA, but have lived down here for the last 20 some years!! Just thought I'd throw that in

 

Lancaster... always under construction, it seems. I'm about 2 hours north, between Bloomsburg and Berwick

Oh, and no problem - I've got email notification on, so I'll hear about another post within 24 hours of it.

 

Well Noahawk, I finally got it today!! And you were right, that KVM is really easy to connect and use. So far the video and the sound are both great and have had no problems yet. Then again, it's only been hooked up for about 2 hours!!! Thanks again for all your help and your link to that KVM. It was very much appreicated. Have A Great Day!!!!

 

Cool

 

Guess what, I GOOFED!!! Thank-you Jerkyking for the links to those KVM's and thank-you Noahawk for the tech advice. I was just so glad to finally get it that I really got messed up in thanking the wrong person for the wrong thing. You both were a GREAT help and I sincerly do appologize for my absentmindedness!! Man, I feel like a complete a_ _!!! Oh well, I just you both can accept my apology.

 

None needed. I just like to see feedback from anyone anytime the members of this Site help out.

 

See, what did I tell you in an eariler post....the Marines never give the Navy credit for anything!!!! LOL Seriously, I have received MORE help on this forum then I have on any other one I visited, and that explains why I don't go to the other ones anymore!! And that's why I fully intend to haunt the hallowed halls of MajorGeeks.Com for quite sometime!! (however, that still doesn't lessen the fact that I still feel like an a_ _!! But I'll get over it!!)

 

Good to hear that you got it. Enjoy! And feel free to impart what knowledge you've got here. It can only make the forums better.