Controling 2 computers with 1 keyboard &

mouse? I have finished building a new computer with the help of persons here
on Major Geeks, now I am going to run two computers, both with XP Pro and linked by LAN, is there software that will let me swap back and forth between the two using a hotkey and using the same mouse and keyboard? I have tried a Belkin manual switch, which seems to hang up quite often. Never happy with what I have trying to improve my mind and system. Thanks for any Help offered.

Both systems XP Pro
(1) 1.6gh Intel P4
(1) 3.06 Intel P4

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-308&catalog=143&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

there's no software that will let do that that I am aware of.. BUT

with xp pro you can terminal into the machine using the Remote Desktop Client.

 

Thanks for reply....didn't know if there was software or not.

 

Cats,
If both machines work well independently and with their own kb, ms, and mon, and if a KVM switch (and the sware with it) doesn't work, there are two possibilities: the KVM switch or the accompanying software is bad; or
the KVM switch you need is a better grade of KVM switch.

I've seen both situations repeatedly in the workplace, when a KVM switch was "the answer" for an employee who needed to have two machines running different things from a single workstation seat --
the first switch they tried had a glitch; replacement worked, or
the first switch they tried was an inexpensive one; a better grade did the job perfectly.

Make very sure that all of the connectors are snug and tight before you launch more desperate action. A single wobbly connector in the multi-connector chain can foul the whole thing up.
And ... if your current switch will switch your KV&M control from machine B to machine A fine, but hangs with any attempt to go the other way, it's worth trying a re-install of the software on one machine, then trials, and if no joy, a reinstall on the other.

Just some Sunday morning thoughts of possible value.

EDT: Sorry, Mr. K. Didn't know you were in here.

 

don't be sorry man. Can't go wrong with having more info

 

I seem to remember seeing one of these at Best Buy right after Christmas in Bloomington, IL. It was on the shelf next to the computer headsets. You may wish to check that out or one of the links that you will be able to find by googling "dual pc switch". There are some KVM switches out there that appear to be able to do what you wish. Not sure how much you wish to spend on it but if you wish you may just wish to go to Radio Shack, pick up the components you need and build one yourself. Shouldn't take much to do a simple manual switch, a software one would be much more difficult.

Wraith

 

Just remember, there will be no hot swap support, or anything like that, so you will have to power down one machine to use the next (after powering it up).

 

I used to have a manual switch that allowed a hot swap, don't remember where I bought it at though. It was many years ago....

And Kodo, I have never had any luck setting up the remote desktop client. Could this be because I was trying to do so from a Win XP Pro machine to a Win 98 SE machine?

Wraith

 

A switch that supports hotswap is a KVM switch

PS/2 is not hot swappable. It requires a device that has programming to make it possible, not just a simple switch.


RE: Remote Desktop...


XP Pro can only be the host and 98se only the client in that scenario.

 

Yeah. That's why I addressed both the hardware and software issues in my first post above.

 

I know

I was just addressing the reply of a manual switch being hotswappable.

It aint

 

That's strange because I had the manual switch and had no problems with hot swapping. But that was back in the early 90's as well and things have changed a bit since then. Not arguing here, just informing of what I had at the time. I'm sure it's different now.

Wraith

 

give vnc a try
i run many machines remotely and it works great
you just punch in the ip (or in my case it is in there already and voila)
search google for vnc

 

Thanks to all for the input...I have a Belkin switch that I was using between a system running XP Pro and XP Home, but as I said sometimes it hung up so I was just trying to see if there was a better way. I was hot swapping between the two computers and just using one monitor, but I don't remember if I had to have a driver or any software to set it up. Getting to the point in life where I sometimes don't know if I'm going up or coming down the stairs!

 

I use Belkin KVM Switch it works flawlessly, and there is no software involved.
Note you never want to unplug mouse or key board plugs when either pc is on or that would cause problems, as they are sensitive

 

Thanks for input...I went ahead and reconnected the dual setup with the KVM switch and it's doing OK right now, maybe I just didn't have plugged up good this morning. Thanks again to everyone!

 

Hate to disagree with ASUS but I probably buy and install about 30 KVMs of varying sizes every year and without any doubt Belkin cause more trouble than they are worth, to the extent that I will not use them anymore and have actually ripped about 6 of them out. (I have to admit that these are not the manual type) If you only have 2 machines then "MyHopper" do a 2 port one which seems to be pretty reliable costs about £45.00 here in the UK.

 

You'd be amazed at how many problems turn out to be traceable to loose cable connections. Glad you get 'er.

 

It's OK to dissagree with me, I've only installed one, using it rite now.
It is a two port,came with cables attached, bought for $30.00 at local shop.
Not much to it, very simple piece of hardware,only requires good connection to pc's and monitor, and guess what: 5 year warrenty

 

Beklin... can anyone say "Rip off?" what they were trying to sell me for a simple monitor switch (not KVM) was about £120, not including cables!!!!! the cheek! I ended up having to nab an old one off someone, but it gives a really crummy picture (weird shadowing and crap).

I'll have to investigate this MyHopper thing

http://www.maplin.co.uk/?userid=SearchEngine&targetmodule=32958
haha....

 

Ok, seeing how we are bashing Belkin here, I have a Belkin KVM switch here, 4 port, that is dead as a doorknob.

It lasted about 4 months.

The switch, for whatever reason, cannot supply the bandwidth needed for the monitor.

During games, my monitor would shut off. It worked for a time, then died.

And as Goldfish said, what a RIPOFF it was

Used a TrendWARE 2 port switch that I bought used. It worked for one month before a ps/2 port died...

Currently using an IOgear 4 port.

Couldn't be happier, it works very well.

 

I/O gear.. hmm.. Gonna see if they have one that has USB switching too..


and they do
http://www.iogear.com/products/product.php?Item=GCS1714

and it will be mine, of course that depends on how much it is and when I get paid from this this last db job I did..

 

113.00 at newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-404&depa=1

However, for 149.00, you can get this one and it includes cables:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-416&depa=1

I haven't shopped around too much for cables, but IIRC, at CompUSA and Best Buy, they charge you an arm and a leg for them. Much as I like to, Im not always patient enough to shop online.

Of course, if you already have the cables it doesn't matter.

 

For anyone interested in the MyHopper KVM, url below

http://www.rextron.com/