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| Thread ID: 58019 | 2005-05-19 02:22:00 | A Switch for using 2 computers with the same peripherals? | ssssss (2100) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 356541 | 2005-05-19 02:22:00 | Hi - I am thinking of getting a second computer and connecting them to the same monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers and printer; using the computers alternately. There is a switch which Warehouse Stationery sells, but it is only for the monitor, mouse and keyboard; not the printer and speakers. It costs $50 and is called a KVM switch, if I heard correctly. Does anyone know of any other switches which would do, and who is the retailer for them? Also are they idiot proof, in use? I wouldn't like to damage the computers by using the switch wrongly. :) |
ssssss (2100) | ||
| 356542 | 2005-05-19 02:36:00 | Hi SSSS I run an XP Pro machine and a 98SE machine alongside each other. I have a simple data switch at the front end which allows the use of a single keyboard and screen. The switch cost about $25 but does not cover the mouse. The data switch for board, screen and mouse was about $80 at the time and I didn't bother. I had spare mice, so two mice. I have an automatic dataswitch at the back end so that both machines address the same printer. This cost about $27. The front switch requires me to throw a switch to select, the back switch requires no intervention from me. Both a virtually foolproof and have been ignored since the day they were installed. Both switches provided by Affordable Computers in Mot. |
Scouse (83) | ||
| 356543 | 2005-05-19 02:41:00 | Yup, a KVM is what you need. You can get them from DSE or Harvey Norman as well. Some switches come as a box alone and require the purchase of extra cables - you might want to factor in the cost of these when calculating the total price and making comparisons. Some work with a pushbutton on the box while others work on a combination of keystrokes to switch from one machine to another. HTH | Tom McB (832) | ||
| 356544 | 2005-05-19 03:00:00 | Thanks Scouse and Tom McB, I presume it is OK to keep both computers running all the time, while using these switches? |
ssssss (2100) | ||
| 356545 | 2005-05-19 03:12:00 | I assume that it would be a case of using one or the other but I could be wrong | Overdrive_5000 (4950) | ||
| 356546 | 2005-05-19 03:19:00 | You can have both on at the same time, my switch uses keystrokes to change form computer to computer. [Ctrl] [Ctrl] [F2] switches from one to the other. My KVM uses one mouse/keyboard/monitor and has the wires to connect two computers. I have not seen one that will handle the printer as well, but have seen some that will do the speakers. You could network the two togeather to share the printer. |
Rob99 (151) | ||
| 356547 | 2005-05-19 03:21:00 | Yes. That is why I am worried about possibly damaging a computer. If one has two running accidently, when one shouldn't. | ssssss (2100) | ||
| 356548 | 2005-05-19 03:22:00 | Thanks Rob99 :) | ssssss (2100) | ||
| 356549 | 2005-05-19 03:58:00 | Hi SSSS. I run both machines side by side at the same time. Doesn't seem to bother them. | Scouse (83) | ||
| 356550 | 2005-05-19 08:09:00 | I have a KVM switch from DSE and use it all the time to hook up and work on other computers using my own keyboard, mouse and monitors . That is why I am worried about possibly damaging a computer . If one has two running accidently, when one shouldn't . I am not sure what you mean by that . You don't have to have both machines running at the same time but you can if you wish, and no damage is done to either just by using the KVM switch . It is no different to having two computers side by side running with their own keyboard, mouse and monitor - all the KVM switch does is allow you use just the one set instead of two . A tip: You may have to crank your mouse speed setting up to maximum otherwise the mouse may drag a bit when zooming around the screen . It does on mine, anyway . |
FoxyMX (5) | ||
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