Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 24290 2002-09-07 22:03:00 KVM Switches jaybee (1199) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
77434 2002-09-07 22:03:00 Hi, Can anyone advise what are the hazards/disadvantages of using a mechanical KVM switch as opposed to the electronic type? jaybee (1199)
77435 2002-09-07 22:36:00 The electronic ones simulate a keyboard and mouse to the "non-selected" computer at start-up. Without this a PC will think it does not have them connected and will not boot or not boot correctly. As far as I know the mechanical ones do not do this.

I use a 2 way electronic unit, works perfectly (but does not support wireless mice).
godfather (25)
77436 2002-09-07 22:53:00 Thanks Godfather - we meet again. Took heed of your advice last time. I gather, from what you say, that one would have to boot up one computer - switch via KVM to the other - then boot that second one up. After that it's OK to switch between the two at will? Cheers, Jim jaybee (1199)
77437 2002-09-07 22:58:00 Its fine to switch between, at least on my electronic one. And yes I would imagine you would need to boot in that sequence.

But I wonder what manual switches affect when switching mice in and out, will it cause "plug and play" to operate each time?

On mine pressing Ctrl twice in quick sucession switches between PCs
godfather (25)
77438 2002-09-08 01:48:00 I've used both, no problems with the "mechanical" version when switching between PCs. Never noticed a problem when booting either, although we're talking about servers that got booted only exceptionally occasionally (chances are, you're booting cos it's crashed when you've been working on it).

I had heard that the manual one will wear out faster due to the difference in the internals.
antmannz (28)
77439 2002-09-08 02:30:00 Thanks! Have only two computers so think I'll give the much cheaper mechanical one a try. jaybee (1199)
77440 2002-09-08 04:11:00 Check the BIOS setup on both computers: my (mostly old) computers have options to "Halt on Keyboard error" etc. Turn such options off if you have them and you can boot regardless of the switch position. I have some boxes which don't have keyboards or monitors. Graham L (2)
77441 2002-09-08 04:53:00 Thanks for help. Will have a look at BIOS's before I start. Jim jaybee (1199)
1