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Thread ID: 123728 2012-03-13 07:14:00 Two computers one monitor. Cicero (40) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1264702 2012-03-13 07:14:00 Does that work.?

Was thinking when I get a new box,
it would be nice for the mem sahib to have her own as she is not a big user, but likes her Garden Diary and have lost a couple of time, due to not thinking of it when doing a reformat.
Cicero (40)
1264703 2012-03-13 07:28:00 Yeah you can get switches that can let you switch keyboard, speakers, screen, mouse etc across multiple computers.

e.g. www.trademe.co.nz
icow (15313)
1264704 2012-03-13 07:29:00 Yes - a KVM would do the trick. somebody (208)
1264705 2012-03-13 09:23:00 That particular TM item doesn't seem to include cables, it's the right device but you'll need a couple of KVM cables. That's probably male to male keyboard and mouse leads and VGA extension for each PC. But check the device or preferably buy device with cables. I use a 4way KVM with 3 PCs and use the 4th connection when I'm doing a repair job. coldot (6847)
1264706 2012-03-13 20:43:00 I used to have a Acer screen that had input 1 & 2 buttons on the front and by selecting which one brought up that pc. My Asus i am using at the moment can switch between HDMI VGA or DVI, do you really need a pain in the butt KVM?? Gobe1 (6290)
1264707 2012-03-13 21:13:00 That's a good point, most screens should be able to select an input. icow (15313)
1264708 2012-03-13 23:15:00 Both good points.

A KVM with the right cables (and they can vary from one KVM to another) would do the job. Both computers could be left going, both operated from a single seat (ie no need for another chair, keyboard and mouse).

If you have a monitor with dual inputs (eg DVI and VGA) the monitor will respond to whichever one has power.
In this case you may not be able to leave both machines running at once, and you'll need two chairs, two keyboards, two mice (ie twice the space).

I used to make very heavy use of a KVM. Still do at times when working on other systems while still having my own up and running.
Paul.Cov (425)
1264709 2012-03-14 00:22:00 pbtech.co.nz

Something like that may be a bit easier.
wratterus (105)
1264710 2012-03-14 00:56:00 Monitor has two VGA inputs, so should be right.

Thanks lads for info, will now look into getting on with it.
Cicero (40)
1264711 2012-03-14 02:42:00 Do you both use the PC together, or do you just forget on occassions about her garden diary?

If you don't both work at the same time, why not get a cheap extra IDE HDD and put her files on it? 40g on TM for about $30 -$40. You'll just have to let her have some free time on the PC!

That way you wont interfere with her files when mucking about and they will be safe from you.
Bryan (147)
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