Tester123

Is there any type of switch out there that will make this work easily? Or do I have to replug EVERYTHING when I want to swtich pcs?

rubicon

I'm using an IOGear KVMP switch. It supports a USB keyboard and mouse, VGA up to 1600x1200, and USB 1.1 devices. I can switch key/mouse/video independently of USB devices. Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Switching is done via buttons or a keyboard command. On-screen menus are supported. I paid about $100 a couple of years ago. Well worth the purchase and they even provided the cables. Newer units may support USB 2.0.

IOGear also sells a smaller two-port device and PS/2 keyboard/mouse support. Belkin and a host of other companies sell KVMP switches. I've used various brands I found the IOGear to be very solid.

One thing that's very important: the USB keyboard and mouse ports on my KVMP only support regular keyboard and mice. Meaing, a fancy keyboard with multimedia controls or a mouse with more functions than a wheel mouse (with 5 buttons) won't use those added functions or might not work. They work fine if you put them into the USB sharing port, but not the dedicated keyboard/mouse.

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mikec

2 ways....

KVM switch. They're relatively inexpensive.

Remote Desktop! I have 3 machines at home that have nothing but power and network plugged into them. I use either windows' built in remote desktop, or vnc to connect to them. Remote Desktop is faster, but VNC will let you connect with true admin rights for when you need them.

edit: sound does come through when you use remote desktop in XP. one of my machines doesn't even have a sound card installed, but it plays sound through remote desktop!

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powerclown

As was said, KVM switches w/audio support, these are from Belkin

tropple

I'm using the IOGear two port with Audio.

It couldn't be simpler.

This is the one I use:

<a href="http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&product_id=549&sec=Description">MiniView Micro Audio KVM Switch - GCS612A</a>

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cowudders14

Second vote for rewmote desktop: Assuming they are all running windows, check out WinVNC: http://www.realvnc.com/

If they are running Linux, there are various VNC programs around, but I can't think of any right now and the wife has just shouted that food is ready. I'm off!

HTH

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bob32

Saw a couple of articles about KVM switches on TomsHardware's frontpage

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040423/index.html - 2 port switches
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040406/index.html - 4 port switches

sailor

Go buy a KVM switch. I got a decent 2 port one from NewEgg for about $25 that has served me quite well.

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