Need the name of this PC component and possibly where I can attain one.
 

Ok so here's the deal: I have two computers (or I will once my new one arrives). One is going to be my dad's (this one I'm using now), and the new one will be mine. We only have space enough to use one monitor, and I was told about some sort of splitter/switch that allows you to connect one monitor to two computers. My friend said that all you have to do is flip the switch and it will display the other computer, and flip it back when you're done.

What is this component/device called? How much do these go for? Where can I get one (pleeeease say RadioShack since there's one down the street). Also, is there a better alternative that I haven't thought of? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

It's called a KVM switch (keyboard, video, mouse). They're available all over the place but vary depending on whether you're using PS2 or USB etc. Try a google search for "KVM Switch" - I bought mine in the UK but there are almost certainly many US-based places (or just a general tech. store)
They're becoming a lot more popular, I gather, with the advent of the Mac Mini - as so many people now have 2 computers.

Any computer specialty store should carry them. I picked one up at my local one for about 20 bucks on the clearance table.

I got an Airlink one for $20 that I haven't had any trouble with.

One handy feature it has is a "hotkey" that allows you to switch back and forth without reaching for the physical switch.

KVM switches are awesome.

They are typically categorized as accepting usb or serial connections (one or the other). If you need to share audio, microphone etc.. take that into consideration when choosing a switch because only a few of them support 'multimedia' sharing. While most switches come with all the necessary cables, not all do, so map out exactly which cables you need (I needed an additional printer cable). IOGear and Belkin are some reputable brands...I got mine at newegg.

a word of caution - my first kvm switch did not include any of the cables required to connect it to anything - so I had a second trip to the shop to get the bits I need.

Good advice. Some KVM switches don't come with cables, while others do. Depends on their aim. The high end switches are meant for corporate clients, who may need special cables, or have them already. The "low end" switches, for the common user, usually have cables pre-attached. (Note: low end does not imply poor quality!)

But do check before bying.

Thank you all very much for your help! Now to find a place by me that has one. The nearest Radioshack doesn't, but their website has one for $49.99, which hooks up the keyboard, monitor, mouse, and speakers. Given that Marvelous Marv got an Airlink for $20, I'd say Radioshack is trying to rip people off with that deal.

I just bought a good one made by Belkin. The switching happens in software--you type "scroll lock, scroll lock, up arrow" to trigger it to change to the "next" computer. Sorta neat!

Technically that's really the hardware still doing it rat.
At least for the good old non-usb switches, the signal is caught by the switch and does it's thing. The commands are still passed to the computer (except maybe the last one, that depends on the specific switch), just the switch is checking the keys pressed for the specific "code".
Most likely the same or similar for usb ones, but I'm not positive.

...actually happens in the firmware software of the hardware.. if that makes any sense :)

Like the commands performed by your BIOS, the firmware in the KVM is looking for the difference in the keyboard signal.. the originating computer isn't doing it, its the software (firmware) in the KVM..

So you're all right! :)

Just a thought but can't you just share the computer. I can't imagine needing two separate computers in one location. Maybe if one or both we're doing dedicated task like a server or something. I dunno, to each his own.

Same reason why I have 3 computer right here. One is for everybody else, one is my laptop for school and the third one...well, what the hell am I gonna do with a Pentium II computer?

Load Linux.
Add some large disk drives.
Stream/Store Audio.

Umm - well my second one has two functions - act as my music machine, and run my database - both functions I would rather not having running on my main work computer.

I had a third one which I was using as a test rig for Oracle Portal server, but I offloaded that job onto a colleague, so he took the machine.

When friends bring their machines to my house (for diagnostics etc.) I can just say bring the box, and leave the other crap at home, and I just plug it all in to the KVM thingy.

This is the one I use and the place that I bought it from. It ain't pretty and it aint fancy, but it's solid and has been doing the job for several years now for under $20.

LINKY

(edit: Here it is for a couple of bucks cheaper, but I've never bought from that particular retailer
LINKY )

ive been keeping an eye out for one...
i need a usb one... but i havnt been able to find one that looked pretty good with a reasonable pricetag... anybody got any recomendations?

Fuck Radioshack. Everything they have there is grossly overpriced. And they wonder why they are losing so much business.

If you only use yours to host music and a database, have you considered using Remote Desktop on from dad's machine when you need to use yours?

Just select the 'Stop on all errors except keyboard' option in BIOS and your machine will boot without anything plugged in.