Can I share a keyboard and mouse with 2 computers?

joemardo1

Hi there,

I Know there are software solutions for this but I think it requires both computers each with its only display to be switched on, but is it possible to get a hardware adapter so that a single keyboard and mouse can be hooked up to 2 computers (both computers not to be switched on at same time)

many thanks
Joe

gjchester

joemardo1 wrote: »

Hi there,

I Know there are software solutions for this but I think it requires both computers each with its only display to be switched on, but is it possible to get a hardware adapter so that a single keyboard and mouse can be hooked up to 2 computers (both computers not to be switched on at same time)

many thanks
Joe

You need a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switcher Something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Omniview-2-Port-Switch-Cabling/dp/B0000ATDHT

if you have round PS2 sockets or if you have USB keyboard and mouse

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Omniview-2-Port-Switch-Cabling/dp/B0002B3E5U

Both PC's can be on at the same time and you can switch between them as you want.

The belkins are OK, Linksys used to do a simialar thing. You can get bigger 4/8./16 etc ones if 2 is not enough but the prioces go up as they are more a business than home item.

GeoffX

If you would like a software solution you could try:
http://code.google.com/p/synergy-plus/
or
http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

They are both Open Source and free. There are articles about them at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy%2B
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy_(software)

Landprofits

gjchester wrote: »

You need a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switcher Something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Omniview-2-Port-Switch-Cabling/dp/B0000ATDHT

if you have round PS2 sockets or if you have USB keyboard and mouse

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Omniview-2-Port-Switch-Cabling/dp/B0002B3E5U

Both PC's can be on at the same time and you can switch between them as you want.

The belkins are OK, Linksys used to do a simialar thing. You can get bigger 4/8./16 etc ones if 2 is not enough but the prioces go up as they are more a business than home item.

I just bought a Belkin KVM switch, the stumbling block for me when I was setting it up was the fact that the leads supplied in the KVM kit were VGA to VGA, and when I looked on the back of my (new) PC, lo and behold I find DVI ports!

All the plugs are on one lead, the PC is connected via USB or PS2, and it is the monitor that is connected with the VGA.

I have just sent off for a VGA to DVI adaptor so will report back if a success;)

John_Gray

Over the years KVM switches have had mixed results, and a good one is going to cost £lots. If you find a DVI one which works successfully, I'd be interested...!

Psychofly

If you use your PC for gaming you might get some issue with mouse lag through a KVM. Not guaranteed but just be aware it's a possibility depending on how good the KVM is. This is far more likely to be an issue with PS/2 rather than USB.

timbim_2

I got one of these a while ago, I use it for keyboard and mouse only, and I can't fault it. The switch is instant, even if if takes the computer switched away from a while to realise and beep sometimes.

elvch01

I have a Rextron Novaview 8-port KVM switch, but I know they do 2 & 4 port versions. I am completely happy with it

Landprofits

OK this; http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=500096

is something like what I have. Without checking I can't remember if that's the specific model that I have.

Anyway - the DVI to VGA adaptor arrived, and so far works perfectly.