2 pc's 1 monitor?

aliasojo

After a morning 'fixing' stuff that's happened after daughter and OH use the pc, I've had enough and I've now decided I want my own computer.

Is there any reason why I can't have 2 pc's both joined to the same monitor? Most monitors have duel inputs don't they....if not, is there some sort of adapter available? I don't have space for another screen.

The pc's wouldn't be getting used at the same time btw.

stef73

I have 2 pc to 1 moniter i use hdmi outputs from both pcs to my moniter and a hdmi splitter to switch between pcs . It just depends what inputs your moniter has and which outputs your pc has. My moniter has has 1 hdmi , 1 vga and 1 dvi

aliasojo

No hdmi unfortunately...just 1 vga & 1 dvi. Would like a monitor with hdmi though.


Edit, just thought of another problem, what would happen re: speakers? I couldn't have 1 set between 2 pc's but don't have room for more.

Owain_Moneysaver

Yes, there are KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switches available - Belkin are well-known though there are other (possibly better and probably cheaper) ones.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch

CHR15

Just plug one PC into the DVI and the other into VGA. There is normally a hardware switch on the monitor to switch between the two inputs (as opposed to going through menus).

I have a VGA cable hanging loose out of my monitor for when I go about fixing someone else's PC.

A KVM Switch would be ideal so you can use the same keyboard & mouse on the other PC too.

savemoney

You can if your monitor has two inputs like 2 dvi or more commons dvi and vga and then select input on monitor

Or use a KVM switch, some provide video, keyboard/mouse and also sound

aliasojo

savemoney wrote: »

Or use a KVM switch, some provide video, keyboard/mouse and also sound

That would fit the bill perfectly if it could deal with the sound issue too. Will need to start looking around. Thanks all. :beer:

Lil306

Or,

The free alternative (if the PC's are networked)

Is install some remote desktop software (I use teamviewer personally) something like Teamviewer or TightVNC. Then merely remote onto the PC as and when you want to use it, essentially a KVM without all the cables and clutter.

aliasojo

Ohhhh no, thanks for that suggestion Lil306 but I want no software link between 'my' pc and 'their' pc at all.

Lil306

aliasojo wrote: »

Ohhhh no, thanks for that suggestion Lil306 but I want no software link between 'my' pc and 'their' pc at all.

No worries, software like Teamviewer means you need a password before access is allowed. So if you / they are worried about privacy it's only possible to view the data when they allow it

EDIT - I just re-read this, and I'm guessing it's because you share the same desk and it's a case of you merely use the monitor and such when you want to use each PC. In that case KVM or monitor with dual inputs would be best.

Anyhow, you can join them. I myself have a monitor with two inputs (VGA/DVI) I have one of them hooked up to my PC one, and the other to my other PC. I switch controls when needed.

savemoney

I have used a kvm switch for years but decided to relegate the server to garage so use realvnc to use wireless n network

You can get a basic kvm for under £30 but ones with sound and dvi tend to be around £40+ for 2 pc's