2 computers 1 screen

Paula77

I have 2 computers that are going to be sitting side by side soon, but how do I go about making them work off the same screen.

1 comp has XP, one has vista]]

albertross_2

a kvm switch

http://www.ebuyer.com/store/8/cat/KVM-Switches

etc

make sure you get the correct type, for either usb or ps2 (round socket) keyboard and mouse

bookduck

VNC - free, but as recommended above kvm is better. A good kvm is better still

markchadwick

Another option that is similar to VNC is to enable Remote Desktop on the "headless" machine. Just right-mouse MyComputer and select properties. In the Remote tab you should be able to enable the Remote Desktop (not to be confused with remote assistance). You may also need to check that this application is open in your firewall. If you go to Windows Security Centre you should find details there. You can then have a quick shortcut on your normal PC and choose the PC of interest and login with full control.

This is a little more secure than VNC as you need to login with both Username/Password. Since you're running this on a local network, security shouldn't be a problem assuming you're firewall is secure.

I've had VNC installed on my parents PC with a port open on their router so I could help them when needed. The PC was hacked into even with a strong password so having both a username and password may add an extra layer of security. Also, you won't need to install any third-party software on your machine as you'd need the VNC server on the headless machine and the client on the normal PC.

Stompa

Does your monitor have more than one input? (e.g. 1 digital, 1 analog). If so, then plug them both in at the same time and switch between them using the controls on your monitor.

Paula77

Do both comps need to be on at the same time though?

Stompa

Paula77 wrote: »

Do both comps need to be on at the same time though?

No, not if you plug them both into the same monitor. I've been doing it that way for years - dead simple.

msaquib

markchadwick wrote: »

Another option that is similar to VNC is to enable Remote Desktop on the "headless" machine. Just right-mouse MyComputer and select properties. In the Remote tab you should be able to enable the Remote Desktop (not to be confused with remote assistance). You may also need to check that this application is open in your firewall. If you go to Windows Security Centre you should find details there. You can then have a quick shortcut on your normal PC and choose the PC of interest and login with full control.

This is a little more secure than VNC as you need to login with both Username/Password. Since you're running this on a local network, security shouldn't be a problem assuming you're firewall is secure.

I've had VNC installed on my parents PC with a port open on their router so I could help them when needed. The PC was hacked into even with a strong password so having both a username and password may add an extra layer of security. Also, you won't need to install any third-party software on your machine as you'd need the VNC server on the headless machine and the client on the normal PC.

That's interesting. Never tried remote access to other computer.

I have Laptop with XP and desktop with Vista Basic. I use zone alarm for my firewall for my both computer. How can I open this application in my firewall?

Also once I have opened it, how can I access my laptop for e.g. from my desktop?

Thanks
M