drivehard454

Is it possible without too much invested to run two computers and only one monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

I have limited space and an extra computer. I want to have one set up for my son to use and have mine on the same set-up. How would a person go about it and is it actually possible?

And if so, would I have to shut one down while the other is running, or can I have it set up to switch between the two?

My boy is only 7 and likes to wander off track. I've let him on my computer and have caught him a few times lost in the system, clicking away trying to get back.

Just a thought I had, and trying to avoid getting another whole set-up. running.

Thanks.

Lelisevis

Nothings impossible on DH

What you need is a simple switch box something similar to this:
http://www.belkin.com/uk/switch2/

Grace

Yes, that's actually quite easy to do. You need a KVM switch, like the one Lelisevis posted above. That one is of the most sophisticated (and expensive) you could get. There are many similar products from tens of companies, most of which are rather affordable.


You do not need to turn off a computer to switch to the other, and it is usually done via hotkeys from the keyboard.

drivehard454

Thanks guys, I am looking on new egg right now.

Looking at this one right now. May have to get another keyboard though. Mouse is USB and key board is 6/pin. I dont see any that have both:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817403047

>GSXR<mrbusa

There is another way besides a KVM switch that I found I like better. My son is younger than yours so I had to worry about sticky fingers and beating the keyboard and mouse, lol. Doing it this way saved my G15 and G5 from an as kicking. I picked up a keyboard and optical mouse for two dollars at a garage sale for my sons PC. My keyboard and mouse are on the desktop and his are on the keyboard tray.
Some monitors that have DVI and a RGB input let you switch between the interfaces with the push of a button. There are also monitors that have dual RGB inputs, most are going to be used and large, 21/22in. Most of the dual RGB monitors are the top of the line crt screens that graphics designers used. You can find them really cheap on CL.

Tipstaff

If you get a KVM, be aware of a couple things:

1) If you buy an autoswtich KVM, be sure that it support manual switching. Not all auto KVMs work as they should, so it's a good idea to have a manual way to switch them.

2) Buy a powered KVM. A lot of the non-powered KVMs can create ghosting issues when you hook them up to DVI monitors. Especially ones that are VGA only, and are hooked up via VGA to DVI adapters.

3) Do your homework. Be sure to read as much as you can on the KVM you are looking to buy. If you need to, call the company that makes them, and ask them what they recommend given the setup you have. Also, if you can, find out what the return policy is of the company you are going to buy from. You don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't work.

On the same note find out what the maximum supported resolution is for that KVM. I've seen a lot of DVI KVMs that say they support a resolution of 1900x1440, but that is only when running in analog mode, while in digital it is more like 1600x1200. Again, do your homework on them.

4) There are cheap DVI KVMs. Don't buy them. A good DVI KVM costs money.

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drivehard454

My 17" monitor doesn't have any other hook-ups. I dont really have a fancy keyboard, I do like my mouse though. I think I will stick with trying to only have the one extra coputer and not have two keyboards and mouses.

I just remembered too that I have an adaptor to go from USB to round 6/pin.

Thanks for the other option though.

Too bad they don't make a switch that includes a router, so I wouldn't have to get that too for internet on both units. That is the other thing, he likes to go on disney.com, download games and stuff. I would like to keep all that off my unit too.

drivehard454

Thanks for the advice tipstaff. I was actually looking for a cheap unit. I guess it wouldn't hurt to spend a few extra bucks to get a better unit. I have studied up on everything you mentioned and feel pretty confident on picking one out now. I appreciate everyones help!

H3X4D3C1M4L

One thing about the two computers: Why not stick a 2nd network card in one and then use ICS so that they both have internet?

drivehard454

Okay, I do have a network card in the second computer. LAN right? I thought that I needed a router to run them both off the same connection, or am I missing something?

Could I get little more information on set-up?

Thanks

Tipstaff

If you want to try setting up ICS, then I'd suggest going through THIS step-by-step off of Microsofts website.

One thing not mentioned, for reliability, the ethernet cable between each computer should be what's called a "Crossover" cable where one end of the cable has some wires in reverse. This allows for one computer to send data, and the other to receive it, and vice versa.

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