Two PCs, one monitor

Name of the device needed!

[TheDoctor]

I've come across references a couple of times to swoitches that enable you to run two machinbes from one monitor/keyboard/mouse setup on your desk, but I can't find what it's called.

Anyone care to enlighten me? :)

Also: any advice I should be aware of, or is any old switch of this type okay?

[caine]

KVM - get something reasonable though - Belkin with Belkin cables - simpler stuff is 2way, 4way, 8 way then your moving up to big time KVM capabilites.

[Warren]

Personally I prefer to run one of these machines totally without monitor, keyboard or mouse.

I use Terminal Services to manage that computer if it has Windows Server on it, or Remote Desktop Connection if it is a Windows XP machine.

You just need to make sure the BIOS by passes the "Error on Keyboard" at boot up.

[Robino]

Belkin Omnicube.

[TheDoctor]

Thanks for the info, folks!

[Lord Majestic]

Unless you will run games or something like that which requires fast screen refreshes, I'd go for cheap software solution like RAdmin, perhaps even built-into Windows XP (Pro?) remote admin capabilities would be sufficient, but I doubt that.

[SEOMike]

I'd go for cheap software solution like RAdmin

In my experience, if the computer is co-located, it's best to go with KVM. There are security issues with Radmin (even though I do use it to REMOTELY admin our computers) and if it's right there, you can get a good cheap KVM switch for around what you'd spend on Radmin.

Radmin has good uses, but can still be really slow even if co-located when doing any graphic design... and forget about any kind of video streaming with Radmin.

Plus, some computers (if the BIOS is not set right) will not boot the computer if there is no keyboard attached. If the power goes down, or you do a Radmin restart, the computer won't come up again... then you've got to switch all the cables around again.

If you go with Radmin, make sure to adjust the BIOS to not halt the boot if the keyboard fails, and be sure to lock the computer down hard with a firewall.

Good luck!

[TheDoctor]

Thanks to all those who gave me advice (included those who sent sticky mails). I've now - after delays outside my control - finally got a KVM switch up and running. FYI, in the end I went the Belkin option.

Once again, thanks guys :)