2 computer on 1 monitor,keyboard, ect...

[Davno]

Hi. I have anough good parts to build a second computer for mainly goofing around with different Linux version and free BSD, My main computer dual boots with MDK9.2 and WinXP, and i dont want to mess it up. I am using a router Linksys 4 port on a 3 comp network ( 5 people in the place ). My question: Is it possible to have that 2nd computer just beside my main workstation using the same monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer (may be) with some kind of switch (If such a switch exist). Not anough room or money for another monitor.

[SuperNu]

What you are looking for is called a KVM. It has ports for your keyboard, mouse and monitor and will let you switch between them.

--SN

[jme]

You need to get hold of a set of KVM cables. I personally use the Belkin ones here:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=69510

Hope this helps,
Jme

[Davno]

I just found this, but there seem to be a lot of possibility, http://www.usbshop.com/belf12porome.html US$ 63.00 You were talkin about KVM cables, would that be cheaper and would it do the job?

[Gertrude]

If you get a KVM search around first, and see if there are people that have problems with the model/brand when using it with Linux. I have seen a few cases where people get the cheap ones, and they have problems switching back and fourth where the mouse or keyboard will quit working, or the monitor won't display.

[jme]

The Belkin one that I mentioned earlier has had not problems under any of the Linux versions that I have used:

>Mandrake 9.0, .1, .2
>SuSE 8.1 Personal
>Debian 3.0r1, r2
>Slackware 9.0, .1,

It also seemed to work okay under SuSE 9.0 Live Evaluation.

The only problem that I had was using IPCop for the router - I could switch between the computer and the router (during the install of IPCop) but if I moved away from the installation of IPCop during the installtaion it wouldn't recognise the keyboard. I cannot see this being much of a problem thourgh as the majority of the time you use the webbased configuration. The only time that I have ever attached a monitor and keyboard was during the install.

Jme

[jme]

One other thing that maybe worth thinking about:

I have only seen ones that accept PS2 connections from the keyboard and mouse - so if you're using USB devices you will need to invest in a USB-PS2 adaptor.

Just a thought.
Jme