KVM switch

[Ed Cryer]

I'm thinking of having two computer boxes side by side, one keyboard,
mouse & monitor linked with this KVM switch;
http://tinyurl.com/6gw248n
I'll use a simple 1/8" jack going from computer without speakers output
to other input.
Both running Win7 Home Premium.

Will that work?

Additionally I'd like to link the two by Ethernet cable, but the
router-modem is plugged into one of those, and the router itself has
only one Ethernet input socket. So I'll have to keep the wireless dongle
on the second box.

Ed

 

[Char Jackson]

I'm thinking of having two computer boxes side by side, one keyboard,
mouse & monitor linked with this KVM switch;
http://tinyurl.com/6gw248n
I'll use a simple 1/8" jack going from computer without speakers output
to other input.
Both running Win7 Home Premium.

Will that work?

The KVM will do its job because that's what they do. I haven't tried
linking the audio like you suggest, but it seems like it could work.

Additionally I'd like to link the two by Ethernet cable, but the
router-modem is plugged into one of those, and the router itself has
only one Ethernet input socket. So I'll have to keep the wireless dongle
on the second box.

An Ethernet switch would be your best bet. In this case, it's purpose
would be to take the single Ethernet port on the modem-router and
expand the number of ports to a more usable number.

 

[The Seabat]

As far as the ethernet goes, just buy yourself a cheap little switch
for $10-$20 dollars. That will expand the ports on your router.

 

[Ed Cryer]

The KVM will do its job because that's what they do. I haven't tried
linking the audio like you suggest, but it seems like it could work.


An Ethernet switch would be your best bet. In this case, it's purpose
would be to take the single Ethernet port on the modem-router and
expand the number of ports to a more usable number.

How about using different ports?
As well as Ethernet ones these Acer desktops have HDMI, eSata & S/PDIF.
Could I couple them through one of those?

Ed

 

[richard]

I'm thinking of having two computer boxes side by side, one keyboard,
mouse & monitor linked with this KVM switch;
http://tinyurl.com/6gw248n
I'll use a simple 1/8" jack going from computer without speakers output
to other input.
Both running Win7 Home Premium.

Will that work?

Additionally I'd like to link the two by Ethernet cable, but the
router-modem is plugged into one of those, and the router itself has
only one Ethernet input socket. So I'll have to keep the wireless dongle
on the second box.

Ed

Hell, I bought myself a USB networking device that works sweet and simple.
Just plug the thing in and it installs the software if needed.
Swap files between two machines with a click.

www.hawkingtech.com

 

[Char Jackson]

How about using different ports?
As well as Ethernet ones these Acer desktops have HDMI, eSata & S/PDIF.
Could I couple them through one of those?

Seriously? No.

 

[Andy Burns]

How about using different ports?
As well as Ethernet ones these Acer desktops have HDMI, eSata & S/PDIF.
Could I couple them through one of those?

Err, no.

If they both had firewire you could run TCP/IP over those.

 

[Andy Burns]

I bought myself a USB networking device that works sweet and simple.
Just plug the thing in and it installs the software if needed.
Swap files between two machines with a click.

www.hawkingtech.com

I presume you mean "HU2P4 Easy-Link File Sharing Hub"

Why would anyone would recommend something more expensive, slower than
an ethernet switch? Not to mention it'll be completely non-standard so
if/when it breaks virtually nobody else will be able to help with it ...

 

[Ed Cryer]

Seriously? No.

Well, kind of; or perhaps more "in desperate hope".

What worries me is clutter. I already have enough of the stuff at the
back of a single desktop. A KVM switch with leads, & extra audio jack
lead will add considerably. If I try balancing an Ethernet hub on top of
all that, well, it will become one unsightly mess.

Ed

 

[Ed Cryer]

Err, no.

If they both had firewire you could run TCP/IP over those.

Ah yes, I forgot that. They do have firewire.

Ed

 

[Andy Burns]

Ah yes, I forgot that. They do have firewire.

I did use it once (in the days before gigabit and it was much faster
than 100Mbit ethernet) unfortunately it seems XP was the last version of
windows to support IP-over-FIREWIRE, so you're probably out of luck with
Windows7, just buy a switch and sling it on the floor!

 

[Andy Burns]

it seems XP was the last version of
windows to support IP-over-FIREWIRE

Ooh, there's still a way ...

http://www.unibrain.com/products/driverapi/ubcore.htm

 

[Char Jackson]

I did use it once (in the days before gigabit and it was much faster
than 100Mbit ethernet) unfortunately it seems XP was the last version of
windows to support IP-over-FIREWIRE, so you're probably out of luck with
Windows7, just buy a switch and sling it on the floor!

I think every switch I've seen has mounting holes on its back, so if
desk space is limited a person could mount the switch to the wall or
to the underside of the desk, as two examples.

 

[SC Tom]

I'm thinking of having two computer boxes side by side, one keyboard, mouse & monitor linked with this KVM switch;
http://tinyurl.com/6gw248n
I'll use a simple 1/8" jack going from computer without speakers output to other input.
Both running Win7 Home Premium.

Will that work?

Additionally I'd like to link the two by Ethernet cable, but the router-modem is plugged into one of those, and the
router itself has only one Ethernet input socket. So I'll have to keep the wireless dongle on the second box.

Ed

Have you considered something like this:

http://www.inputdirector.com/

I use it for a Win7 and a WinXP machine, and like it. It was fairly simple to setup, and allows file transfers, etc.
between two (or more- I only have two) machines. One PC is set as Master, and all the others as Slaves. To switch
between the two, you just move your mouse from one to the other. They each have their own monitor, but share one
keyboard and mouse, so that might not be what you're looking for, but it might be worth a look-see.

 

[Char Jackson]

Have you considered something like this:

http://www.inputdirector.com/

I use it for a Win7 and a WinXP machine, and like it. It was fairly simple to setup, and allows file transfers, etc.
between two (or more- I only have two) machines. One PC is set as Master, and all the others as Slaves. To switch
between the two, you just move your mouse from one to the other. They each have their own monitor, but share one
keyboard and mouse, so that might not be what you're looking for, but it might be worth a look-see.

FWIW, I used a KVM for several years and always used it with a single
keyboard and mouse, but two monitors. Just because a KVM allows you to
use a single monitor doesn't mean you have to. (This is more for the
OP than for you, Tom.)

 

[SC Tom]

FWIW, I used a KVM for several years and always used it with a single
keyboard and mouse, but two monitors. Just because a KVM allows you to
use a single monitor doesn't mean you have to. (This is more for the
OP than for you, Tom.)

I know where you're coming from. We had three servers on one rack connected to a KVM, but only used the K and M. With a
monitor attached to each server, I could watch each one while making changes to one at a time to see what affect those
changes might have on the others.

 

[Ed Cryer]

Have you considered something like this:

http://www.inputdirector.com/

I use it for a Win7 and a WinXP machine, and like it. It was fairly
simple to setup, and allows file transfers, etc. between two (or more- I
only have two) machines. One PC is set as Master, and all the others as
Slaves. To switch between the two, you just move your mouse from one to
the other. They each have their own monitor, but share one keyboard and
mouse, so that might not be what you're looking for, but it might be
worth a look-see.

Thanks for that.

I have two machines set up, Win7 & XP; the latter upstairs in the back
bedroom. I have a third in the back bedroom as well, XP again.
The downstairs monitor is 26"; the upstairs ones 22" and 19".
That's the problem; monitor sizes. I've needed to have an extra desk
downstairs whenever I've positioned another machine here. The same with
adding an extra monitor to the Win7 machine.

What I have done is install XP as a virtual machine on this Win7 one.
And it all works excellently through wifi, with full sharing of files
and printers.

I think I'll stick with what I've got. I'm building a network way beyond
what I actually need, just for the fun and interest in doing it.

Ed

 

[Smiles]

I'm thinking of having two computer boxes side by side, one keyboard,
mouse & monitor linked with this KVM switch;
http://tinyurl.com/6gw248n
I'll use a simple 1/8" jack going from computer without speakers output
to other input.
Both running Win7 Home Premium.

Will that work?

Additionally I'd like to link the two by Ethernet cable, but the
router-modem is plugged into one of those, and the router itself has
only one Ethernet input socket. So I'll have to keep the wireless dongle
on the second box.

Ed

I have two one vga and HDI from tigerdirect I do not know who in the UK
can supply

Ultra U12-40714 GammaView 2005 2-Port KVM Switch - PS/2, VGA, Audio

both work well

I recommend a small switch for Ethernet