2 PC's on 1 Monitor...possible?

[Johnie]

Hi!

Just wonder...if its possible to get some sort of splitter...to be able i.e...have 2 machines turned on at the same time, which would both be connected to single monitor via that splitter/joiner...and also be able to switch between their desktops "live" :twisted: , without turning machines on/off...???

Would it be possible or could such "switching" hurt monitor because there would be sudden changes in resolutions/frequencies? I believe it wouldnt...and that it would work...but I would like to know what you think about it and if anyone tried something similar already?:confused: :rolleyes: :-D

Thanks and Have a Nice Weekend! ;)

[Bio-Hazard]

It's called a KVM switch........;)

2 PC's with 1 KB. mouse and monitor.

[Kougar]

What Sbrehm said ;)

KVM switches have been around for a good while now. You can get them as a box to attach all the cables to, or a integrated device that has all the cables already built into it.

They make them for 2 to even 4 or more PCs, and some will even let you use the same speakers in addition to the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor for two or more computers.

Here's (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&Description=KVM+switch&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0) a good listing of KVM switches to peruse to get an idea of the different types. I actually use the IOGEAR model listed on that page, and rather like it even if I wish I'd gotten the next model up that includes sound as well. ;)

[nam-ng]

Hi!

Just wonder...if its possible to get some sort of splitter...to be able i.e...have 2 machines turned on at the same time, which would both be connected to single monitor via that splitter/joiner...and also be able to switch between their desktops "live" :twisted: , without turning machines on/off...???

Would it be possible or could such "switching" hurt monitor because there would be sudden changes in resolutions/frequencies? I believe it wouldnt...and that it would work...but I would like to know what you think about it and if anyone tried something similar already?:confused: :rolleyes: :-D

Thanks and Have a Nice Weekend! ;)
Have you tried or considered using the FREE VERSION OF VNC (http://www.realvnc.com/download.html) for your purpose?

[Johnie]

Hey Thanks! This is not bad idea afterall...;)

The only problem is that it's kinda too expensive...cause where I just looked ( http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/kvm-switch-over-ip.html )...prices ranged from some 300,400,500 and even up to 6000 and more...USD!!! :???: :(

So I just wonder if there is maybe other, hopefully cheaper way...to be able to i.e...connecting 2 pc boxes (each with its own mouse and keyboard) into 1 monitor? I believe a small 2-into-1 piece of "metal" would be able to do that...I could actually manually make such device...just connect right wires together from both 15pin cables into one that leads to a monitor, together with some manual switch in between...but I believe such "device" must surely already exist...correct me if I'm wrong here?

So to sum it up...I want to be able to work on one computer...and if I need the other one too...I would just turn it on...and change that "switch" so that video signal from this (just powered) computer will go to monitor...or vice versa...change switch back..and my "first" computer's desktop will be on monitor screen..is that possible? :confused: :-D ;)

I know I am probably complicating too much...but I would really want to find the cheapest yet effective way to solve my "problem"...;)



EDIT : Just found this one...is it ok for my needs? http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/10025.html


EDIT2 : Thanks Kougar! Will look which one suits me best and let you know later. Oh and nam-ng...sorry but I dont need that...cause I dont have them connected in network neither does the second computer have internet access....so VNC is not solution here...but Thank You for your suggestion anyway! Appreciate that very much!

[werty316]

Tigerdirect and Newegg have KVM switches that don't cost that much.

Tiger Direct (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=kvm&image1.x=0&image1.y=0)

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&Description=kvm&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0)

[shanewu]

Some monitors (especially LCDs) have multiple inputs. I have one PC hooked up to mine via the VGA connector (blue) and one via the DVI (white) connector. To switch between them, there is an input button the front of the monitor.

I know you don't want to buy a new monitor, but you might want to make sure that your monitor doesn't have another input that you could use. You do obviously need to VGA or DVI cable then though.

Your best bet is probably one of the cheaper $30 cables that werty linked to.

[Johnie]

Thanks guys!

Will try to contact TigerDirect about international ordering (cause Newegg's site says they dont ship internationally).

Just wonder what do you think about this one? http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=987089&CatId=597

It's one of the cheapest but from what I read also just the right one for my needs...maybe the only minor "problem" could be because I have usb keyboard and this unit has ps/2 keyboard input...but I will get usb/ps2 adaptor so that wont be problem I believe (otherwise I'll just buy some ps/2 keyboard)...;)


Oh...and shanewu...unfortunatelly I dont have LCD monitor, and my current CRT monitor doesnt have 2 inputs...so your suggested method is not an option for me...I'll just buy the unit above (or some other if anyone of you believes that its better that this one). first I need to contact them about shipping...and then will see which one to buy...so your suggestions are warmly welcome for at least some week or so...;)

Thank You in advance for everything! Have a nice day/night & best wishes to all! :cool: ;)

[Kougar]

Johnie, do you already have the extra cables you will need to connect that KVM switch up to everything? Once you plug everything into that KVM box you will need all of the extra cables to connect that box to both machines... ;)

If you don't have the cables, I'd suggest something like this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=391900&CatId=597), which is what I actually have and they list for only $4 more.

You can even get a USB KVM switch, although those cost even more such as this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1816317&CatId=597) one.

I will add that when you use a USB to PS/2 adapter, you will lose some functionality with your USB mouse/keyboard. Some of the fancy key combos or extra media buttons may not do anything, and if you have a tilting wheel scroll mouse it will lose the ability to scroll sideways. Little things like that, that the PS/2 interface just isn't able to support.

[Miles]

Johnie,

One thing to consider, is your equipment. Are either or both of the video cards on your two systems DVI out only? Or more importantly do you want to run DVI out of either or both computers? If so you will need a DVI KVM which is quite a bit more expensive.

[werty316]

Thanks guys!

Will try to contact TigerDirect about international ordering (cause Newegg's site says they dont ship internationally).

Just wonder what do you think about this one? http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=987089&CatId=597

It's one of the cheapest but from what I read also just the right one for my needs...maybe the only minor "problem" could be because I have usb keyboard and this unit has ps/2 keyboard input...but I will get usb/ps2 adaptor so that wont be problem I believe (otherwise I'll just buy some ps/2 keyboard)...;)


Oh...and shanewu...unfortunatelly I dont have LCD monitor, and my current CRT monitor doesnt have 2 inputs...so your suggested method is not an option for me...I'll just buy the unit above (or some other if anyone of you believes that its better that this one). first I need to contact them about shipping...and then will see which one to buy...so your suggestions are warmly welcome for at least some week or so...;)

Thank You in advance for everything! Have a nice day/night & best wishes to all! :cool: ;)


No need for international shipping if you live in the US or Canada.

Tigerdirect.com is the US site.
Tigerdirect.ca is the Canadian site.

If you do not live in the US or Canada Tigerdirect does ship overseas but expect to pay alot for shipping as Tigerdirect overcharges shipping.

The producted you linked to costs me $20CAD($18USD) to ship to my address! $20CAD($18USD) for a small piece of plastic!

This webpage should help you out:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors/help/international.asp

[Johnie]

Thanks again guys !;)

Kougar...I may be wrong but I believe that the box that I gave link to above, already has those cables included (it says "with cables"!?), although in the picture they arent seen...well anyway...offcourse I need one complete solution with cables...so your 2 choices are also something worth to take a closer look at...but if what you said about ps/2 is true...then the first one is out of the question (although I somehow like it more, not because it is cheaper...but dont know...hahahaa...just like it more thats all...first look love and that...:mrgreen: ). So that "lost funcionality @ ps/2" is only when you use mouse or keyboard which is made for USB in ps/2 port (with USB/ps2 adaptor) or even if it is "originally" made for ps2 port? Because I just checked and i have ps2 mouse and usb keyboard...and although mouse is ps/2...it is able to scroll and everything works great....!?

Ok back to KVM's...I am bit confused atm...because I dont know which box to take a closer look at...maybe it will be best to look at some with ps2 mouse and usb keyboard ports...cause I wont buy new mouse/keyboard just to be able to plug it in the box later in case my current mouse/keyboard wont fit in...;)

Paragon...dont scare me even more...hahahahaha...no neither is DVI (one has both actually but I wont use DVI)...so just ordinary vga (15pin I believe)...so I probably wont need DVI KVM...and thus hopefully save a few $$$...:twisted: :p :-D But still thank you for letting me know about that....appreciate that! ;)

Thanks again...more hunting for KVM for me...and you guys take some rest...you deserved it...:-D ;)


EDIT : Thanks werty316....but thats exactly the page which I looked at before...thats why I said I need to contact them before ordering...and no, I dont live in US nor Canada...:???: ;) I will ask them how much would shipping and handling cost...and if too high...I will just order elsewere...now that wont be such big problem anymore cause at least I know what I need and what to search for...KVM box! :cool: Will let you know later about progress...Thank You All! ;)

[Kougar]

Hehe, sorry I ended up making things more confusing... Lets see if I can make things worse ;)

I looked on that page before I previously posted and could not find any mention of whether it came with cables or not!! So naturally, I went to NewEgg... here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107601) and you are right, it does appear to include cables. If you do order from TigerDirect I suggest you ask them to make sure of this though!

About what I said with the PS/2 to USB adapter and loosing functionality... vertical scrolling works fine, it is only horizontal scrolling that will cease to work. All of the normal keyboard keys will still work, and most of the Multimedia keys should work. I had just wanted to mention that detail, it probably will not end up bothering you any, even though the mouse thing drove me nuts ;)

Regarding all USB/PS/2 combo keyboards... if you are using something like a wireless keyboard/mouse, where the base station is what has a USB and a single PS/2 jack connectors on it, you would only have to plug in the USB into the computer and could ignore the sole PS/2 connecter.

So, lets recap! That KVM switch you linked to on TigerDirect (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=987089&CatId=597) oughta do ya just fine ;)

[werty316]

I don't think this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=987089&CatId=597) one doesn't come with cables or it would be like this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=391900&CatId=597) one. The cables on the second one are permanent and can't be detached.

[Johnie]

Yes I know guys that judging from the picture of that KVM we would though there are no cables included...but it says above that they ARE included...but dont worry...I will ask about that before buying it for sure...otherwise I'll get the one that werty316 stated (only few $$$ more expensive...no big deal :mrgreen: )...;)

And I dont have any of those wireless combos or stuff...just ordinary USB keyboard and ps2 mouse (but have many other USB mouses around the house too...so no problem with that). Maybe I'll even look for KVM box with both usb inputs (keyboard and mouse)...that would be best by my opinion...;)

Thanks again! ;)

[werty316]

lol I didn't read the title that it does include cables.

[Kougar]

lol I didn't read the title that it does include cables.

Err, neither did I it seems, although I reread that entire page and the specs page twice. Oops... :p

[Johnie]

HAHAAHHAHAA....ROTFL! :mrgreen: :twisted: :p

You ALWAYS need to read everything....not just sections that seems the most attractive for your ears and eyes...:-D :-D :-D

Anyway...so what do you think...does it or doesnt it have cables? Wanna put some bets before I email and ask them about this? (just kidding-no betting allowed) :cool: ;)

But I am still not 100% sure it does have'em...cause cables arent mentioned anywhere in the specs or else exept at title !? And also picture talks for itself...:p

Need to call FBI to check this...:mrgreen: :twisted: :p ;)

[Kougar]

Just you wait Johnie... your high score at Asteriods shall soon be mine! :p

And since it says the cables come with it in the title they probably do. If they don't you have sufficient grounds to call them up and demand they ship two sets to you on their dime. Many sites do the same thing though, and don't photograph or mention anything else that comes with what's being bought. That's why I <3 NewEgg.

[Johnie]

Yes I know....I'll get those cables one way or another for sure...maybe even 2 or 3 sets of them....:p :mrgreen: ;)

And yes...You take Asteroids top place...and I will take Kitty's top place...deal? :twisted: :cool: :-D Although @ Kitty there is no real competition (at least not that kind where we could have some real influence on)...its all about luck...but I still congratulate you on your top place there...cause with or without luck...you are still the champion! Congratulations! ;)

[mousiness]

Copters Kick Butt!!!

[Johnie]

Helicopters? :p :mrgreen: :twisted: :cool: :-D ;)

[vshammah]

Johnie, do you already have the extra cables you will need to connect that KVM switch up to everything? Once you plug everything into that KVM box you will need all of the extra cables to connect that box to both machines... ;)

If you don't have the cables, I'd suggest something like this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=391900&CatId=597), which is what I actually have and they list for only $4 more.

You can even get a USB KVM switch, although those cost even more such as this (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1816317&CatId=597) one.

I will add that when you use a USB to PS/2 adapter, you will lose some functionality with your USB mouse/keyboard. Some of the fancy key combos or extra media buttons may not do anything, and if you have a tilting wheel scroll mouse it will lose the ability to scroll sideways. Little things like that, that the PS/2 interface just isn't able to support.
New members are not allowed to post links until it is determined if they are attemptimg to SPAMM our forums. Non-members are completely prohibited from posting links. We want you as a member but we don't want your SPAM!

[smartvm]

KVM extender (http://www.smartvm.com/KVM-Extenders-C1327.htm) allows you to extend PS2 keyboard, PS2 mouse and VGA video remotely up to 1000 feet away from a computer. KVM extenders are ideal for applications like public broadcasting, banks, classrooms, tradeshows, and other mission critical locations.

[PP Mguire]

Why are we all of a sudden digging up old threads? I see it was a mistake to dig up that old Quake 4 Voodoo thread lawl.

[smartvm]

VGA extenders (http://www.smartvm.com/VGA-Video-Extender-C1325.htm) and
KVM extender (http://www.smartvm.com/KVM-Extenders-C1327.htm) allows you to extend PS2 keyboard, PS2 mouse and VGA video remotely up to 1000 feet away from a computer. KVM extenders are ideal for applications like public broadcasting, banks, classrooms, tradeshows, and other mission critical locations.