One Keyboard...One Mouse...2 PCs? (Interfacing Question)

[mark4man]

hello...

I know this might seem a bit basic, but this is my first experience using 2 machines. My audio workstation caught a pretty bad back-door virus...had to restore to factory issue...had to get a 2nd box just for the internet...long story...back up & running now.

Anyway...I get tired of exchanging keyboards & mice when I quick-switch between PCs; & was wondering: how does one utilize just one set of these peripherals w/ both machines?

Is this what a USB hub is all about...will that work?

Thanks much,


mark4man

[not important]

Why not pick up a cheap keyboard and mouse?
No, a USB hub will not accomplish that. A USB hub allows you to use several USB devices from one USB plug on the PC.

[Alaron]

Mark, you're looking for a KVM Switch. Check 'em out: http://www.newegg.com/store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=143&Tpk=kvm

[Matt_Smi]

I am wondering the same thing, I don't need something that switches video though, as I have two displays each with a DVI and VGA port. So currently my desktop is hooked into both DVI ports and my laptop (Via a docking station) is hooked in the VGA port of my secondary display.

But right now I have to use separate keyboards and mice, the mice i don't mind but the KB is a real pain and takes up too much space on my desk. So what I would like to do is simply use some type of USB splitter device to plug my wireless KB/Mouse dongle into and then hook it into each machine. I understand that this may cause both machines to type at the same time, but that's ok.

So is there such a thing as a K/M switch that doesn't do video? Or do I have to get a full KVM and just not use the video section?

[Alaron]

I don't know of a "KM" only switch, but I can assure you that using a KVM for just the keyboard/mouse works fine.

[Matt_Smi]

Wait I totally forgot, there is a way to share your Mouse/KB with software for free!

http://www.inputdirector.com/

I have used it at work before and it worked well, it was sometimes buggy and I had to set a firewall rule for it, but once setup it worked great. It actually lets you use two different machines, but two different monitors as if they are one, so you can drag your mouse from one to another. Very cool

[mark4man]

Alaron...

Thanks.

They obviously come in a 4 Out model ??? (which is what I would need, right...mouse & keyboard out to two machines???)

Thanks again,


mark4man

[Alaron]

For just two machines, you want a '2 Port KVM' like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107702

You can see in the photos that you plug your keyboard/mouse/monitor into the center switch and it has two sets of cables to plug into the two machines.

Depending on the particular switch you buy, you can move between machines using either hotkeys (a combination of keys on the keyboard) or an actual button on the KVM. Mine (a Trendnet brand) has both.

[rwest]

Wait I totally forgot, there is a way to share your Mouse/KB with software for free!

http://www.inputdirector.com/l

While that really is ideal, especially the part about sharing. The basic concept is way to easy. I loaded the software for my wireless mouse and keyboard to two differnt machines and just switch the usb adapter. USB is hot pluggable. Pull it out and plug it in and it works.

[mark4man]

Alaron...

Thanks, man...merry christmas to you (or...happy holidays...or whatever you & yours celebrate...many of them may you receive).


MF