What do i need?

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Wed May 04, 2005 9:47 am

i got an extra box/server from work that i just reformatted and have working. i plan to use this as a backup for some files on my main rig. problem is i only have one monitor and don't have the room to add another where i have my main computer.

aren't there "switches" that would allow me to use one mouse, keyboard & monitor for both PC's? I couldn't find any at local retailers (best buy, compusa, fry's, etc.), anyone know what exactly you call those, where to get them and how much they would typically cost?

one more concern is my main PC is also my gaming rig so if i do run my mouse, keyboard, etc. through it would it affect gameplay (example, mouse response time)?

smb · Post by **smb** » Wed May 04, 2005 9:50 am

"KVM Switch" is what your looking for. Just remeber to get the cables as well. Which sometimes can be more than the switch itself.

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Wed May 04, 2005 10:03 am

thanks.. i'll do a quick search on that.

btw, sorry for posting in the wrong section. i meant to post this in "General Hardware". please move if required.

BillyGoat · Post by **BillyGoat** » Wed May 04, 2005 10:25 am

Rat, i got one of these, practically brand new
kvm switch

Got anything for trade?

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Wed May 04, 2005 10:43 am

i usually give away whatever gadgets i have lying around but i'll check the "closet" when i get home and see if i have anything worth putting up for trade

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Wed May 04, 2005 1:06 pm

Originally posted by RaT
thanks.. i'll do a quick search on that.

btw, sorry for posting in the wrong section. i meant to post this in "General Hardware". please move if required.

Taken Care Of..

BTW, you may want to look into a free solution for the above. http://www.realvnc.com it would allow you to access the computer via the network and you could put it where ever you want. No need for extra anything, just a network card.

GL

eGo

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Wed May 04, 2005 5:12 pm

Originally posted by eGoCeNTRoNiX
Taken Care Of.. BTW, you may want to look into a free solution for the above. http://www.realvnc.com it would allow you to access the computer via the network and you could put it where ever you want. No need for extra anything, just a network card.

GL

eGo

interesting!!! i'll read up more on that tonight.

DoPeY5007 · Post by **DoPeY5007** » Wed May 04, 2005 5:55 pm

Rat

I use VNC @ home, I have 2 PCs that I control with it, no KB / Mouse / or display plugged into them @ all

BillyGoat · Post by **BillyGoat** » Wed May 04, 2005 9:56 pm

I use real vnc for alot of stuff, it wont work for a gaming solution though

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Thu May 05, 2005 11:12 am

i read about Real VNC but didn't have a chance yet to install and try it out. where do i install it btw, on my main PC or even on the "clients".

dopey5007, i think you're setup is exactly what i'm trying to do. don't you get any keyboard errors and such on the PC that has nothing connected to it upon bootup?

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Thu May 05, 2005 11:23 am

Originally posted by RaT
i read about Real VNC but didn't have a chance yet to install and try it out. where do i install it btw, on my main PC or even on the "clients".

dopey5007, i think you're setup is exactly what i'm trying to do. don't you get any keyboard errors and such on the PC that has nothing connected to it upon bootup?

You have to install VNC on all the systems that you wish to connect to and from.

I have the same setup that DoPeY does. As far as keyboard errors go, you just need to go into the bios and set it to halt on no errors. Then it will skip the keyboard error and go straight to boot.

If you have any other questions, ask away.

eGo

RaT · Post by **RaT** » Thu May 05, 2005 2:09 pm

thx for the reply.. i'm definitely gonna give this a shot before i even think of a "KVM" solution.

couple of questions...
- will i have to disable the password login (windows xp) on the machine that i'm trying to connect to from my main PC? or can i simply login using VNC upon bootup as if i was physically connected?

- with VNC running (although not in use) will it dimish the performance on my main PC for gaming and etc. (the one with the physical Keyboard, mouse, etc. connection)?

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Thu May 05, 2005 2:21 pm

Originally posted by RaT
thx for the reply.. i'm definitely gonna give this a shot before i even think of a "KVM" solution.

couple of questions...
- will i have to disable the password login (windows xp) on the machine that i'm trying to connect to from my main PC? or can i simply login using VNC upon bootup as if i was physically connected?

- with VNC running (although not in use) will it dimish the performance on my main PC for gaming and etc. (the one with the physical Keyboard, mouse, etc. connection)?

No, you don't have to disable the password.

It loads as a service so just let it boot and give it a sec then it should be good to go.

No, it won't diminish performance either.

If it's not running it doesn't do anything.

eGo