How can I use a KVM for 2 or more monitors?

[OM]

Can someone tell me how I can use a KVM for 2 or more monitors?

I have 3... but am a bit frustrated that I can't have 2 (or more)
machines running at the same time and being able to switch in between
with the flick of a switch. : (

I was thinking... you can't do it with a single KVM.
(Or can you?)

BUT... you could do it with more than one KVM?

Any help on how to configure this and the best way to do it would be
appreciated.

Thanks.


OM

 

[Yves Leclerc]

By definition a KVM switch allows to share one monitor/keyboard/mouse
between multiple PCs/computers. There are models that allow you to shared
between 2, 4, 8 or 16 computers. There are other models that you can
"daisy-chain" to increase the number of PCs you can switch between.

Are you trying to use 3 monitors on 2 PCs?

 

[Abhilash Tibrewal\(MCSA\)]

I understand you need to use 3 computers using a single keyboard,
video(monitor) and mouse and switch between them using a keyboard hotkey.
This is precisely what KVM switches are for. You can purchase a 4 port KVM
switch and configuration is child's play. Read a good howto at tomshardware

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040406/

 

[Ted]

I used it before, two computers, two monitors, one keyboard
and mouse.
The monitor in front of me connects to the KVM switch.
You need a video card with dual monitor capability.
Connect the KVM using the main monitor plug on the video card.
Connect your secondary monitor to the second plug in the video card.
Configure your video card with two monitors.
You can switch from one computer to another using the KVM switch,
while your secondary monitor displays one computer only.
I never tried it where you can switch monitors also, I never tried
two KVM switches. For that I assume you need dual monitor video cards
on both computers.
I use Linksys KVM switch complete kit, works great, comes complete with
cables,
not as bulky.

 

[OM]

thanks for all the replies.
u've got it all wrong (apart from the last post).

imagine this: i have one pc and 3 monitors.
i have 3 monitor sockets in the back of my pc.

i get a new pc, also with 3 monitor sockets in the back.
now, i want to have both pc's on and be able to control both pc's,
which are both using 3 monitors, with one keyboard and one mouse.

does that make sense!? : )

 

[Ted]

My reply was an example on two PCs, two monitors,
one keyboard and one mouse. What I know thought would
help.
What I understand is you want to be able to use three
monitors on the computer you are working on.
For that I think you might need three 2-Port KVM switches,
don't if it will work.
One KVM switches one monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
The others would switch the other two monitors.
Is going to be a ton of cables
BTW: Linksys uses the CTRL key to switch the KVM switch.

 

[Ted]

I forget to say, that the keyboard is what switches
the KVM switch.
You would need to switch the secondary KVM switches
manually, using the push button switch on the KVM switch.
In another words, the secondary KVM switches have to be on the table
in front of you, so you can switch them.

 

[Ted]

Your better option is to find a KVM switch that can handle
three monitors, didn't know that they are available, but they are:
http://www.vetra.com/SwitchV2.html

 

[Ted]

Go to www.google.com
click the advanced search
type:
"KVM SWITCH"
with quotes.
then scroll to the bottom of the page and click the
Search Within results.
and type
"three monitors"
with quotes
You will find many companies that makes them now.