what KVM switch?

[Taffycat]

Yup, have got the update, thanks for the reminder though... nearly forgot!!

Thanks ... still not going yet... I've been trying to get that KVM, but the local Currys (spit) store are all out. Typical. Probably will have to buy online... unless local ASDA has any. Hmm... that's a thought

 

[muckshifter]

hmmm, KVM ... keyboard, Video, Mouse ... so your mouse is, USB or PS2, and your keyboard is USB, or PS2 ... then you also really need a KVM with DVI, or is it really a waste of time, no? Not forgetting you only have one PS2 multi-port (keyboard/mouse, not at the same time) on your MB

I see a nice on on Amazon for ... £130 squids.

You might try Staples, there are two in Cardiff, one on that little indi estate in Gabalfa, and one in Town.

http://www.staples.co.uk/StoreLocator.aspx

remember, these things don't always work well, buy cheap, buy twice.

 

[Taffycat]

Yes, Staples are usually pretty good.

TBH I can probably manage okay mouse and keyboard-wise - I'm mostly concerned about being able to use one monitor. Right now, I would have to keep powering-off one PC in order to use the other (if you see what I mean.)

Old Vista is connected via a DVI to VGA adaptor, which goes to the VGA socket on the monitor. The monitor also has an HDMI and DVI-D sockets.

However, I'm now hi-jacking GW2 thread

 

[muckshifter]

However, I'm now hi-jacking GW2 thread

Not now yous not ... I split this off so you should get some more suggestions.

I had, at one time 4 crunchers ... one was my main, so it had all its own gear attached, two were on a KVM, one was the MJWebb cruncher and the other was my older system ... the last one didn't have a monitor attached.

Let me explain that last bit ... I set it up, just to crunch, and it did so from start-up, initially I did have a monitor attached, (setting 'halt on errors' to off/disable in bios) so I could see it working as intended, then I unattached the monitor. That was when I was well off and could afford the 24/7 electricity bills.

 

[Taffycat]

Thanks for moving this over Mucks ... I always seem to end-up going off topic. My thought processes branch off in all directions - usually at the same time!! lol.

So in a nutshell... were your two KVM PCs both able to keep running when you needed to access either one? Or did you have to disconnect/close one down first?

I've looked at so many switches today, online that is, but just succeeded in confusing myself. (We so need a good computer store around here, to save a trek into Cardiff.)

 

[muckshifter]

well, we all go off-topic on all our threads.


the idea of using a KVM is to 'run' two systems at once, using only one keyboard, monitor & mouse ... you either flick a physical switch, or use a keyboard combination to switch systems.

The JMW PC ran XP and the other Millenium

They all knackered now.

 

[floppybootstomp]

Boing!



EDIT: That one's no longer made but there's a fair few on Amazon. Try and read some reviews cos as Mucks said this is one item where it's easy to buy a turkey.

 

[muckshifter]

http://www.kvmswitchdirect.co.uk/acatalog/KVM_Switch_Direct_1_user_controlling_2_computers_11.html

 

[floppybootstomp]

And taken from my review here's a link to the supplier where I bought mine, they have a phone number so might be worth checking they're still in business.

KVM Direct

EDIT: Aha - Mucks beat me to the punch

 

[Taffycat]

Oh thank you for the links Mucks and Flopps. Also for the review link - that will be very useful reading indeed.

I've noticed that prices vary quite widely, that's when I began to get a bit thrown. I want to try to avoid turkeys, so if I spot something that looks interesting, perhaps I can run it past you for an opinion.

Naturally I read the reviews on purchasing sites (such as Amazon) but trust the advice from here, even more.

 

[Anon_F]

Maplins?

 

[floppybootstomp]

Nothing suitable at Maplin - all their KVM's are VGA only. As are most available KVM's actually. Quite odd, who uses VGA these days? Probably trying to shift dead stock, lol

 

[Taffycat]

It's probably not the 'best' solution... but as my piggy-bank was sounding a bit hollow (following recent purchases, lol) I decided to go with this KVM just for the time being. It's by Aten, £36.99.

I figured that it will be better than having to keep shutting-down and swapping connections. Hopefully, it will be okay until funds recover enough to consider a more expensive KVM with DVI, etc.

It was very easy to set up, of course. Monitor, speakers, mouse and keyboard are functioning (albeit that the keyboards internet function keys - for email, browser, etc., no longer work. Bit of a shame, but just a minor thing... I'll just have to get used to clicking again. )

I can switch between computers simply by tapping Scroll Lock twice - thought that was rather good. There are other key commands, but I've not experimented with those yet.

Thank you all again for your guidance. It has been an enormous help.