1 monitor 2 computers

I have a friend who is purchasing a new computer w/ WinXP on it.

They have an older computer running Win98.

What is the best way to run both computers off of one monitor?

KVM switch (http://www.google.com/search?q=KVM+switch&sourceid=firefox&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8) :) You can use two computers with one monitor, one keyboard and one mouse.

What kind of ISP?

Dial-up ? DSL-dial-up, DSL-Cable, satellite...I'm just about to go into this as someone has just given me a pc, so I'll have a Dell with Xp and a compaq with Win me.


Edit: thanks malcore, looks like we were typing at the same time....

A KVM switch such as These (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=list&catalog=143&DEPA=1&order=price&sort=asc) .

:)

Don't think ISP makes a difference, maybe someone can answer that one. My friend has a cable provider.

For the manual ones, how do they connect?

For the manual ones, how do they connect?

Take a peek at the typical (low cost) KVM's below. (Taken from Steve's New Egg Link).

The simple manual connections are pretty much self explanatory.
Of course, adding audio features and other Bells and Whistles (or more Computers for that matter), mean more expensive KVM's with more cables and fancier switching, but the Pics gives you a basic idea of what a simple thing this can be.

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=17-107-119-06.JPG/17-107-119-07.JPG/17-107-119-08.JPG

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=17-107-310-01.jpg/17-107-310-02.JPG

"A pic is worth......." Thanks

What does it mean "with audio & mic support"?

Well, basically one of those setups with more "Bells and Whistles" I was talking about.

For example, you might have only have one very nice set of PC Speakers and want to be able to use them with both Computers.

OK, let me see if I understand this.

If I don't have speakers on the second machine I hook up then I won't have sound? Only the use of the keyboard, monitor and mouse.

That's correct. (Well, you might have use of the tiny and "tinny" internal Speaker). :p

As I said, you can get into some much fancier switches.
Like this belkin below:
Our audio feature lets you switch between computers sharing speakers and a microphone, without having to unplug and re-plug them.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201729&pcount=&Product_Id=160570

Also keep in mind there are other things to consider. Like USB support. If you have a USB Keyboard or Mouse, the cheaper KVM's in my first post won't do you much good.

As long as you're at the Belkin Website, look around a little and it will explain a lot more about different Switches and features.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201725