KVM switches

[hiredgoonz]

Just picked up a Linksys 2-port KVM switch...this thing is awesome! Came with the cables, doesn't need software, has a hot key switch feature and works perfectly...

[Whyzman]

Hired,

What was your reasoning for wanting to go this route?

[hiredgoonz]

No more space...

I have an old Compaq 9232 running Windows 95 to use with my scanner since it doesn't work right with Windows 2000/XP. (that's actually a story in itself...I got a Spectra 400 and upgraded the Compaq from a Pentium 200 to a 400mhz K6-2, changed the video to a Voodoo3 2000 I traded iisbob an ATA card for and maxed out the ram at 136mb)

Anyway, I just picked up a used dual-CPU P3 800mhz that I wasn't using cause I didn't have anywhere to put it. I figured that was a real waste, and rather than buy a monitor and a new computer desk that won't fit anywhere, I got the KVM...

Another problem I'm having is that with 5 desktop systems in one room, I'm running out of power outlets. This way I saved two outlets: one for the monitor and by forgoing speakers on the W95 machine.

I was just really impressed with how well the switch works, especially with the display. I'm running 800x600 32-bit color at 75hz and it actually looks the way it's supposed to. I had an old mechanical switch that made the display look like crap...

Anyway, if anybodu is ina situation where they don't have the space or money for an extra monitor/keyboard/mouse, I would definitely recommend this. The model I got is the Linksys PS2KVMSK, it came with cables and was only $45 at the marketpro show...

[Whyzman]

Hired,

KEWL!:D When I did a little research on the switch, your application confirmed it...space saving. Sounds like an awesome solution...thanks for the tip! ;)

[Paul Komski]

Out of interest hiredgoonz how long are the cables; how far apart can the boxes be?

[Rick]

I have the Tripp-lite 4 port KVM.
Only hassles I have seen is One mother board doesn’t like it.
Keeps losing the Mouse signal.
No big deal. Just give that 1.2 to the wife and take her 1.0 for my Linux box.
With 4 cables ranging in length from 8 to 12 feet.
3 systems on the rack and the 4th my laptop anywhere I want it.
( 4th normally use to service systems )

The one monitor, mouse, keyboard works great..
Add the 8 port network hub to the mix and you have total control
Now If I could just figure out how to reach the cd-r drives 8 feet away :)

[saphalline]

Now If I could just figure out how to reach the cd-r drives 8 feet away :)
"Go-go gadget arms!" :D

[Rick]

Originally posted by saphalline

"Go-go gadget arms!" :D

Good idea.
But till I get a pair I’ll have to settle for the 5 wheels on my chair and a new set of rug protectors every year :)

[hiredgoonz]

The cables that come with the Linksys are 6 ft. long. So, if you put the KVM between the two towers, you could conceivably put them almost 12 ft apart...