Using 1 monitor/keyboard for two machines

[rowan]

Hello,

I would like to switch between my primary work/gaming machine to my Linux server using one monitor/mouse/keyboard. I know that there are lots of switches out there that allow this, but I have some questions:

1. Does the switch hamper video display performance?

2. I've heard that the lower end switches can damage monitors and computers as they can zap them through the cable during the switch. Is this true?

3. Can you recommend a low cost, safe solution?

Thanks!

r.

[Imanage]

Go for an automatic electronic switchbox. The good combo keyboard-video-mouse heavy-duty shielded cables are recommended to prevent ghosting/interference. I've had one instance where a manual box fried a monitor but try to stay away from those. Manual boxes require you to boot the PC switched to that computer or else it doesn't sense the mouse/keyboard. Electronic ones send out that "pulse". Cybex, Belkin and many others make pretty good ones so search out the best price. Go for a 4 port one if you can afford it so you can expand down the road.

[rowan]

The Belkin costs almost $200!! I need a lower cost solution.

Is there anyone who could give me an exact brandname and model that will solve my problem and is tried and true??

Thanks!

r.

[daveleau]

Here is the one I used : http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum13/HTML/003242.html

I got mine @ ebay

[M_Six]

Try a Tripp-Lite. My two-port KVM switch and cables were just under $100 at a computer show.
http://www.tripplite.com

[randy48]

I've got two 4-port KVM's just like Dave's, probably from the same guy on Ebay. One is at least 9 months old, the other about 3 months, no problems at all! I'll be buying a third 4-port soon, for at home (too many cows crunchin in one area http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif) I've also ordered several of them for work! They are inexpensive, and work good! So what if you have to turn a knob instead of pushing a button!