How Do I Use 2 PCs With 1 Monitor At Same Time?

[Blystrefyre]

I have 2 computers and would like to be able to use both of them at the same time through 1 monitor. How do I do that? The monitor itself has 2 inputs: one digital and the other analog.
What happens if I turn both computers on at the same time through the monitor?
What exactly do I need to be able to use both at the same time?

Thanks kindly... :)

[slam]

Use a kvm switch

[sm8000]

Yup, get a KVM switch (KVM - K = Keyboard, V = Video, M = Mouse). You can have both computers on and connected to the device, but you can only use one at a time. The device won't let the monitor display images from both computers at the same time.

[Blystrefyre]

So then there's no way to get displays from both computers at same time?... no half and half? :(
...but you 'can' have both PCs 'on' and running at the same time and you just switch over (and back and forth)...right?

...and thanks

[sm8000]

That's correct, and you're welcome! :t

[Blystrefyre]

... hate to be a pain in the ... ;)

...but the world is filled with different kinds and varieties of kvm switches looks like to me... certainly a plethora of models :confused:

does it matter which one I settle on... is there anything specific that I need to look for in purchasing one?... (I mean, someone might say "...just make sure it comes with a blah, blah and a blah, blah... or look for one that has a blah blah...)

I'm just tired of buying the "wrong" item time and again

... am just kind of overwhelmed ...

any specific recommendation would of course be appreciated...

... was looking at this one:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-402&depa=1

would that one be suitable for my needs? There are many cheaper ones on that website though...

...please suggest a cheaper one by all means ...

... am I making too big a deal ...?

Thank you :t

[rsfnatik]

Figure out how many systems you will be running and what type of connections you will need. The switch you listed will connect up to four machines and will cost more then a switch designed for two machines - that's your call. Go with either a PS/2 or USB switch (the one you listed is USB). If you're still using PS/2 then consider that... tho you can get adapters as needed.

[slam]

some kvm switches provide the needed cabling others don't. Make sure you have checked that. you may need to buy extra cables for video, keyboard and mouse.

[Bigjakkstaffa]

While waiting for the KVM switch you could connect the monitor to the main machine and then use something such as realVNC to interface with the other machine over a network connection.

--Jakk:t

[Blystrefyre]

Even with having looked at kvm switch setup diagrams at various places on the net, I "still" can't quite picture it.

First let me say that I have my eye on this one:

http://iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&product_id=142

... however... there is so much I am confused and unsure about... but maybe someone can clear those things up for me...

Okay... I just want to start all over as though I were posting this for the first time. (This is for "MY" benefit.)

First, just to be clear... let me be specific as to what I want to do and what exactly I have to work with... this is what I want to do (already stated originally, but will state it afresh):

I want to use 2 computers with (only) 1 monitor. I want to be able to keep both on at the same time and switch over and back and forth easily. I was made aware that a kvm switch can allow me to do that.

Here's what hardware I have to work with:

Dell 1702FP Monitor (17" flat panel display) 1280X1024 max resolution (I think).
It has 2 inputs: analog and a DVI.

(and this brings me to a point that I'm confused about): In the kvm setup are both inputs on the monitor used or only one?
and can I still use the digital input as opposed to the analog if only one is used?

Now, for the keyboards and mice I use: I have 2 computers... so I obviously have been using 2 keyboards and 2 mice. Here's some info about those:

One of my computers uses a PS/2 mouse and a PS/2 keyboard.
The other computer uses a PS/2 mouse but a usb(1.1) keyboard. (Does the usb keyboard complicate things? Do I need some kind of adapter as well for it?)

Maybe, since I have been more specific someone can point me exactly to the "perfect" kvm switch.
Maybe someone can tell me if the one I referred to at beginning of this (link provided above) is "good enough" and does it come with everything I need (it says cables provided).

Thanks for bearing with me folks.

[Blystrefyre]

AAAARRRRGh!

I think that link I gave refers to a kvm switch that is for a PC and a "Mac" and not 2 PCs...so disregard that ... :(

[Blystrefyre]

...maybe this would have been the more appropriate link:

http://iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&product_id=412

[Blystrefyre]

Wait!... a moment of clarity...maybe...

I plug my PS/2 mouse and my PS/2 keyboard into the kvm "unit"...?

... and I plug both computers into the kvm "unit"...?

...and I hook-up the monitor to the kvm "unit...?

... Is it possible that I understand it now?

Do I have it right? :x

[Midknyte]

see this thread:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161123&highlight=kvm

you need to choose one keyboard and mouse. since you don't have a usb mouse, I would recommend you go with a ps2 kvm or look for one that has both. I know there are some that only have video and one usb port for each computer.