KVM 1

[Center]

At home, I have several computers of various ages, each of which offer much different features I want. But I have no room for several computer stands. KVM seems the obvious solution, stacking the towers and using one stand. But I have been unable to find anyone whe ever saw or tried that solution.
I wonder if it works as smoothly as I expect, or has some undesirable "surprises" like in networking.
If you have several computers running, how do you change among them, by clicking a switch? And is the change of program menu on the screen smooth and understandable? Have any of you tried KVM and can advise me.

 

[techkiwi]

I've seen some KVM's which have 4 or 8 buttons on the front panel with corresponding LED's. Push a button, the LED lights up to indicate which one you're using and everthing switches instantly. I know you can also get some KVM's which will put up on the screen the name of the computer for a few seconds, but these are more aimed at data centre environments.

HTH

Graham

 

[Blujacket]

I've used a 2-port KVM and had a chance to sell it, got a 4-port to replace it, both work just fine. Have a WinXP Pro and Win2000 Pro on it now and will be digging out a Win95 to add. Just be careful that the computers use ATX motherboard or AT motherboard, adapters to mix them usually don't work, mostly mouse problems. Most KVMs are for ATX/PS/2 boards.

 

[edfair]

I use several and have several more in customer's offices.
Depending on the maker, and the OS loaded on each machine, and the type of keyboard, and on the display resolution, they work well.
I've only had one Belkin that occasionally upchucks going into VGA in a DOS environment,AT type machine from a XPPRO 1280/800 ATX environment. 3 other offices with identical setups have never hiccupped.
My personal stuff switches between AT and ATX, DOS to ME, mixed with all sorts of combinations with no problems.
I could see stacking desktops, but better to have towers side by side.
The Cybex I use have a front panel switch bank to choose the box to connect. The Belkins at the customer site use a switch on top to step between systems or have keyboard choice with key combos.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[Center]

Thanks to all of you. Enabled me to make the right decision. I live in a small place far from a city and it's hard to find experienced advice. Hurray for Tek-tips and all of you.

 

[Blujacket]

You're welcome, we're glad to help.

 

[danomac]

Center:

I do exactly what you mentioned. I stack 4 machines and use a KVM.

The KVM switch I have is small and has a single button to switch inputs; the nice thing is that you can press a key combination on the keyboard to switch between computers.

For example, I press left-ctrl + left-alt + left-shift and then 1, 2, 3 or 4 (the port #), then Enter to make the selection. There is no physical button pressing on mine.

This unit cost me about $90 CDN, without cables. Well worth it! I don't know what I'd do without it

D

 

[southside]

Just joined the forum so apologies if this info too late.

On the market you will find a multitude of KVM's that supply single user access to 2, 4, 8, 16 and more PC's. The technology is advancing at a terrific rate as well. Cables are long enough to allow you to have all the towers in a row and cable around the room to your user station. The cabling can get bulky so if you can afford it go the KVM/Cat 5 route. There is a safety issue with stacking towers (one aspect I deal with/hence the mention) but whatever suits your needs.

We use a 16x64 KVM (16 Users/64 Servers) and that only just meets our needs.

 

[danomac]

I only have 4, so mine are stacked in a 2x2 formation. (-:

I should've bought an 8 port KVM, darnit.

D

 

[danomac]

What the... upside down smiley? ;-)

 

[jhowley58]

HI,

I just bought a 2 port KVM from ebuyer, complete with cables, and a separate USB/Ps2 converter for Mac - for £20. Magic!

John