Second monitor or monitor splitter 3

[DanielUK]

I'm in the middle of configuring our second domain controller for our small office network. With space at a premium I'm wondering whether to fork out for another cheap monitor or use a monitor signal splitter of some sort (although i've heard about bad ghosting problems). I'm using terminal services right now to configure it/shutdown etc which is OK for me, but when I'm not around I'll have to leave some of my office co-workers responsible for shutting it down -I'd rather they not have to learn about terminal services just to switch the machine off! Is a splitter the best option?

Thanks

Dan

 

[AJ1982]

KVM you mean?

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Fatman Superstar (Andrew James)

CCNA, CCAI

 

[DanielUK]

I was actually thinking of the simple monitor/video only splitters but I see what you're talking about, KVMs allow you to use a single mouse, monitor and keyboard don't they? -probably even better if they're any good. They seem pretty cheap.

Dan

 

[NortonES2]

Should be able to get a basic 2way KVM switch for under £100.

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If it doesn't leak oil it must be empty!!

 

[DanielUK]

Dabs do a whole variety but there are some cheap KVM products like:

[URL unfurl="true"]http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/Product%20Details.htm?quicklinx=2CPH[/url]

Don't know if this is too cheap for what I want?

Dan

 

[NortonES2]

Probably OK, the one I've used in the past was from Blackbox.

http://www.blackbox.co.uk

ServSwitch Wizard Pro.

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If it doesn't leak oil it must be empty!!

 

[figmatalan]

I've had a belkin KVM for years now and I highly recommend it. I run my main PC at 1600x1200 and there are no ghosting issues. It came with a power supply, but it seems to not need it so I dont bother.

Just one recommendation, get good quality video cables as you will get ghosting with cheapo ones. Saying that, dont get ripped off. I bought all mine from an electronics company similar to Maplin and 4 of them cost less than high street shops.

 

[markdmac]

if all you want them to be able to do is shutdown the server, then let them use this script. They can do it from their desk.

You may need to give them rights to shut down the server. You will find that in the local policy:

Computer Configuration
-Windows Settings
--Local policies
---User Rights Assignment
----Force Shutdown From a Remote System

'Reboot Workstation Script
'By Mark MacLachlan
'(c) 2003, itSynergy
'Creation Date 9/18/2002
'Modification 10/7/2002 Added support for confirmation box
'Usage- Double click and enter a machine name or IP address to shutdown machine


On Error Resume Next
mname = InputBox("Enter Machine Name", "Shutdown Machine")
If Len(mname) = 0 Then Wscript.Quit

if Msgbox("Are you sure you want to reboot machine " & mname, vbYesNo, "Reboot Machine") = vbYes then

		Set OpSysSet = GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate,(RemoteShutdown)}//" & mname).ExecQuery("select * from Win32_OperatingSystem where Primary=true")
		for each OpSys in OpSysSet
			OpSys.ShutDown()
 		next
end if

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[DanielUK]

Great, that's the sort of thing I was looking for, thanks! I'll give that a try tomorrow..

Thanks

Dan

 

[markdmac]

If you are not familiar with VBScript, you need to take that code and give ti a VBS extension.

Some AV like NAV requires you to "authorize" the script to run.



I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[technome]

Been using Belkin for years, never a ghosting problem, no problems period.