[snaithbert2]

Folks,

I just got a new computer and I'm in the process of setting it up, loading on my programs, etc.

But I'm still using my old computer for a lot of things and I think I'll need it up and running for a while, before I can start using the new machine for everything.

As such, I pretty much have two entire setups running at once. Two CPUs, two monitors, two keyboards, etc.

It dawned on me that maybe there's a way to use the monitor, keyboard and mouse for both CPUs, so all I have to do is flip a switch (or whatever) depending on which machine I need to work on.

Is this something that could be done?

Clearly I'm a novice here, so if what I'm thinking of is totally unfeasible, feel free to let me know.

It just seems like that would give me a lot more room to work and clean up some of the clutter, etc. I wouldn't always have to be turning around to use the other machine, stuff like that.

I found this item online:

http://store.yahoo.com/directron/switch08112.html

It kinda looks like something that might do what I need.

But again, I'm a novice and I could be way off base about what that device is.

Can anyone out there tell me if this can actually be done, and if so, what I might need to do it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated, rest assured.

Many thanks in advance for any thoughts you guys might have on this.

Cheers.

Snaithbert

 

[RandyG]

That's exactly what you need, a KVM switch

you will also need the cables.

Basically, you plug your Keyboard, Video, and Mouse into the switch box, and then you will need a set of cables to go from the switchbox to each machine.

So, you need the box and 2 sets of cables.


you won't need any software, and it's easy-peasy.

The only problem would be if the keyboard and mouse you wanted to use were cordless, or USB. or if the monitor you wanted to use were digital requiring a different connection.

 

[snaithbert2]

Wow, thanks for the quick response!

A couple more things, if I may:

The keyboard and mouse I was planning to use are indeed USB.

That's a problem?

Does the KVM switch not accomodate USB?

If not, how would you recommend rectifying this?

Some kind of USB to serial adaptor?

If such a thing exists?

Also, can you specify the type of cables I need?

I get overwhelmed at the electronics store and I'm lost if I don't know exactly what kind of item I need.

Any help on this would really be appreciated.

I'm excited that this might actually work!

If it does, I may just keep the old computer around full time.

Use it to burn CDs and stuff while I'm working on the main computer.

Anyhow, thanks for the info thus far, I'm now a lot more confidant about this plan than I was an hour ago.

Cheers,

Snaithbert

 

[RandyG]

Hi Snaithbert,

The KVM switch you posted a link to only supports normal p/S2 connections for keyboard and mouse, and a normal D-socket for a monitor. It does not have any USB ports on it.

There are, indeed, adaptors that you can use to plug onto the USB end of the mouse and keyboard, which will fit nicely into a P/S2 port. My USB MS Intellimouse Explorer came with one. heck, I was using it in the P/S2 port for about a month until I realised that the end was just an adaptor. I found one on that site you linked from, USB-to-PS/2 Adapter, from USB Female Port - to PS/2 Male Port, OEM

As to the cables, right above the Add to Cart button, they have an option to include the cables you need. You would need 2 of these.

If you do not want to buy from these guys, then you can still use their nomenclature when going to your local shop.