Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]

Groups > alt.comp.hardware > #20550 > unrolled thread

Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

Back to article view | Back to alt.comp.hardware

Contents

  Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-16 14:10 -0500
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Ed Cryer <ed@somewhere.in.the.uk> - 2023-11-16 19:23 +0000
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-16 14:57 -0500
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-16 15:17 -0500
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> - 2023-11-16 21:19 +0100
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 21:35 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> - 2023-11-18 09:15 +0100
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "David W. Hodgins" <dwhodgins@nomail.afraid.org> - 2023-11-16 15:59 -0500
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 22:22 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "David W. Hodgins" <dwhodgins@nomail.afraid.org> - 2023-11-17 23:03 -0500
          Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 23:37 -0500
            Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-18 12:57 -0500
              Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-19 11:00 -0500
                Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-19 14:39 -0500
          Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Mark Lloyd <not.email@all.invalid> - 2023-11-18 11:50 -0600
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-12-03 10:12 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "David W. Hodgins" <dwhodgins@nomail.afraid.org> - 2023-12-03 14:14 -0500
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> - 2023-11-16 21:20 +0000
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-16 19:08 -0500
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once Char Jackson <none@none.invalid> - 2023-11-16 15:36 -0600
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-16 19:03 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 20:15 -0500
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> - 2023-11-17 09:38 +0100
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 20:08 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once Char Jackson <none@none.invalid> - 2023-11-17 20:26 -0600
          Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> - 2023-11-18 09:25 +0100
            Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once Char Jackson <none@none.invalid> - 2023-11-18 13:10 -0600
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at  once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 22:19 -0500
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> - 2023-11-17 12:21 -0500
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-17 20:26 -0500
        Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> - 2023-11-17 23:45 -0500
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Char Jackson <none@none.invalid> - 2023-11-17 20:02 -0600
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Brian Gregory <void-invalid-dead-dontuse@email.invalid> - 2023-11-18 13:29 +0000
    Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once Brian Gregory <void-invalid-dead-dontuse@email.invalid> - 2023-11-18 14:18 +0000
      Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> - 2023-11-18 11:48 -0500

Page 2 of 2 — ← Prev page 1 [2]

#20558

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>>Running two computers at once. 
>>
>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>up.  
>>
>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
>>what am I to do? 
>>
>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>both so easily .
>
>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend
>that approach over a KVM. I had two KVM switches a long time ago, but they've
>both gone to Goodwill. Good riddance.
>
>With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you want to use, but with
>RDP you simply click in a window, or if the 2nd PC is running full screen, just
>click anywhere in that screen. It's so much faster, easier, and convenient.

You folks have given me a lot to think about.  I had planned to cut out
thinking when I retired.  This is like joining a gym after years of
lethargy.   I will look into RDP and, David,synergy. 		

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20563

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:03:27 -0500, micky
<NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

>In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
>Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
>>
>>>Running two computers at once. 
>>>
>>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>>desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>>up.  
>>>
>>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>>computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>>USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
>>>what am I to do? 
>>>
>>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>>both so easily .
>>
>>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend

Google says I need wint 10 1703 or later. 

Winver for the desktop runing win10 Pro says
    ver 20H2 (OS build 19042,844).  Does that mean it's version 844?  
    I never know what version I have!

Winver for the desktop runing win10 Home says
    ver 22H2 (OS build 19045,3693).  Does that mean it's version 3693? 

So one computer would be enough. 

>>that approach over a KVM. I had two KVM switches a long time ago, but they've
>>both gone to Goodwill. Good riddance.
>>
>>With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you want to use, but with
>>RDP you simply click in a window, or if the 2nd PC is running full screen, just
>>click anywhere in that screen. It's so much faster, easier, and convenient.
>
>You folks have given me a lot to think about.  I had planned to cut out
>thinking when I retired.  This is like joining a gym after years of
>lethargy.   I will look into RDP and, David,synergy. 		

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20560

Char,

> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window

I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work 
than doing the same using the keyboard.

My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the 
selection.  My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad 
press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock, 
and than press 1...7 for the selection.

Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)

Though to be honest, I can't seem to get my muscle-memory to remember the 
"release minus before NumLock" order consistently. :-\

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20562

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:38:10 +0100,
"R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> wrote:

>Char,
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work 
>than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
>My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the 
>selection.  My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad 
>press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock, 
>and than press 1...7 for the selection.
>
>Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)

It *sounds* like a lot of work. 

>
>Though to be honest, I can't seem to get my muscle-memory to remember the 
>"release minus before NumLock" order consistently. :-\
>
>Regards,
>Rudy Wieser
>

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20566

On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:38:10 +0100, "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> wrote:

>Char,
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work 
>than doing the same using the keyboard.

Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously running
applications. To move from one application to the other, you can click in the
relevant window. There are other ways, but that's the example I'm using.

From that simple example, I'll add a second PC, without a mouse, KB, or monitor
connected. The second PC has only power and Ethernet. Using RDP, in my example,
you can now switch between applications running on either system simply by
clicking anywhere in the relevant application window. Whether it's one system or
two (or more), you'd have to make that click anyway, so it's nothing additional.

To extend the example further, add a second display to the first PC. Now you can
move the RDP session onto the second display. From the user perspective, at that
point you have one PC and all of its running applications on one display, and
the second PC with all of its running apps on the second display. To switch from
one PC to the other, you click in the relevant window. No clunky keyboard
combinations required, or no reaching for a physical KVM switch.

That's why I say it's faster, easier, and more efficient. I can see both
displays at all times, and switching from one system to the other is exactly the
same as switching from one application to another. I don't think it can get any
easier than that.

If one were inclined to do so, you could add another PC, another display, and
another RDP session to run 3 systems seamlessly. Or you could share a display
among two or more systems, since each RDP session can not only be run full
screen but also can be run in a window.

>My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the 

I had a D-Link KVM that operated that way! Annoying. :-)

>selection.  My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad 
>press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock, 
>and than press 1...7 for the selection.
>
>Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)
>
>Though to be honest, I can't seem to get my muscle-memory to remember the 
>"release minus before NumLock" order consistently. :-\

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20574

Char,

>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
> running applications.

[snip]

Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.

You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick 
is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...

>> My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than
>> 1...4 for the
>
> I had a D-Link KVM that operated that way! Annoying. :-)

:-)  You could always have gone for an even older version, the ones with the 
selection buttons on the KVMs front, or even yet older, with the rotary 
switch. :-p

Regards,
Rudy Wieser.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20580

On Sat, 18 Nov 2023 09:25:55 +0100, "R.Wieser" <address@is.invalid> wrote:

>Char,
>
>>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>>
>> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
>> running applications.
>
>[snip]
>
>Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.
>
>You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick 
>is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...

I didn't forget, since that was the entire point of my post. You snipped it, but
it shouldn't be a problem because you know how it works. ;-)

>>> My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than
>>> 1...4 for the
>>
>> I had a D-Link KVM that operated that way! Annoying. :-)
>
>:-)  You could always have gone for an even older version, the ones with the 
>selection buttons on the KVMs front, or even yet older, with the rotary 
>switch. :-p

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20568

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>>Running two computers at once. 
>>
>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>up.  
>>
>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
>>what am I to do? 
>>
>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>both so easily .
>
>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend

from 11/2022  "You can't connect to computers running a home edition,
like Win10 Home."   And one of mine is Home.   Maybe eventually I'll
have all Pro, although this page doesn't mention win11.  Thanks for the
suggestion. 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/remote-desktop-allow-access


>that approach over a KVM. I had two KVM switches a long time ago, but they've
>both gone to Goodwill. Good riddance.
>
>With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you want to use, but with
>RDP you simply click in a window, or if the 2nd PC is running full screen, just
>click anywhere in that screen. It's so much faster, easier, and convenient.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20561 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

On 11/16/2023 2:10 PM, micky wrote:
> Running two computers at once. 
> 
> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
> desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
> up.  
> 
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
> computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
> USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
> what am I to do? 
> 
> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
> both so easily .
> 

There are the following graphics converters.
This is not an exhaustive list. I own three out of this
set, and multiple of some of them. Having multiple even
came in handy (accidental foresight).

HDMI to VGA (active, cheap)
DP   to VGA (active, cheap)

DP++ to HDMI (passive, cheap)
DP   to HDMi (active, cheap)   [For the Optiplex 780, which isn't DP++ capable]

DVI to HDMI  (could be passive)
DL-DVI to HDMI (active, likely $$)
(Anything DVI-I or DVI-D is pretty obscure now. Modern vid cards no longer have DVI-I.)

There are converters for just about anything. But you must
acquire a set, before they go out of production. The last
HDMI to VGA I bought, I had to go upmarket a bit and get
one with an analog audio output (stereo), in order to get
an adapter. Startech was almost wiped out by COVID. And
my local computer store, just doesn't have the stock any more.

Conversion at high resolution, can have more issues. I don't
have any 4K stuff here to experiment with.

*******

I would run a KVM on two computers, and leave the third
computer separate. I refuse to believe the three machines
need "equal access". For example, one machine here functions
as a NAS, and it hardly needs a screen when it is doing that.
I could sit that in the kitchen, and hardly ever look at it.

I could see if one machine was running Linux, another Windows,
the third machine was your file server, you might use a dual-port
KVM. KVM pricing is not "rational", and you will pay too much
in any case.

Switching could be done with a button or knob on top of the KVM.
Intercepting key presses is for the birds. Not all computers
seem to be compatible, and you have to be a Level 39 Wizard
to solve all the KVM problems. KVM setup is hardly ever a
joyful experience. It's expensive, and craptastic.

That's why the answer you got, with a monitor having three
HDMI inputs, that exemplifies the "easy" part of the problem,
the routing of graphics to a monitor. But some of the other
conversions (PS/2 interfaces to USB outputs or something),
that stuff can be pretty rough.

I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
KVM company profits either. I have two monitors, two keyboards,
two mice here. For two machines. I put a PC in the kitchen
if I need a third.

   Paul

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20564 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:21:03 -0500, Paul
<nospam@needed.invalid> wrote:

>On 11/16/2023 2:10 PM, micky wrote:
>> Running two computers at once. 
>> 
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.  
>> 
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
>> what am I to do? 
>> 
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>> 
>
>There are the following graphics converters.
>This is not an exhaustive list. I own three out of this
>set, and multiple of some of them. Having multiple even
>came in handy (accidental foresight).
>
>HDMI to VGA (active, cheap)
>DP   to VGA (active, cheap)
>
>DP++ to HDMI (passive, cheap)
>DP   to HDMi (active, cheap)   [For the Optiplex 780, which isn't DP++ capable]
>
>DVI to HDMI  (could be passive)
>DL-DVI to HDMI (active, likely $$)
>(Anything DVI-I or DVI-D is pretty obscure now. Modern vid cards no longer have DVI-I.)
>
>There are converters for just about anything. But you must
>acquire a set, before they go out of production. The last
>HDMI to VGA I bought, I had to go upmarket a bit and get
>one with an analog audio output (stereo), in order to get
>an adapter. Startech was almost wiped out by COVID. And
>my local computer store, just doesn't have the stock any more.
>
>Conversion at high resolution, can have more issues. I don't
>have any 4K stuff here to experiment with.
>
>*******
>
>I would run a KVM on two computers, and leave the third
>computer separate. I refuse to believe the three machines
>need "equal access".

It's not that the 3rd box, which isn't even functional yet ;-), needs
equal access.  It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
behind it.  I can't touch-type on the rear one.  I have to hunt and
peck.  

That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
the wrong computer. 
  And I have tried writing in one computer and emailing to the other,
but yesterday I needed data from the 2nd computer B and needed to write
in the first A, so I was going to have to send part from B to A and then
the whole thing from A to B and it was just ridiculous. 
  OTOH, see my latest answer, today's, to John. 

I do have room for two mice, and I may keep both of them.  In fact, the
FAQ for John's method says for win7 or 8 and above there can be a
problem if you don't have a 2nd mouse plugged in, so even if I use that
method, I might as well use a second mouse.. 

> For example, one machine here functions
>as a NAS, and it hardly needs a screen when it is doing that.

I don't know what a NAS is.  If I have a third, it will definitely need
a monitor. 

>I could sit that in the kitchen, and hardly ever look at it.
>
>I could see if one machine was running Linux,

That's one thing I've wanted to do on a spare computer. 

> another Windows,
>the third machine was your file server, you might use a dual-port
>KVM. KVM pricing is not "rational", and you will pay too much
>in any case.
>
>Switching could be done with a button or knob on top of the KVM.

I like the remote button.  The box itself will be 2 feet farther back. 

>Intercepting key presses is for the birds. Not all computers
>seem to be compatible, and you have to be a Level 39 Wizard
>to solve all the KVM problems. KVM setup is hardly ever a
>joyful experience. It's expensive, and craptastic.

We shall see. This thread reminded me that I did have one before and it
worked well, maybe on win7?, but stopped using it when the HDD in the
spare PC crashed and I went back to using only one PC (and the laptop
onlly on trips, not when I got home like now.)   It might have had round
PS2 plugs, so I can't use it now. 

I know things will be different now. 

>That's why the answer you got, with a monitor having three
>HDMI inputs, that exemplifies the "easy" part of the problem,
>the routing of graphics to a monitor. But some of the other
>conversions (PS/2 interfaces to USB outputs or something),
>that stuff can be pretty rough.
>
>I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
>KVM company profits either.

Even now they are as little as $21 for 2-port, $27 for 4-port. 

> I have two monitors, two keyboards,
>two mice here. For two machines. I put a PC in the kitchen
>if I need a third.
>
>   Paul

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20572 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

On 11/17/2023 8:26 PM, micky wrote:

> It's not that the 3rd box, which isn't even functional yet ;-), needs
> equal access.  It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
> keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
> behind it.  I can't touch-type on the rear one.  I have to hunt and
> peck.  
> 
> That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
> tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
> the wrong computer. 

With a little carpentry, you could probably make some better
work surfaces for yourself.

One of my keyboards is at table height. The second keyboard
happens to be one foot above the table.

   Paul

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20565 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:21:03 -0500, Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> wrote:

>I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
>KVM company profits either.

Same here. I have plenty of firsthand experience with them, and I don't plan to
add any more.

>I have two monitors, two keyboards,
>two mice here. For two machines.

For two machines, I use one keyboard, one mouse, and two displays. I use the
laptop display for the laptop, and the 24" display (which is physically
connected to the laptop) for the desktop system. The desktop system has no
mouse, no keyboard, and no display directly connected, but it has Ethernet,
which is all I need for RDP.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20575 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

On 16/11/2023 19:10, micky wrote:
> Running two computers at once.
> 
> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
> desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
> up.
> 
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
> computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
> USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
> what am I to do?
> 
> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
> both so easily .

Then forget about HDMI. HDMI is for the screen. It's irrelevant if 
you're not switching a screen.

You just need something you can connect your USB keyboard and USB mouse 
to which can switch them between three (or four) USB inputs from the PCs.

-- 
Brian Gregory (in England).

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20576 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

On 16/11/2023 19:10, micky wrote:
> Running two computers at once.
> 
> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
> desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
> up.
> 
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
> computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
> USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
> what am I to do?
> 
> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
> both so easily .

Something like this ought to do it if I understand your requirements 
correctly:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74SPYFN/

-- 
Brian Gregory (in England).

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#20577 — Re: Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:18:37 +0000, Brian
Gregory <void-invalid-dead-dontuse@email.invalid> wrote:

>On 16/11/2023 19:10, micky wrote:
>> Running two computers at once.
>> 
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time.  And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.
>> 
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs.   And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB.   I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?   So
>> what am I to do?
>> 
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>
>Something like this ought to do it if I understand your requirements 
>correctly:
>
>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74SPYFN/

Yes, that doesn't have monitor switching!  And it's only about $30 but
still usb3. Tnx. 

[toc] | [prev] | [standalone]

Page 2 of 2 — ← Prev page 1 [2]

Back to top | Article view | alt.comp.hardware

csiph-web