Does anyone here fix computers for a living at a shop?

[Nocturnal]

If you do, say you have five computers on your bench or whatever number more than just one. Do you have a keyboard/mouse/monitor for each computer you're working on or do you use a KVM switch? If you use a KVM switch what brand do you have and what model? I'm currently looking for a replacement for my Belkin KVM switch. I am very interested in the IOGear GCS1774 model but at this time it is not compatible with any nVidia nForce 3 or 4 chipset. So I've got my eyes on the Avocent SwitchView MM2 which is almost the same thing as the IOGear less the Ethernet switch.

The main issue I have with the Belkin is sometimes it stops responding on certain ports and I'll have to restart the computer and wait for it to load into Windows before I can switch to any other unit.

 

[superjohnyo]

I work mostly on Acer laptops, so I just line them up next to each other. When I do get a desktop, I just connect the mouse, keyboard, and monitor directly to it.

 

[Billzie7718]

We use Belkin on all our servers. Are you using the scroll lock button to switch back and forth??

 

[AdamSnow]

I don't do it every day, but when I'm rebuilding a bunch of machines at home I use a KVM... Forget the company name, I hid it under my desk and never see it...

 

[dquan97]

I use a 2port Linksys kvm switch to go between a workstation and server

 

[Leper Messiah]

normally just seperate perphials, but VNC is good for a vitrual KVM, just as long as all the PC's are hooked up to a network. Its free too.

 

[doze]

It's nice to have a station if you have room with a PS2 keyboard and mouse for each PC. KVM's can be confusing if you are installing different software packages at the same time. I have had good luck with linksys KVM's in the past on test systems and servers.

VNC is not practical for troubleshooting/repair work because it has to be loaded on each PC (no good for clean installs) and you cant enter the bios

 

[shortylickens]

I work on an airfield fixing the ground-based air navigation transmitter. It works like a beacon for the airfield. IT support is crummy and I find myself doing more and more computer work for people out here.