Two compters one monitor ?

[MadAmos]

Is this possible to do and if so how? and to make it a little more complicated can you also share a USB mouse and keyboard?

Amos 😕

 

[SparkyJJO]

You need a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. You can find them in 2, 4, 8, and more configurations to run a gazillion computers from one monitor, keyboard and mouse.

 

[MadAmos]

I will check this out at Newegg any suggestions ona good unit for use with DVI ?

Amos 😎

 

[SparkyJJO]

I've never used one before, so I can't really say. But I'll bet you'll want to stay away from the $15 8-port specials 😉

Someone else can probably point you to a good unit.

 

[pkme2]

On my Linux rigs I use a Sony CPD-L181A. I can have both rigs on and can switch from one to another by clicking a button on side.
Both computers are plugged into monitor. One is FC5 and the other is Ubuntu.

 

[Bobthelost]

I don't bother, i've got 2 USB hubs and i unplug the mouse and keyboard (all through one USB connector) from PC1 and plug them into PC2. I've got dual inputs on the screen so i just change which one i'm using there.

 

[MadAmos]

Thanks for all the input after reading all the reviews of the varios options I have decided for now to operate as Bobthelost does it apears to have the least drawbacks and the greatest chance of long term reliabilty.

Amos 😎

 

[Penth]

KVMs are like $20 and they usually allow you to switch with a simple key combination on the keyboard. I'd say that is less drawbacks then having to manually switch the USB cable and switch which port your monitor receives from.

 

[dBTelos]

Look here.

 

[pkrush]

If you're not going to be using one of the systems very often, consider XP's Remote desktop or maybe some kind of VNC program (there are several, RealVNC works fairly well). This will let you use one computer's keyboard, video, and mouse to control pretty much an unlimited number of other computers. The problem is that 3D graphics and sound aren't transmitted and there's a small but noticeable amount of lag.

 

[phisrow]

Some monitors support two connections at a time. A few even will do picture-in-picture if so ordered. If your monitor doesn't, you need a KVM.

For two machines and VGA, KVMs are pretty cheap. If you want DVI, things get a lot more expensive. I can't give you too much specific advice, unfortunately(bought my last KVM 6 years ago, from some .com's liquidation, an older 8 port rackmount Apex box.)

 

[Juno]

kvm switch or remote desktop connection.

 

[Bobthelost]

KVMs are the best option, but the one i got was a load of unreliable shite (belkin) so i went for the fool proof USB hub system. There are advantages, cheaper than a DVI KVM, it lets me operate my monitors independently (i've got 2) and i don't have to control the screen i'm looking at. But you do have to mess around with the wires. I'm happy with it.