On Wed, Jun 28, 2000 at 10:06:51AM -0600, Daniel Woods wrote:
>
> I had decided to spend money on a KVM switch ($45) and
> cables for 2 computers ($30) in order to control both PCs
> from the same keyboard, monitor (19"), keyboard and mouse.
> This is the cheap version where you manually flip a switch
> to A-B-C-D. I figured that I could control and use both
> this way, and less desktop space used (get rid of zenith).
> As well, getting a third or fourth computer would not
> require another monitor, etc.
>
> What a waste of money...
>
> When I was using the linux box, it all worked well until I
> switched to the NT and booted that one up... keyboard error.
> And when I switched back to Linux, the mouse control was
> gone. The monitor was able to switch but it was like you
> just turned it on. Even when I modified the BIOS to not
> report keyboard errors, it did. Effectively, switching
> back and forth is like removing the keyboard and mouse,
> which the O/S see as no longer being there.
>
> The alternative is the digital KVMs which maintain power
> to each connection. As well, you can use hotkeys to switch
> between each setup. I believe it traps the hotkey in the
> switch box, makes the change, and then drops the keyboard
> sequence into neverland. This is a nice option, and can
> save money if you don't have to pay for another monitor.
> THe kicker of course, is that these cost between $200-$400
> or more for 2 or 4-port versions. Some (like Belkin) have
> PS/2 only connections for keyboard/mouse, others also
> include a PS/2 AND serial mouse connections.
>
> Do you have any recommendations or other experiences ?
>
> Thanks... Dan.
I also use a KVM switch to toggle between two Linux computers. I consider
it a temporary expedient until I get SSH running between all the computers
in my home network. I want that so I can cut and paste between computers
on the same desktop.
I don't see anything on the thing that indicates manufacturer or other
identity, but the price suggests it is not a digital box.
The doc on my box indicated that it did not support 3 button mice. Mine
appears to work just fine with a 3 button mouse, but that may be because I
toggle between two Linux boxes. You might check that for your KVM box.
I found the same problem booting one computer while the other runs X. I
shutdown A, and find that the rodent no longer works on B. The solution is
to force B to reinitialize the rodent. Do this with Ctl-Alt-F9, then
Ctl-Alt-F7 to get back to X.
In your situation, you should be able to take the NT box down, and use
those keystrokes to recover the Linux box. I don't know how to force the
NT box to reinitialize the rodent. I also don't know if NT and Linux
initialization are compatible; that could also be a problem.
Hope that helps.
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