Need KVM switch advice

[jmebonner]

Howdy

I've got a few computers here that I use to crunch fad, but I'm tryin to make the arrangement a little less messy.
At the moment, I have two cows atop my desk and only one monitor for them. I should be adding another couple computers in the next couple months.

Problem is, I only want to use one monitor for the cows (not the same one as my main rig either) So...I suppose I need a KVM switch to help tidy things up. I need some advice on what to and what not to buy, how much I'll have to fork over to get one, and also if anyone knows of any good deals.

Thanks!

[Omardeth]

www.monoprice.com
they have about the cheapest prices you will find for a kvm switch . they have a 4 port manual for 28$ shipped , if i remember the price right . and that it comes WITH the cables . it is manual so you will have to switch between the pc's yourself with the pushbuttons . and it will only do up to 1024x 768 . so if you have a small 15" monitor it will work great .

they also havd a 4 port auto kvm switch WITH the cables for about 47$ shipped . thats is a really good deal also . most places want that much for the switch alone . and you get the cables with it for that price .

i have bought from them 3 times sofar and had NO problems with them . i got my orders within days of paying for them so i would recomend them .

there are also programs to do it also but they worry me because it gives hackers a way in . some people luv them and haven't had any problems with them . but me personally , i don't like to use them . i think one of the programs is called tight vrc or something like that . look around in the FaD forums i know i have seen it talked about in there .

[PresterJohn]

guys,

if you're just going to run those machines as crunchers primarily, then i really do recommend a remote access program like tightvnc (i use a commercial product). i've never used the VNC stuff but i think you can secure it w/a password.

i've got over a dz machines running FAD and buying kvm's for them all is too expensive and too kludgy (too many cables).

[jmebonner]

Thanks omar, I'll give it a look... I should be pming you soon about some parts, btw

PJ, I've uses VNC and it always gave me problem, not really sure why, but it was too much to mess with

[PresterJohn]

jme, i'm sure the other guys could probably help ya if you posted your problem.

i can't say enough about how easy it is us remotely manage things w/software. it's more scaleable & i can control all my boxes from one console...no need to physically switch stuff. maks it a snap.

[jmebonner]

Yeah, yeah, I know, but there's only one problem...

I'm a lazy miserable sluggard and solving problems takes too much time J/K!!!!

I may give it a go at a later date, but the KVM suits my needs for now. I also highly doubt my wife would be very impressed if I had more than 5 computers running in this house

[PresterJohn]

i hear ya

hey...get the kvm if you can find a good price.

[Rand Dusing]

I use VNC and it works fine. Just for added protection don't forward or open the port it uses.

[Omardeth]

Originally posted by jmebonner

I'm a lazy miserable sluggard and solving problems takes too much time J/K!!!!

man i knew there was a reason i likeded ya

[jmebonner]

I ordered the cheap pne for 29.02 shipped fyi...



Also, could a guy use a wireless combo on that KVM?