kvm switch or software to do the same

[Omardeth]

was thinking about getting a kvm switch so i can run a few pc's from one keyboard / mouse / monitor .

1) can i make the cables ? i have a elc store near where i should be able to get the parts or is it better to buy cables .

2) i heard in other threads there is software that will do the same . anybody know the name of this software ? is it easy to set up ? how will the pc's boot without mouse and keyboard and monitor or do you boot them and pull them ?

3) any brand i should look for if i am getting a switch never used one .

4) cheap place to find them without dealing with (&%$(^% online vendors .

thanks

well omar the software is called VNC or real vnc or tight vnc i'll get the links in a sec. From what I understand to get your systems to boot you'll still have to have a keyboard/monitor/mouse attached so you might still want to go with the kvm swtich but the software is nice and free wich makes it nicer. If you like me and I know you are you've got a few boxes and your more than likely going to need at least a 4comp kvm switch if you get one

here the thread fun with vnc

a few links to the software real vnc tight vnc

[Omardeth]

ya i was thinking of getting a 4 or 8 port . i found some manual switchs for really cheap . whats the difference between the manual and auto . are the auto worth the extra money ?

[sam]

i have the"auto" it is a hot key so all i have to do is hit : scroll lock-arrow up or down to switch from pc to pc

[Omardeth]

hmm after reading about vnc i wonder if that is a good idea or not . seems like it will leave it open to someone else to connect to it and highjack my pc .

[DVNT1]

Any program you install that has networked communications will open another potential exploitation. VNC is not known for being highly exploitable and you can do a couple things to make it reasonable safer. Change the default port it listens on and use a strong password.

As for a couple of your other earlier questions:
1) can you make your own kvm cables? many times you can not but it depends on the kvm solution you buy
3) Raritan is a very good brand but expensive. Belkin is okay cand can be relatively cheap cheap. This one, http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...threadid=60510 , is very cheap and works okay. Also do a search in the Online Deals and Coupons forum to see other good buys http://www.techimo.com/forum/search....der=descending

[Good Companion]

Omar:

I've got a KVM switch (forget the brand) and I really like it. I just had to hook it up and it worked. No software to install or settings to play with. On mine the cables stick out of either side, but if I had it to do overagain, I would purchase one with all of the connections on one side. (Easier to hide under the desk, between desk and wall, etc.)

The only down side is that the keystroke to switch machines is the control key hit twice fast. When playing games that use control to fire a weapon, I've switched machines inadvertantly. (I can change the fire key in the game, but I'd like to switch the KVM keystroke to something less used. Haven't figured out how to do this.)

Dana

[Omardeth]

ok i don't wanna get anything fancy it is just for my cows for FAD so tel me what ya think .

i found this one on ebay for 37$ and change shipped . it is manual and comes with 4 cables .
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=3706

or this 4port with all cables for 52.98
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/kmexpress/tn-tk400k.html

what ya think wanna order it tomorrow or tonight .

thanks

[cbuddha42]

well i would go with first becuse its sheeper, has all the ports on one side, and isnt #$%#in translucent blue (sorry i hate companies that try to make their product look diff when it would have looked better beige). oh and both come with all the cables but the cables for the first one (where you can acctually see them) have very little space between vga and the other connectors because the others come off of vga on extreamly short wires.......probably made for server where vid in intergrated.

oh and rember this cuts your max res to 1024x768

[wctyler]

I bought a two port switch with built in cables for ~$30 new. Scroll-Scroll-Esc to switch.