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Thread: What do I need to know about KVM switches?

  1. #1
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    Default What do I need to know about KVM switches?

    Been just swapping the video cable back and forth between two machines that we use on the same desk at my house. Think it would make a hell of a lot more sense to use a KVM switch. Thing is, it seems like there are a lot of options. What do I need to know about KVM switches? obviously, the cable compatibility is important. what else?

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    What about monitors that have built in speakers? Any of the KVM switches handle sound?
    One of the computers is a pretty old laptop, it doesn't have HDMI connection.

    I see some are USB cable connections, I had no idea USB was used for video in this way.

    I actually run a computer in my basement too, would be awesome if I could switch to that, although I only have Cat5 down to that location. Seems like most KVM switches expect all connections to be the same type of cable.

    Teach me like I'm mar. TMLIM, I think that should be a new beyond.ca acronym.
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    Actually need a new monitor. Looking at this one:
    http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX51887

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    why don't you use RDP to log into the other PC?

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    Originally posted by benyl
    why don't you use RDP to log into the other PC?
    Yup. I use Chrome Remote Desktop on my notebook into my desk PC. I can switch from one computer to the next using ctrl-tab and remote in externally as well.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Disoblige View Post
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    Arash reminds me of Mar but I can't tell which one is more stupid.
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    Yeah well I wonder how they get the soft flowing caramel inside the Caramilk bar but you don't see me making a god damn thread about it. Slap your wife Baygirl, straighten him out.

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    Originally posted by ExtraSlow


    I see some are USB cable connections, I had no idea USB was used for video in this way.

    ]
    USB is for Keyboard and mouse the k and m of KVM

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    Remote desktop probably makes sense for my basement computer. Feel like for my "home office" the KVM makes more sense. Both the computers there are laptops, and on any given day, either one might be located elsewhere.

    Also, thanks for the schooling on the USB!
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    Any difference between the $19.99 2 port switch and the $100+ ones?
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    A decent KVM is going to be $300+

    The rest will likely fail pretty quick.

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    Buy ten of the $20 dollar ones, Profit!

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    Originally posted by ExtraSlow
    Remote desktop probably makes sense for my basement computer. Feel like for my "home office" the KVM makes more sense. Both the computers there are laptops, and on any given day, either one might be located elsewhere.

    Also, thanks for the schooling on the USB!
    I use RDP at work quite a bit, for home access I've been using VNC for years, even remotely via phone or computer.

    You could also use TeamViewer.

    No real benefit using a KVM now a days unless your devices are not connected on the same network.

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    So I need this software put onto the computer that's going to be sitting at the desk most often? And it can then view any other computer that is on the network?
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    I used to use teamviewer to get into my home computer from the office, before that it was RDP over dnydns via port 3389, but my office got pretty strict and started locking down all the ports.

    At home I use rdp to get into the machine in the basement or something. But at my desk where my laptop is, my wife also uses the same desk, kb, mouse, and monitor, so I just went with a KVM for that solution instead. That way i could just swap between my machine or hers.
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    RDP is built into professional versions of windows.

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    Really didn't like the Chrome Remote desktop. Wife picked up some thirty dollar KVM from staples, and it's working good, exactly what I wanted.
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    Bump.

    I have a Ultra wide screen monitor. It has two HDMI ports so I can switch between my new gaming laptop and work laptop. I don't like switching using the monitor. Its only a matter of time till this button breaks.

    My worklaptop has a mini dell usb hub thingy.
    I have a work keyboard(ergonomic),
    ergonomic mouse
    Work headset.
    video cam

    My gaming laptop, has a gaming keyboard, gaming mouse, gaming headset.
    My desktop is a mess with cables.

    So 7 USB connections
    I was thinking of a KVM Switch and plug everything into that and switch.
    Do KVM switches have up to 7 USB connectors? Or would this be a case of getting a hub and a KVM switch?
    I want my desktop a bit tidy. Any suggestions?

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