Two PCs, one monitor, one keyboard, one mouse, one set of speakers and one KVM switch with cables, what does this give you? The answer two working computers and best of all less desk space needed.
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The switch itself is 11x8x2cm, the front has five LEDs a reset
switch and a manual change switch. The left side has a cable to one PC,
the right side a cable to the second PC and the rear inputs from the
keyboard, mouse, speakers and monitor/panel.
Why do you need a KVM switch, well my reason was space. My old PC
layout allowed two monitors and keyboards to sit beside each other on
the desk with one mouse to the right and one to the left. It was a
little fiddly but it worked. However when last autumn I treated myself
to a new PC I knew short of having a total redesign on the office
probably using a sledgehammer that their was no longer room for two
monitors.
I had known about KVM switches for a while but mainly thought they
were useful when one person was controlling dozens or even hundreds of
PCs. My first choice was another company and although they happily
sent me a switch I never got to test it because I was never despite
repeated requests sent the cables.
Rose offered me a Vista Mini the smallest offering they do. Not only
does it control K keyboard V video and M mouse but also S
speakers so I even save a socket on the surge strip as I only need one
set of speakers.
In use, turn a PC on, either will do but I suggest the most
frequently used one be designated as PC one as all the settings
default to this and apart from a three LEDs one red one green and a
flashing yellow one you will notice no difference.
Now switch on PC number two and until you press either the manual
switch on the KVM unit or more normally the keyboard combination
shortcut you will know nothing about the second PC because all the
keyboard and mouse movements will still relate to PC number one.
You can of course turn both PCs on together or should you require
only PC number two but in this case you will need to use the keyboard
shortcut to get anything on the monitor or for the mouse and or
keyboard to respond.
Often I have need to carry out tasks such as burning a CD that
take several minutes once started there is nothing for you to do but
watch, with a KVM switch you can be carrying out meaningful work on the
other PC.
Rose are not the cheapest manufacturer around with their Vista Mini
being around £99 but it is solid and during my tests has proved
reliable.
Link : http://www.rose.com/htm/vista.htm
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