kvm switch

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looking at geting another kvm switch, more specifically this one because its USB and got audio and a high res but what i don't underdstand is why it says for Windows o/s only ?

grim

 

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It says the switching software is Windows only.

We support a 4 port PS/2 switch at work and that can having any OS going through it - but only on Windows (2k and XP I think) will the keyboard shortcut work - ie, hit Scroll Lock twice and then a port number to change to the other screen/system.

My guess would be that it works in a similar way and only likes Windows input to switch (except for manually pressing the button!)

 

i already have a 5 year old switch be it an older PS/2, low res with no audio but that worked with Windows and Linux for all the use i needed. maybe theres a few features that don't work and they're just covering their backs ?

grim

 

I agree the switching software would be used if you wanted to use shortcuts on your keyboard, just press the buttons on the switch itself to switch between PCs.

 

from the reviews the software for these switches is pants and i don't intent to use it. all i want it to do is run my main rig with XP and my shuttle with Ubuntu and Vista.

grim

 

KVM switches are notoriously finicky about switching between OSs. Those that do it well, do it very well. Others will exhibit a variety of strange symptoms such as having to unplug and then plug the mouse and keyboard back into the KVM switch after moving between different OSs or the mouse and keyboard won't work, or even working with one Linux distro while refusing to work another one. Other KVMs simply refuse to work at all with any OS other than Windows.

I bought a 4 port IOGear a few years ago that came complete with 4 6' cables for something like around $100 at the time. Due to blind luck, as I did no research into whether or not it would work with multiple OSs, it has worked with every OS I've ever connected it to, and it's been completely trouble free now for something like 5 or 6 years.

I would most definitely buy another IOGear KVM.

 

We use those switches at work and they're a bloody pain! Sometimes they take an age to realise you've switched and although the monitor is showing the correct display, it takes ages for the mouse and keyboard to start working. It does seem to vary from box to box though. Get a good switch and it's less than a second. The worse one I came across had to be 'retired' with a cup of coffee as it was taking on average 50 seconds to accept any input from mouse or keyboard.
I can recommend the KVMs we use now but you're looking at about £70 for them!!

Aten 2 port KVM

Lord Deckard.

 

To save money and most of the hassle that comes with kvm switches why not just vnc software?

 

oh, to echo what others have said - the KVMs we use at work suck - I think I would find another way of doing what you want to do - either another make, or perhaps VNC....

 

ive never had a problem with kvms switches at home or at work.

grim

 

Ive never had any problems with my switch. Its a brand called starview, it got some good reviews aswell.

 

gonna borrow a belkin from work and test it with linux

grim

 

I have this Belkin one which i use at home, and other than the mouse taking about 5 seconds to kick in after swopping over, it works perfectly.

good price too - you seen the price of the cables if you have to buy them on their own?

Simon

 

only after a 2 port and the cables come with it

grim

 

These Linky are the little swines we have to support at work.... awful little buggers. The worst problem is making sure the mouse works on another choice when you change.... sometimes it doesn't and requires both computers a reboot to make it work again

 

we also have these at work... have you tried another mouse?

 

i'm sure i've seen them as well at work some where although i've yet to come into contact with them. The fault you're describing seems to be common if you read through the reviews on various belkin kvms.

grim

 

Tried many mice - it'll happen randomly around all the sites we have

Must admit I haven't looked at reviews about them - I just know I dislike them like the plague
And it wouldn't surprise me if others are moaning!

Good to know there are some other switches out there that are completely useless!

 

Plug & play hardware issue

 

Plus also giving them a nice get-out on the support desks.

Harry.