connecting 2 PC's - 1 monitor

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 16:13

I've got some spare parts left over from my old pc, ie. everything but a case, and I have been toying with the idea of using it as a server for my downloading via torrents, or maybe hosting an occasional CoD game. However, as I don't want to shell out for a monitor and keyboard+mouse, what will I need to get in order to juggle between 2 pc's with my main and only 1 monitor?
I have seen I need something called a KVM kit. is that correct, if so can someone elaborate please? As I would like to share my bandwidth from internet with both pc's, I was wondering the cheapest and quickest/easiest way to do this? maybe LAN? Bearing in mind security is important.
Also, is there any software that will allow me to allocate a certain ammount to either pc that I choose?
Thanks, I really am not clued up about this sort of thing.

A[L]C · 20 Oct 2006 at 16:16

either a kvm or just some remote access software like vnc

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 16:19

A[L]C said:
either a kvm or just some remote access software like vnc

So would it be fine to just run everything through LAN network? I know you can access shared folders etc, but can you run a game through a 2nd PC via the other? Connect to internet through in the same fasion?

InvaderGIR · 20 Oct 2006 at 16:47

If you want to use the other pc you'll either need to keep swapping the peripherals or buy a KVM switch, a network switch will not help.

If you have a monitor with two inputs you could have them both feeding intho that though.

InvG

Ender · 20 Oct 2006 at 16:56

your want one of these
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/KVMs.html

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 17:23

Ender said:
your want one of these
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/KVMs.html

OK THANKS

That will do, I guess I'll set up a LAN also, so I can share internet, but any ideas how I allocate say exactly half my internet speed to each PC?

Minstadave · 20 Oct 2006 at 17:28

Just use the remote desktop built into windows XP, its free, doesn't need anything but a network connection between the two machines, and the desktop of the other machine runs on your main machine in a window, so you can open it up/minimise it at will.

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 18:02

But is there any option to say allocate 400kbs to one pc, and 100kbs to the other? Or will I need some software?

ReeMISM · 20 Oct 2006 at 18:06

I think if you want to allocate certain bandwith to other pc,s on your network your going to need something like this which is a bandwith manager if this is not suited to your needs then i am sure there is other software similar to this that would help..

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 19:05

ReeMISM said:
I think if you want to allocate certain bandwith to other pc,s on your network your going to need something like this which is a bandwith manager if this is not suited to your needs then i am sure there is other software similar to this that would help..

Looks great, thanks

I'll look about for a free similar thing

Minstadave · 20 Oct 2006 at 19:08

http://www.netlimiter.com/

Thats good for bandwidth limiting, not sure how functional the free version is though

i_am_mowerman · 20 Oct 2006 at 19:33

Minstadave said:
http://www.netlimiter.com/

Thats good for bandwidth limiting, not sure how functional the free version is though

thank you very very much