Software to provide KVM functionality (Mouse & Keyboard sharing)

kayone · 9 Nov 2020 at 14:53

Hello,

I'm currently using a USB hub switcher which is great when it works, but occasionally I'll get a "USB unrecognizable" error which renders it useless until I reboot or generally fix it.

I can see there are many software solutions however, I don't have access to install any software on my work laptop, so poses an issue as many need a 'client' install to talk to the 'server' install on my main PC.

I've finally started to look at remote desktop solution to solve this but my old Logmein account seems to want to charge me now...

Any comments/advice/suggestions is greatly appreciated - I just want to share mouse and keyboard with both computers easily.

Cheers.

FredFlint · 9 Nov 2020 at 21:08

I use synergy, been using it for years now, works fine.
https://symless.com/synergy
I use the old version as I dont need to upgrade.

kayone · 10 Nov 2020 at 06:59

FredFlint said:
I use synergy, been using it for years now, works fine.
https://symless.com/synergy
I use the old version as I dont need to upgrade.

Hi, I did look at this first but requires a client install which I can't do.

liltimmy · 10 Nov 2020 at 09:24

I see two possible solutions/workarounds:

1) Fix your current scenario more efficiently: Use USBDeview to restart your USB hub using a shortcut on your desktop. (no need to install, just an executable)

2) Maybe your work computer will allow microsoft applications... Microsoft garage Mouse without borders does what you want, but you do have to install it unfortunately.

kayone · 11 Nov 2020 at 09:41

liltimmy said:
I see two possible solutions/workarounds:

1) Fix your current scenario more efficiently: Use USBDeview to restart your USB hub using a shortcut on your desktop. (no need to install, just an executable)

2) Maybe your work computer will allow microsoft applications... Microsoft garage Mouse without borders does what you want, but you do have to install it unfortunately.

1) The issue is that off-putting i.e. would send my keyboard into frenzy, mess all my other USB ports and lighting etc. I have simply given up and now unplugged it.

2) I had managed to get rights to install this actually, but unfortunately when on a corporate VPN it will no longer work as it blocks any local traffic.

liltimmy · 12 Nov 2020 at 11:16

Ah I had a similar issue at my corporation, due to the many many subnets in use which the software didn't like. I'm not really sure what a solution would be then unless you can ask IT to make an exception for your case in terms of port forwarding, or perhaps requesting install priveledges for synergy.

MonkeyBasher · 12 Nov 2020 at 13:29

I use a simple USB switch for this rather than a HUB switcher as there was less to go wrong in theory.
cost £10
The switch has 1 button, 1 input and 2 outputs.
the outputs go to 2 laptops.
the input comes from my hub.
in the hub i have usb headset, mouse, keyboard.
I press a button and get headset, KB and mouse on whichever PC.

Barrier - was a software solution recommend to me but its a customer laptop, security and vpn makes that a no go.

kayone · 13 Nov 2020 at 10:02

liltimmy said:
Ah I had a similar issue at my corporation, due to the many many subnets in use which the software didn't like. I'm not really sure what a solution would be then unless you can ask IT to make an exception for your case in terms of port forwarding, or perhaps requesting install priveledges for synergy.

Split tunnelling as against the security policy unfortunately. Wouldn't Synergy have the same issue?

@MonkeyBasher that sounds like the same piece of hardware I have, a small box with a switching button. Also tried barrier which is great but same issue