Using two computers with one monitor?

jamesy505

jamesy505

jamesy505

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I currently have two computers and two monitors, but would like to hook both PC's up to the one monitor to avoid clutter with mouse, monitor, keyboard x2.

I done a quick search and found this can be done with a KVM switch, but all I can see on Overclockers is this...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-105-EX

But im not sure this is exactly what is needed as it says the connections are PS/2 but my mouse and keyboard is USB.

Can anyone point me in the direction of how this can be done?

Thanks
 
The PCs connect to the KVM via the included PS/2 cables. You should be able to use a USB>PS/2 converter to plug in to the console ports on the KVM with your kit.

I think you can get USB enabled ones these days but they are usually more expensive.
 
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Not sure if it would be usable in your situation, but could you just have one machine connected and just remote desktop to the other machine?

You've not said what your usage is, but this would be free and might even be a better solution.
 
Yes, the PS/2-USB converters will work. I can confirm this as I've used KVM switches in a technical support workshop. The downside is that I've only seen the graphics port as blue VGA, so you'll need a converter for that too if you're using the white DVI type.
 
More background...
I am not likely to have both computers on at the same time, but i dont want the hassle of changing mouse and keyboard each time I use on or the other.

My main pc is for gaming (in sig) and the 2nd computer is mainly for downloads etc.

Is the KVM switch still the best option?
 
Potentially a stupid suggestion, but could one of the PCs become a virtual machine hosted on the other, thus leaving you with only 1 physical desktop to worry about? (Obviously this entirely depends why you have 2, but I thought I'd throw it in here as an option that saves money and electricities!) :)
 
eddiew said:
Potentially a stupid suggestion, but could one of the PCs become a virtual machine hosted on the other, thus leaving you with only 1 physical desktop to worry about? (Obviously this entirely depends why you have 2, but I thought I'd throw it in here as an option that saves money and electricities!) :)
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Not a stupid question but i'll reply with one :-)

How would I do that?

I have a spanking new PC bought from here month or so ago, and I had an old one that I use to download stuff. I didnt want to use the new comp for downloading as want to leave it as clutter free as possible.

Thats why I am still using the 2nd PC.
 
I'm doing roughly the same thing.
Ive setup ProVNC on the home server/router/download machine and it allows me to access it via a web browser.
A window comes up in the browser acting like the desktop on the other machine ( pretty much like a remote desktop as mentioned above)
 
FNGsam said:
why don't you just put the old hardrive into the new comp as well or something like that?
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this is what i was going to suggest, instead of buying this,connecting that etc.

can you not just move the HDD from your "download" pc to your main gaming PC?
 
Jony27 said:
this is what i was going to suggest, instead of buying this,connecting that etc.

can you not just move the HDD from your "download" pc to your main gaming PC?
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I just wanted to keep the gaming PC as clean as possible.

I've downloaded TeamViewer and can remotely access my download PC and control it from my main pc.

I can transfer files, access desktop and all its functions using my keyboard, mouse and monitor from my main pc.
 
you could just have a folder on the desktop giving the same result with the hard drive inside the new comp though? Then you wouldn't have to worry about powering up 2 comps at the same time. Wouldn't that be just as streamlined? Probs transfer quicker too wouldn't it.
 
I can't really see the point in having two computers then really, the 'clutter' from downloads isn't going to make any difference to gaming.
 
Under the circumstances I'll back out the suggestion for a virtual PC - if your aim is to be keeping a clean and performant gaming PC, the last thing you want is a virtual box hogging one of your CPU cores and hard drive access! :)

I think your remote desktop solution is probably the best choice, since you could quite easily move the download box to a far corner with a network cable, and just leave it out of your way :)
 
Have you considered making this "download PC" a HTPC. That's what I did with my old computer. It's in my front room with tvcard installed to record TV and pause it etc. Any recorded/downloaded files can be accessed over the network by my laptop or office rig.....just a thought ;)
 
honosuseri said:
Have you considered making this "download PC" a HTPC. That's what I did with my old computer. It's in my front room with tvcard installed to record TV and pause it etc. Any recorded/downloaded files can be accessed over the network by my laptop or office rig.....just a thought ;)
Click to expand...

Why do you wink in 90% of your posts?
 
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