Multiple PC's but only want one keyboard and mouse

Bandara

Hi all,

As the title says I have 4 pc's in my office that I use several times each on a daily basis, each for a specific task.

as you can imagine having 4 keyboards and 4 mice is a bit of a pain not to mention taking up a huge space on the desk

I have looked online and I know that I can get a switch box thing that will allow me to go from one to another but I'm also reading that this type is better than this type etc etc, I kind of need wireless ones also as the machines as spread out in different areas at the moment with super long cables.

The cost isn't the biggest concern (within reason), its more a simple to live with, reliable wireless solution I need. Could anyone suggest exactly what to buy, where to get it and that its somewhat ok to install, I'm pretty ok with installing stuff.

Thanks in advance for any help.

duffman85

You could try installing this http://synergy-foss.org/ on each pc instead of buying a physical kvm switch.

It lets you use one keyboard and mouse connected to one of the pcs to control/work with any of the other pcs.

I think the 4 pcs just have to be on the same network.

CreepingDeath

Or more simply "Remote Desktop" into the other 3 computers from one central PC... assuming they're all network accessible as duffman85 said.

Bandara

Thanks for the replies

sorry should have said, they are each running specific programs, only 2 are 'normal pcs' as such, the other two are 1. a security system (windows based) and 2. a fuel monitoring system (again windows based) so installing software on them isn't as easy as it sounds, especially the monitoring one. Only the first 2 are networked together, the other 2 are standalone.

Overheal

youd want to kvm those then

oisin

Another one worth a look and free from Microsoft - Mouse without Borders:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-sg/download/details.aspx?id=35460

Bandara

oisin wrote: »

Another one worth a look and free from Microsoft - Mouse without Borders:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-sg/download/details.aspx?id=35460

Hi Oisin

I tried that, only 2 of the Pcs are networked

Bandara

Overheal wrote: »

youd want to kvm those then

Any recommendations where in dublin I can buy the necessary stuff off someone who could advise the best setup ?

invaderzimirl

duffman85 wrote: »

You could try installing this http://synergy-foss.org/ on each pc instead of buying a physical kvm switch.

It lets you use one keyboard and mouse connected to one of the pcs to control/work with any of the other pcs.

I think the 4 pcs just have to be on the same network.

great program you can even use it on different OS's makes life so easy

unkel

duffman85 wrote: »

You could try installing this http://synergy-foss.org/ on each pc instead of buying a physical kvm switch.

That's brilliant. Didn't know something like this existed. Thanks for sharing!

Deliverance XXV

We installed virtual KVMs in work without any fuss behind a private network. We tried both Synergy and Mouse Without Borders and while both work great, MWB is much easier to setup. We have seen a few glitches with both though.

We had physical KVMs setup but found that there was a 1-5 second delay while switching over, which in a home environment is not too bad but it was far from ideal in a work environment. That and the mass of cables.

degsie

Would this work?

http://www.42u.com/images/wireless-kvm-switch-config.jpg

A wireless transmitter/receiver solution.