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General discussion

Linking Computers

by robnyt Feb 15, 2009 3:48AM PST

Just bought a second PC which I keep right next to the old. Both are hooked up to the one monitor. Is there a way to just use ONE keyboard?

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3 Posts

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Sure...

by jbking2 Feb 15, 2009 4:03AM PST

Get a KVM switch and that should do it, assuming sharing a mouse is also acceptable.

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KVM switch

by robnyt Feb 15, 2009 6:19AM PST

So KVM Switch gets me ONE keyboard, ONE mouse, with two computers, right? Any idea how much one costs and where I can get one cheap? MUCH thanks!

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Yes...

by jbking2 Feb 15, 2009 2:08PM PST

Generally there are a few more cables to it, e.g. the VGA plug and USB on the computer go into the switch and the switch has a VGA out along with USB ports for keyboard and mouse. Where I work has "Cables To Go" for the brand of KVM though I'm not sure where they buy them. I would guess most computer stores like Memory Express, CDW, Fry's or Computerstop would have them and not necessarily places like Best Buy or Future Shop that aren't computer stores where they build their own systems. It'll probably cost about a couple hundred bucks on the high end I think, though remember that the V of a KVM is for VGA display and not others like DVI.

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