Share a keyboard, monitor and mouse with several computersAlthough not technically a networking issue, we often get questions about how to share a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse among several computers. The answer is easy enough once you know about KVM switches, so called because they help you share a keyboard (K), video monitor (V) and a mouse (M). This how-to article provides some background on the topic, looks at the latest in KVM technology (in this case from Belkin) and shows you, step-by-step, how to set up a KVM switch. A little background Here is the basic idea of a KVM switch: It has jacks for your keyboard, monitor and mouse. It has additional jacks for cables that run from the switch back to each computer to control the keyboard and mouse, and to provide an image via the monitor output. The KVM then has some method to allow you to switch between the computers being controlled.
Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? What may surprise some computer users that haven't heard of KVM switches, is that these aren't inexpensive switch boxes like some have for sharing a printer or other device. That said, you might find a computer store selling a simple switch box to switch between computers for as little as $10-15. But be careful. There is a big difference between a real KVM switches (which can start for as little as $50 or so) and simple switch boxes, sometimes called manual KVM switches. A simple switch box will work, but it will require you to turn off the computers before you switch from one computer to another. You'll know the reason if you've ever started up a computer without a keyboard or a mouse. In one word: problems. Particularly with keyboards, some computers won't even start without one. And switching between mice (the equivalent of plugging and unplugging a mouse) can be problematic as well. So, with that background in mind, let's take a look at the basic features of a KVM switch, review a new switch from Belkin (the OmniView™ SOHO Series 4-Port KVM Switch with Audio on USB Platform) and discuss the steps to connect it. Let's move on to KVM basics.
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