KVM Switches (was off topic)

[Dustin Decker]

> > > I forget who the hardware guy/guys are in here but I
> > > was just curious, I saw this cable device that could
> > > hook two computers to one monitor, keyboard and mouse
> > > in the tiger direct catalog. I was wondering how
> > > difficult would it be to make one myself, it used a
> > > kvm switch and when your using one machine the switch
> > > emulates a monitor keyboard and mouse for the other so
> > > it doesnt lock up.  It said it didnt use any software
> > > to install, anyway I just thought I'd ask.

I wouldn't waste time trying to make one... there are several variations 
of these devices on the market now, and the prices have come down in 
recent months as well.

I've used several different ones, from the likes of Belkin, LinkSys, and 
Cybex.  I'd have to say my favorite is the SwitchView from Cybex.  They 
do things a bit different from Belkin, so buying cables off the shelf is 
sort of hit/miss.  You can purchase cables from Cybex that are nice, but 
they're sort of proud of them.  What I _can_ say is that I've never had 
problem one with the Cybex.  The Belkin product has a tendency to lock 
up on me from time to time (so the programmers get that one <GRIN>), 
although cable kits for these are cheap.  The LinkSys required a power 
supply, and after a couple of months blew a capacitor and died.

Oh - isn't that nice... was hunting for a link for you and I find that 
Avocent is the new name for those who used to be Cybex.  You can still 
find info on their SwitchView products at www.cybex.com

Dustin

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