Comments on: What do You use for a KVM Switch?

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:04:29 +0000

I’ve never used one, but I just bought a refurbished pc on which I will install Fedora 10 or another Linux distro. Then, I’ll be able to use the same monitor for both pc’s. I guess, though, I’ll need to ascertain that the KVM is operable with Linux, since not all of them mention this in their specs.

Robert

By: rex

rex — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:52:13 +0000

I think there’s no better KVM than Multiplicity – no hardware at all! Well, at least it would be, if it worked all the time ;)

By: David

David — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:07:48 +0000

Oh, and by the way, most ATen KVMs work with Linux and Mac OSX with Mac keyboard emulations built-in.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:54:28 +0000

All well and good, but today’s larger monitors have outpaced a KVM’s ability to handle the higher native resolutions, i.e., 1920×1200, for instance. I’d love to find a KVM capable of handling that resolution!

By: 1fastbullet

1fastbullet — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:26:16 +0000

I’m using and completely happy with this Rosewill RKV-2V switch I bought from the Egg. It was priced right and handles running my Linux and my Windows machines to the Flatron, Ergo 4000 and Logitech wireless without a hitch.
This KVM was, at the time I bought it, on sale. At the present time I believe it sells for $20.

By: David

David — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Does this work with non-windows OS’s like OS X or Linux? If not is there a similar devices that works with Linux or OS X?

By: Tomek Chrzczonowicz

Tomek Chrzczonowicz — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:57:54 +0000

KVM Switch compared to ssh,synergy,vnc.

-you have to actually connect those two computers with a fairly short usb cable (low range, you waste two usb ports)
-It’s Windows-only
-You can access only one other computer with it at a time
-Its a cable and it’s not even retractable = clutter
-It’s hardware so…well, it might break.
-The driver’s proprietary. Might as well double as a keylogger and you can’t find out. ;-)
-You have to pay for it where the other solutions are free
-You could always connect the external drive directly to any of these two pcs and just share it over the network without resorting to extra applications.

+The company behind it claims to plant a tree for each one of these you buy.

By: Wade Watson

Wade Watson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:26:44 +0000

I use an older Belkin 4-way KVM right now while transitioning to a newer PC. It’s pre-USB, but works OK except after switching, one of my PCs looses mouse wheel capability. I suppose many of these things have their quirks.