KVM Recommendations
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
Thirst thing on your checklist should be to check what kind of port that old machine uses for it's keybord and mouse. If it has a serial mouse and one of those big round old keybord plugs (prior to PS2) I would not suggest using a KVM but rather give that PC it's own screen. On the other hand, if it uses USB keybord or mouse, test to see if the PS2 ports work, if notm, there are some USB KVM's available out there.
_______________________________________________________________________ http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/Doubts.aspx[^] "you can't forget something you never knew..." M. Du Toit
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Thirst thing on your checklist should be to check what kind of port that old machine uses for it's keybord and mouse. If it has a serial mouse and one of those big round old keybord plugs (prior to PS2) I would not suggest using a KVM but rather give that PC it's own screen. On the other hand, if it uses USB keybord or mouse, test to see if the PS2 ports work, if notm, there are some USB KVM's available out there.
_______________________________________________________________________ http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/Doubts.aspx[^] "you can't forget something you never knew..." M. Du Toit
No, they are the little round ones! and a usb mouse. The ps2's work, so I am not overly fussed as to the deperate details, just that I can access it easily. Actually a concern from the user is that as he is getting a wide screen monitor, will that affect the aspect ratio of the old pc. That is a good question, and one I said I really didn't know(or care about to be brutally honest), but I don't think it will matter too much will it?
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
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No, they are the little round ones! and a usb mouse. The ps2's work, so I am not overly fussed as to the deperate details, just that I can access it easily. Actually a concern from the user is that as he is getting a wide screen monitor, will that affect the aspect ratio of the old pc. That is a good question, and one I said I really didn't know(or care about to be brutally honest), but I don't think it will matter too much will it?
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
Dalek Dave wrote:
No, they are the little round ones! and a usb mouse.
I just want to check that I understand you o.k. You want to access an old PC and a new PC using 1 Monitor, 1 Keybord and 1 Mouse all connected to a KVM? If so, I would recommend switching to a PS2 mouse or putting a converter on the USB mouse because a PS2 KVM is simpler and you have less chance of someone trying to plug something else into the USB port on the KVM.
Dalek Dave wrote:
Actually a concern from the user is that as he is getting a wide screen monitor, will that affect the aspect ratio of the old pc.
It shouldn't be a problem, just set the resolution on the old PC so that it work with the wide-screen.
_______________________________________________________________________ http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/Doubts.aspx[^] "you can't forget something you never knew..." M. Du Toit
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
We use two by Level 1, with a quite good cable design - single cable from KVM to PC, splits up at the last cm's into VGA+2xPS/2 for one PC, and VGA/USB for the other. Switching is done using keyboard (Ctrl-Ctrl-1 or Ctrl-Ctrl-2 in sequence). Alternatively, there's Synergy[^], which lets you control two PCs from one keyboard/mouse over the network. Quite nice as you just need the network cable - however, I never succeeded them to start automatically.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighist -
My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
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Dalek Dave wrote:
No, they are the little round ones! and a usb mouse.
I just want to check that I understand you o.k. You want to access an old PC and a new PC using 1 Monitor, 1 Keybord and 1 Mouse all connected to a KVM? If so, I would recommend switching to a PS2 mouse or putting a converter on the USB mouse because a PS2 KVM is simpler and you have less chance of someone trying to plug something else into the USB port on the KVM.
Dalek Dave wrote:
Actually a concern from the user is that as he is getting a wide screen monitor, will that affect the aspect ratio of the old pc.
It shouldn't be a problem, just set the resolution on the old PC so that it work with the wide-screen.
_______________________________________________________________________ http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/Doubts.aspx[^] "you can't forget something you never knew..." M. Du Toit
Thank you very much for your input, I will bear your recommendations in mind come the time!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
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We use two by Level 1, with a quite good cable design - single cable from KVM to PC, splits up at the last cm's into VGA+2xPS/2 for one PC, and VGA/USB for the other. Switching is done using keyboard (Ctrl-Ctrl-1 or Ctrl-Ctrl-2 in sequence). Alternatively, there's Synergy[^], which lets you control two PCs from one keyboard/mouse over the network. Quite nice as you just need the network cable - however, I never succeeded them to start automatically.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighistI used MaxiVista for a quite time and thought that it is great utility. After seeing Synergy at work I can just say -> wow... opensource really rocks :). So here is one more vote to -> forget KVM switch, use Synergy.
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
I can recommend KVM switches from uniclass. They have different layouts to what is switched (USB / PS2, DVI-I / Analog video, ...). They are small, reliable (until now after 6 months) and come with a full set of cables which is very handy. See http://www.uniclass.com.tw/eng/products.htm Regards Wolfgang Puelm
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I used MaxiVista for a quite time and thought that it is great utility. After seeing Synergy at work I can just say -> wow... opensource really rocks :). So here is one more vote to -> forget KVM switch, use Synergy.
just don't try running full screen via synergy. You'll minimize the app the moment your cursor touches the edge of the screen. :mad::omg: Multiplicity doesn't have that defect but is windows only and is commercial software.
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
I used to use Cybex (now Avocent[^]) back in the CRT days, and I really liked it compared to the Belkins. However, I haven't used it in years, and I have never used it with an LCD. In my setup, I had all of the boxes right at the desk with me, all working off of the same monitor/keyboard/mouse. I'm not sure if that configuration is right for you.
Jon Sagara Once again, the conservative sandwich-heavy portfolio pays off for the hungry investor! *slurp* Oh, I'm ruined! -- Dr. Zoidberg .NET Blog | Personal Blog | Articles
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My boss has suggested that a couple of the older machines will be upgraded. Great, one in particular is 7 years old and so is most of the software on it! However, there is some old accounts software and data that cannot be ported from the old machine to a new one. (Security issues from the software company mean that when moved you need new access keys and they have to send data from their server to initialise the new configuration, but this is old software, and they offer no support now). We still access this data regularly, so I suggested a KVM switch and keep this particular machine in the corner, so that the data is still available, without having all the other clutter. All the new machines will be XP Pro and 2G Ram dual cores. Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup? I have never physically done this before and don't want to look a complete idiot in front of my bosses. So any help would be gratefully accepted!
------------------------------------ Happy Primes Lead to Happy Memories. Don't Google FGI
Dalek Dave wrote:
Any recommendations as to Manufacturer and setup?
We use this one and have not had any troubles with it.
"A good athlete is the result of a good and worthy opponent." - David Crow
"To have a respect for ourselves guides our morals; to have deference for others governs our manners." - Laurence Sterne
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Dalek Dave wrote:
No, they are the little round ones! and a usb mouse.
I just want to check that I understand you o.k. You want to access an old PC and a new PC using 1 Monitor, 1 Keybord and 1 Mouse all connected to a KVM? If so, I would recommend switching to a PS2 mouse or putting a converter on the USB mouse because a PS2 KVM is simpler and you have less chance of someone trying to plug something else into the USB port on the KVM.
Dalek Dave wrote:
Actually a concern from the user is that as he is getting a wide screen monitor, will that affect the aspect ratio of the old pc.
It shouldn't be a problem, just set the resolution on the old PC so that it work with the wide-screen.
_______________________________________________________________________ http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/Doubts.aspx[^] "you can't forget something you never knew..." M. Du Toit
Assuming the graphics card / built-in stuff can support a widescreen resolution. Or at least a larger resolution so that everything isn't scaled, then stretched.
My current favourite word is: Waffle Cheese is still good though.
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We use two by Level 1, with a quite good cable design - single cable from KVM to PC, splits up at the last cm's into VGA+2xPS/2 for one PC, and VGA/USB for the other. Switching is done using keyboard (Ctrl-Ctrl-1 or Ctrl-Ctrl-2 in sequence). Alternatively, there's Synergy[^], which lets you control two PCs from one keyboard/mouse over the network. Quite nice as you just need the network cable - however, I never succeeded them to start automatically.
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighistpeterchen wrote:
however, I never succeeded them to start automatically.
mine starts automatically no problem, it's even installed as an XP service. What was the problem?
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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just don't try running full screen via synergy. You'll minimize the app the moment your cursor touches the edge of the screen. :mad::omg: Multiplicity doesn't have that defect but is windows only and is commercial software.
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
dan neely wrote:
You'll minimize the app the moment your cursor touches the edge of the screen.
since when? I have never seen this. I just maximized a few apps to be sure. There is a problem with running Wing Commander Saga using a synergy mouse/keyboard, but I don't consider "that" a major show-stopper. I have never seen this bug with full screen, so I am very confused. I use Synergy everyday, even in a multi-os environment I have few problems.
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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dan neely wrote:
You'll minimize the app the moment your cursor touches the edge of the screen.
since when? I have never seen this. I just maximized a few apps to be sure. There is a problem with running Wing Commander Saga using a synergy mouse/keyboard, but I don't consider "that" a major show-stopper. I have never seen this bug with full screen, so I am very confused. I use Synergy everyday, even in a multi-os environment I have few problems.
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
Full screen, not maximized. This happened last spring with 3 games from different publishers, and with 2 different media players. MY system was running XPpro32. Synergy would've been whatever the stable version at the time was. I'll check when I get home tonight and try a newer one.
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
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Full screen, not maximized. This happened last spring with 3 games from different publishers, and with 2 different media players. MY system was running XPpro32. Synergy would've been whatever the stable version at the time was. I'll check when I get home tonight and try a newer one.
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
dan neely wrote:
Full screen, not maximized.
I understand. I guess we use a different way of getting full-screen. Both our product and several other OpenGL based full screen software images work fine. The cursor leaves our software, travels to the second monitor of the same system, then to the linux machine without problem. Though perhaps that is the saving grace? I have one local monitor between the full-screen app and the remote linux Synergy display, even though Linux is serving the mouse/keyboard.
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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dan neely wrote:
Full screen, not maximized.
I understand. I guess we use a different way of getting full-screen. Both our product and several other OpenGL based full screen software images work fine. The cursor leaves our software, travels to the second monitor of the same system, then to the linux machine without problem. Though perhaps that is the saving grace? I have one local monitor between the full-screen app and the remote linux Synergy display, even though Linux is serving the mouse/keyboard.
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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Hmmm I suppose openGL vs DX9 could be a possible issue. Do you know anywhere I could get an openGL demo app to test with?
-- If you view money as inherently evil, I view it as my duty to assist in making you more virtuous.
dan neely wrote:
Do you know anywhere I could get an openGL demo app to test with?
how about Nehe, I had to go back and find one that would be publically available to you and Nehe jumped to mind. I ran Lesson 19 which I used years ago for starting my particle engine work. Choosing full screen still allows me to travel from monitor to monitor (even though I cannot see the cursor when it is present on the full-screen app). http://nehe.gamedev.net/data/lessons/lesson.asp?lesson=19[^]
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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peterchen wrote:
however, I never succeeded them to start automatically.
mine starts automatically no problem, it's even installed as an XP service. What was the problem?
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
Never figured out how to run it so it doesn't need manual configuration after start, no matter in which order PCs are started. But maybe running it as a service does the trick...
We are a big screwed up dysfunctional psychotic happy family - some more screwed up, others more happy, but everybody's psychotic joint venture definition of CP
My first real C# project | Linkify!|FoldWithUs! | sighist