vgrape05
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If I connect two computers to one monitor, do they have to be on the same OS?
I have windowsME on my main computer. I wanted to hook up an older emachine with my main computer for the fun of it. Emachine has windows98. Can I do this without changing the OS of emachine? I also have a wireless mouse and keyboard. I have to install software on emachine to be compatible with mouse and keyboard. Will this cause a problem since I only have one connector? Can I split this connector also? I love wireless. Do not want to go back to old mouse and keyboard. Is this possible? Thanks for any help.
Splitting won't work for Mice, Keyboards or Monitors.
In fact the only thing you can split on the outside of your PC is the speaker connections.
You will need a Ps2*2/VGA switch box and adapter cables.
"Expensive" a good 2nd hand 17"monitor should only cost $20-$50..
In fact the only thing you can split on the outside of your PC is the speaker connections.
You will need a Ps2*2/VGA switch box and adapter cables.
"Expensive" a good 2nd hand 17"monitor should only cost $20-$50..
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thanks. I hope it is easier than it sounds.
vgrape05,
The actual installation is quite easy. If you know how to connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your PC, you are halfway done. The cables which come with the Kit are plugged into the existing connectors on each system. Each PS/2 connector has a corresponding color to identify the cable to make installation easier. Green is usually used to identify a mouse connector, and blue or purple for a keyboard.
1). Connect the blue cable from the Kit to your system's PS/2 mouse port.
2). Connect the other end of the blue cable to the KVM switch in the spot identified as either position or system 1.
3). Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the keyboard (purple or blue) cable, and then for the monitor extension cable.
4). Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 for the second system. Only this time connect the cables to the ports on the KVM switch identified as position or system 2.
5). Connect your wireless mouse's receiver directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as a mouse port.
6). Connect your wireless keyboard's receiver directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as a keyboard port.
7). Connect your monitor directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as the monitor port.
If you have any doubts, just make certain that you purchase a KVM Kit which provides LED indicators to identify which system is in operation. Your wireless mouse, keyboard, and monitor then connect to the three ports that do not have an indicator. Depending upon the device you buy, most connectors for each system are grouped together to reduce confusion, and many come with at least an illustration to identify the correct connectors. If you use the typical KVM switch, three sides will have three different sets of connections. One side for each system, and one side for the devices. If you intend to add a notebook, you should consider purchasing a KVM switch with a DC power adapter connector, in case you ever wish to run just the notebook.
As long as you know how to plug in your mouse, you are practically finished. Because I cannot post pictures to show you the connections, I have to try to describe the installation. In the case of the KVM switch, a picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Just go to any of the manufacturers' websites that I mentioned previously, and look at the image of the switch. As long as do one system at a time, the worst which might happen is that one system is identified as System #2 instead of System #1. Remember there is no software needed for the switch, so it is simple "Plug-'N-Play".
The actual installation is quite easy. If you know how to connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your PC, you are halfway done. The cables which come with the Kit are plugged into the existing connectors on each system. Each PS/2 connector has a corresponding color to identify the cable to make installation easier. Green is usually used to identify a mouse connector, and blue or purple for a keyboard.
1). Connect the blue cable from the Kit to your system's PS/2 mouse port.
2). Connect the other end of the blue cable to the KVM switch in the spot identified as either position or system 1.
3). Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the keyboard (purple or blue) cable, and then for the monitor extension cable.
4). Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 for the second system. Only this time connect the cables to the ports on the KVM switch identified as position or system 2.
5). Connect your wireless mouse's receiver directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as a mouse port.
6). Connect your wireless keyboard's receiver directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as a keyboard port.
7). Connect your monitor directly to the KVM switch. The correct port will either be the one remaining, or the only one identified as the monitor port.
If you have any doubts, just make certain that you purchase a KVM Kit which provides LED indicators to identify which system is in operation. Your wireless mouse, keyboard, and monitor then connect to the three ports that do not have an indicator. Depending upon the device you buy, most connectors for each system are grouped together to reduce confusion, and many come with at least an illustration to identify the correct connectors. If you use the typical KVM switch, three sides will have three different sets of connections. One side for each system, and one side for the devices. If you intend to add a notebook, you should consider purchasing a KVM switch with a DC power adapter connector, in case you ever wish to run just the notebook.
As long as you know how to plug in your mouse, you are practically finished. Because I cannot post pictures to show you the connections, I have to try to describe the installation. In the case of the KVM switch, a picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Just go to any of the manufacturers' websites that I mentioned previously, and look at the image of the switch. As long as do one system at a time, the worst which might happen is that one system is identified as System #2 instead of System #1. Remember there is no software needed for the switch, so it is simple "Plug-'N-Play".
ASKER
Thanks again. I am sure I can handle it. I have concered harder things. It will be a fun challenge. If I could only get my piece of crap printer to work right. It is a new Cannon S530D and it works like crap. I should have stuck with HP.
ASKER