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Using a KVM switch to connect 3 computers at once
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micky
Nov 16, 2023, 2:10:39 PM11/16/23
to
Running two computers at once.
It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
up.
To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
what am I to do?
I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
both so easily .
It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
up.
To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
what am I to do?
I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
both so easily .
Ed Cryer
Nov 16, 2023, 2:23:58 PM11/16/23
to
replaced them with a TV that had 3 HDMI inputs, and which I still use.
The PC boxes sit underneath, HDMI cables lead from them into the TV, a
remote control switches through HDMI 1, 2 ,3.
Ed
micky
Nov 16, 2023, 2:57:56 PM11/16/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky
Amazon. The 4-port I was looking at by MT-VIKI apparently carries both
mouse and keyboard on their special HDMI to HDMI/USB cable. Is that
going to require any feature in my laptop or desktop which they don't
have, since both are old? Or can just about anything receive a merged
mouse/keyboard USB signal?
But people have complained about flashing on the screen when changing
pcs and there is even a user video about it. (One reason Amazon is
popular. It's a 3rd party and it lets people criticize the product.)
BTW, a few months ago, Amazon went from showing the Q&A to making you
ask a question first, even when there are only a few questions already.
It took me longer than it should have but putting in one letter, like an
a, will give you a look at every question that includes the letter or
maybe the word a.
> So
>what am I to do?
>
>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>both so easily .
I don't really have room for a 3rd monitor but the current one and a
laptop fit fine.
<NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>Running two computers at once.
>
>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>up.
>
>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?
Well, I think I answered my own first question by looking at the Q&A in
>Running two computers at once.
>
>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>up.
>
>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both?
Amazon. The 4-port I was looking at by MT-VIKI apparently carries both
mouse and keyboard on their special HDMI to HDMI/USB cable. Is that
going to require any feature in my laptop or desktop which they don't
have, since both are old? Or can just about anything receive a merged
mouse/keyboard USB signal?
But people have complained about flashing on the screen when changing
pcs and there is even a user video about it. (One reason Amazon is
popular. It's a 3rd party and it lets people criticize the product.)
BTW, a few months ago, Amazon went from showing the Q&A to making you
ask a question first, even when there are only a few questions already.
It took me longer than it should have but putting in one letter, like an
a, will give you a look at every question that includes the letter or
maybe the word a.
> So
>what am I to do?
>
>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>both so easily .
laptop fit fine.
micky
Nov 16, 2023, 3:17:12 PM11/16/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:57:53 -0500, micky
Also amazon has started this annoying summary of rreviews using "AI". I
will ignore that and read what people say in their own words.
<NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>BTW, a few months ago, Amazon went from showing the Q&A to making you
>ask a question first, even when there are only a few questions already.
>
>It took me longer than it should have but putting in one letter, like an
>a, will give you a look at every question that includes the letter or
>maybe the word a.
This doesnt' work as well as it seemed to the first time.
>
>BTW, a few months ago, Amazon went from showing the Q&A to making you
>ask a question first, even when there are only a few questions already.
>
>It took me longer than it should have but putting in one letter, like an
>a, will give you a look at every question that includes the letter or
>maybe the word a.
Also amazon has started this annoying summary of rreviews using "AI". I
will ignore that and read what people say in their own words.
R.Wieser
Nov 16, 2023, 3:19:44 PM11/16/23
to
Mickey,
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to
> PC, I need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more
> than 2 computers all have HDMI outputs.
I also use a KVM, and the last one I bought is now ... just over a year old
and has SVGA input and USB keyboard and mouse. Than again, its an 8-port
one and not really ment for the home market.
The one before that was a D-Link 4-port DKVM-4U (which uses standard SVGA
and USB cables).
https://me.dlink.com/en/consumer/products/accessories/kvm-switches/dkvm-4u
I'm not sure if you can still get it though. New I mean. You might try
Amazon and its ilk for a second-hand one.
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to
> PC, I need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more
> than 2 computers all have HDMI outputs.
and has SVGA input and USB keyboard and mouse. Than again, its an 8-port
one and not really ment for the home market.
The one before that was a D-Link 4-port DKVM-4U (which uses standard SVGA
and USB cables).
https://me.dlink.com/en/consumer/products/accessories/kvm-switches/dkvm-4u
I'm not sure if you can still get it though. New I mean. You might try
Amazon and its ilk for a second-hand one.
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
David W. Hodgins
Nov 16, 2023, 3:59:13 PM11/16/23
to
https://symless.com/synergy
Part of it is open source, so for linux user's it can be installed without
having to buy it. It has to be configured by manually editing the text
configuration files, or you can buy the commercial software that includes a
graphical interface to simplify the configuration.
I still need a local keyboard to login to each computer, but once logged in
I use one keyboard/mouse for both systems, each of which has it's own monitor.
As I use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, I can just move the usb dongle
temporarily when booting/logging into the the other two systems.
I only use linux, so likely can't help with configuration for windows.
It works well on my three linux systems. No flashing or other unwanted
artifacts.
Regards, Dave Hodgins
Graham J
Nov 16, 2023, 4:20:35 PM11/16/23
to
somewhere. You would be welcome to them. Where are you? I'm near
Thetford in Norfolk.
--
Graham J
Char Jackson
Nov 16, 2023, 4:36:31 PM11/16/23
to
that approach over a KVM. I had two KVM switches a long time ago, but they've
both gone to Goodwill. Good riddance.
With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you want to use, but with
RDP you simply click in a window, or if the 2nd PC is running full screen, just
click anywhere in that screen. It's so much faster, easier, and convenient.
micky
Nov 16, 2023, 7:03:31 PM11/16/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
You folks have given me a lot to think about. I had planned to cut out
thinking when I retired. This is like joining a gym after years of
lethargy. I will look into RDP and, David,synergy.
thinking when I retired. This is like joining a gym after years of
lethargy. I will look into RDP and, David,synergy.
micky
Nov 16, 2023, 7:08:53 PM11/16/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:20:25 +0000, Graham J
I'm in Baltimore but I was in Norfolk about 2 months ago. I went to the
zoo. Before that I went to Jamestown and the American Revolution
Museum and the Yorktown Battlefield, and then I didn't even know abou
tit but I was driving by the Virginia War Museum and I stopped there
too. Had a very good time. Busy 3 days.
After the zoo I drove around Norfolk for 40 minutes and took the Bay
Bridge Tunnel to go home. That was one of the attractions.
zoo. Before that I went to Jamestown and the American Revolution
Museum and the Yorktown Battlefield, and then I didn't even know abou
tit but I was driving by the Virginia War Museum and I stopped there
too. Had a very good time. Busy 3 days.
After the zoo I drove around Norfolk for 40 minutes and took the Bay
Bridge Tunnel to go home. That was one of the attractions.
R.Wieser
Nov 17, 2023, 3:38:40 AM11/17/23
to
Char,
> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work
than doing the same using the keyboard.
My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the
selection. My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad
press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock,
and than press 1...7 for the selection.
Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)
Though to be honest, I can't seem to get my muscle-memory to remember the
"release minus before NumLock" order consistently. :-\
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
than doing the same using the keyboard.
My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the
selection. My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad
press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock,
and than press 1...7 for the selection.
Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)
Though to be honest, I can't seem to get my muscle-memory to remember the
"release minus before NumLock" order consistently. :-\
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
Paul
Nov 17, 2023, 12:21:09 PM11/17/23
to
This is not an exhaustive list. I own three out of this
set, and multiple of some of them. Having multiple even
came in handy (accidental foresight).
HDMI to VGA (active, cheap)
DP to VGA (active, cheap)
DP++ to HDMI (passive, cheap)
DP to HDMi (active, cheap) [For the Optiplex 780, which isn't DP++ capable]
DVI to HDMI (could be passive)
DL-DVI to HDMI (active, likely $$)
(Anything DVI-I or DVI-D is pretty obscure now. Modern vid cards no longer have DVI-I.)
There are converters for just about anything. But you must
acquire a set, before they go out of production. The last
HDMI to VGA I bought, I had to go upmarket a bit and get
one with an analog audio output (stereo), in order to get
an adapter. Startech was almost wiped out by COVID. And
my local computer store, just doesn't have the stock any more.
Conversion at high resolution, can have more issues. I don't
have any 4K stuff here to experiment with.
*******
I would run a KVM on two computers, and leave the third
computer separate. I refuse to believe the three machines
need "equal access". For example, one machine here functions
as a NAS, and it hardly needs a screen when it is doing that.
I could sit that in the kitchen, and hardly ever look at it.
I could see if one machine was running Linux, another Windows,
the third machine was your file server, you might use a dual-port
KVM. KVM pricing is not "rational", and you will pay too much
in any case.
Switching could be done with a button or knob on top of the KVM.
Intercepting key presses is for the birds. Not all computers
seem to be compatible, and you have to be a Level 39 Wizard
to solve all the KVM problems. KVM setup is hardly ever a
joyful experience. It's expensive, and craptastic.
That's why the answer you got, with a monitor having three
HDMI inputs, that exemplifies the "easy" part of the problem,
the routing of graphics to a monitor. But some of the other
conversions (PS/2 interfaces to USB outputs or something),
that stuff can be pretty rough.
I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
KVM company profits either. I have two monitors, two keyboards,
two mice here. For two machines. I put a PC in the kitchen
if I need a third.
Paul
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 8:08:13 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:38:10 +0100,
"R.Wieser" <add...@is.invalid> wrote:
>Char,
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work
>than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
>My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the
>selection. My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad
>press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock,
>and than press 1...7 for the selection.
>
>Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)
It *sounds* like a lot of work.
>Char,
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work
>than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
>My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the
>selection. My current one makes it a more complex : on the numberpad
>press-and-hold numlock, press-and-release the minus sign, release numlock,
>and than press 1...7 for the selection.
>
>Yep, that really feels like a /lot/ of work. :-)
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 8:15:21 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:03:27 -0500, micky
Winver for the desktop runing win10 Pro says
ver 20H2 (OS build 19042,844). Does that mean it's version 844?
I never know what version I have!
Winver for the desktop runing win10 Home says
ver 22H2 (OS build 19045,3693). Does that mean it's version 3693?
So one computer would be enough.
<NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
>Jackson <no...@none.invalid> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>>
>>>Running two computers at once.
>>>
>>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>>up.
>>>
>>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>>>what am I to do?
>>>
>>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>>both so easily .
>>
>>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend
Google says I need wint 10 1703 or later.
>In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
>Jackson <no...@none.invalid> wrote:
>
>>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>>
>>>Running two computers at once.
>>>
>>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>>up.
>>>
>>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>>>what am I to do?
>>>
>>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>>both so easily .
>>
>>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend
Winver for the desktop runing win10 Pro says
ver 20H2 (OS build 19042,844). Does that mean it's version 844?
I never know what version I have!
Winver for the desktop runing win10 Home says
ver 22H2 (OS build 19045,3693). Does that mean it's version 3693?
So one computer would be enough.
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 8:26:55 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:21:03 -0500, Paul
It's not that the 3rd box, which isn't even functional yet ;-), needs
equal access. It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
behind it. I can't touch-type on the rear one. I have to hunt and
peck.
That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
the wrong computer.
And I have tried writing in one computer and emailing to the other,
but yesterday I needed data from the 2nd computer B and needed to write
in the first A, so I was going to have to send part from B to A and then
the whole thing from A to B and it was just ridiculous.
OTOH, see my latest answer, today's, to John.
I do have room for two mice, and I may keep both of them. In fact, the
FAQ for John's method says for win7 or 8 and above there can be a
problem if you don't have a 2nd mouse plugged in, so even if I use that
method, I might as well use a second mouse..
> For example, one machine here functions
>as a NAS, and it hardly needs a screen when it is doing that.
I don't know what a NAS is. If I have a third, it will definitely need
a monitor.
>I could sit that in the kitchen, and hardly ever look at it.
>
>I could see if one machine was running Linux,
That's one thing I've wanted to do on a spare computer.
> another Windows,
>the third machine was your file server, you might use a dual-port
>KVM. KVM pricing is not "rational", and you will pay too much
>in any case.
>
>Switching could be done with a button or knob on top of the KVM.
I like the remote button. The box itself will be 2 feet farther back.
>Intercepting key presses is for the birds. Not all computers
>seem to be compatible, and you have to be a Level 39 Wizard
>to solve all the KVM problems. KVM setup is hardly ever a
>joyful experience. It's expensive, and craptastic.
We shall see. This thread reminded me that I did have one before and it
worked well, maybe on win7?, but stopped using it when the HDD in the
spare PC crashed and I went back to using only one PC (and the laptop
onlly on trips, not when I got home like now.) It might have had round
PS2 plugs, so I can't use it now.
I know things will be different now.
>That's why the answer you got, with a monitor having three
>HDMI inputs, that exemplifies the "easy" part of the problem,
>the routing of graphics to a monitor. But some of the other
>conversions (PS/2 interfaces to USB outputs or something),
>that stuff can be pretty rough.
>
>I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
>KVM company profits either.
Even now they are as little as $21 for 2-port, $27 for 4-port.
equal access. It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
behind it. I can't touch-type on the rear one. I have to hunt and
peck.
That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
the wrong computer.
And I have tried writing in one computer and emailing to the other,
but yesterday I needed data from the 2nd computer B and needed to write
in the first A, so I was going to have to send part from B to A and then
the whole thing from A to B and it was just ridiculous.
OTOH, see my latest answer, today's, to John.
I do have room for two mice, and I may keep both of them. In fact, the
FAQ for John's method says for win7 or 8 and above there can be a
problem if you don't have a 2nd mouse plugged in, so even if I use that
method, I might as well use a second mouse..
> For example, one machine here functions
>as a NAS, and it hardly needs a screen when it is doing that.
a monitor.
>I could sit that in the kitchen, and hardly ever look at it.
>
>I could see if one machine was running Linux,
> another Windows,
>the third machine was your file server, you might use a dual-port
>KVM. KVM pricing is not "rational", and you will pay too much
>in any case.
>
>Switching could be done with a button or knob on top of the KVM.
>Intercepting key presses is for the birds. Not all computers
>seem to be compatible, and you have to be a Level 39 Wizard
>to solve all the KVM problems. KVM setup is hardly ever a
>joyful experience. It's expensive, and craptastic.
worked well, maybe on win7?, but stopped using it when the HDD in the
spare PC crashed and I went back to using only one PC (and the laptop
onlly on trips, not when I got home like now.) It might have had round
PS2 plugs, so I can't use it now.
I know things will be different now.
>That's why the answer you got, with a monitor having three
>HDMI inputs, that exemplifies the "easy" part of the problem,
>the routing of graphics to a monitor. But some of the other
>conversions (PS/2 interfaces to USB outputs or something),
>that stuff can be pretty rough.
>
>I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
>KVM company profits either.
Char Jackson
Nov 17, 2023, 9:02:44 PM11/17/23
to
On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:21:03 -0500, Paul <nos...@needed.invalid> wrote:
>I don't own a KVM here. And I don't plan on fattening any
>KVM company profits either.
Same here. I have plenty of firsthand experience with them, and I don't plan to
>KVM company profits either.
add any more.
>I have two monitors, two keyboards,
>two mice here. For two machines.
laptop display for the laptop, and the 24" display (which is physically
connected to the laptop) for the desktop system. The desktop system has no
mouse, no keyboard, and no display directly connected, but it has Ethernet,
which is all I need for RDP.
Char Jackson
Nov 17, 2023, 9:26:40 PM11/17/23
to
On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:38:10 +0100, "R.Wieser" <add...@is.invalid> wrote:
>Char,
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work
>than doing the same using the keyboard.
Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously running
>
>> With a KVM, you normally have to switch to the PC that you
>> want to use, but with RDP you simply click in a window
>
>I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse is less work
>than doing the same using the keyboard.
applications. To move from one application to the other, you can click in the
relevant window. There are other ways, but that's the example I'm using.
From that simple example, I'll add a second PC, without a mouse, KB, or monitor
connected. The second PC has only power and Ethernet. Using RDP, in my example,
you can now switch between applications running on either system simply by
clicking anywhere in the relevant application window. Whether it's one system or
two (or more), you'd have to make that click anyway, so it's nothing additional.
To extend the example further, add a second display to the first PC. Now you can
move the RDP session onto the second display. From the user perspective, at that
point you have one PC and all of its running applications on one display, and
the second PC with all of its running apps on the second display. To switch from
one PC to the other, you click in the relevant window. No clunky keyboard
combinations required, or no reaching for a physical KVM switch.
That's why I say it's faster, easier, and more efficient. I can see both
displays at all times, and switching from one system to the other is exactly the
same as switching from one application to another. I don't think it can get any
easier than that.
If one were inclined to do so, you could add another PC, another display, and
another RDP session to run 3 systems seamlessly. Or you could share a display
among two or more systems, since each RDP session can not only be run full
screen but also can be run in a window.
>My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than 1...4 for the
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 9:36:01 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:19:15 +0100,
It must be pretty good. Reconditioned, it's selling for 108 dollars or
more.
I'm going to try for something cheaper, but it's still a possibility.
Maybe my brother will buy it for me as a present!
>
>Regards,
>Rudy Wieser
>
more.
I'm going to try for something cheaper, but it's still a possibility.
Maybe my brother will buy it for me as a present!
>
>Regards,
>Rudy Wieser
>
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 10:19:37 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:36:29 -0600, Char
Jackson <no...@none.invalid> wrote:
Jackson <no...@none.invalid> wrote:
>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>>Running two computers at once.
>>
>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>up.
>>
>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>>what am I to do?
>>
>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>both so easily .
>
>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend
from 11/2022 "You can't connect to computers running a home edition,
>
>>Running two computers at once.
>>
>>It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>>desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>>up.
>>
>>To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>>need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>>computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>>because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>>USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>>but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>>what am I to do?
>>
>>I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>>both so easily .
>
>If either of your PCs can support Remote Desktop (RDP), I would 100% recommend
like Win10 Home." And one of mine is Home. Maybe eventually I'll
have all Pro, although this page doesn't mention win11. Thanks for the
suggestion.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/remote-desktop-allow-access
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 10:22:25 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:59:04 -0500, "David W.
That's big of you.
Hodgins" <dwho...@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:
>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>> Running two computers at once.
>>
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.
>>
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>> what am I to do?
>>
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>
>Instead of a hardware approach, I use a software/network approach.
>https://symless.com/synergy
Reading about it, thinking about it. I don't spend $30 quickly. :-)
>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>> Running two computers at once.
>>
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.
>>
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>> what am I to do?
>>
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>
>Instead of a hardware approach, I use a software/network approach.
>https://symless.com/synergy
>
>Part of it is open source, so for linux user's it can be installed without
>having to buy it. It has to be configured by manually editing the text
>configuration files, or you can buy the commercial software that includes a
>graphical interface to simplify the configuration.
>
>I still need a local keyboard to login to each computer, but once logged in
>I use one keyboard/mouse for both systems, each of which has it's own monitor.
>As I use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, I can just move the usb dongle
>temporarily when booting/logging into the the other two systems.
>
>I only use linux, so likely can't help with configuration for windows.
And yet you read this ng. (Unless you're reading t he hardware ng?)
>Part of it is open source, so for linux user's it can be installed without
>having to buy it. It has to be configured by manually editing the text
>configuration files, or you can buy the commercial software that includes a
>graphical interface to simplify the configuration.
>
>I still need a local keyboard to login to each computer, but once logged in
>I use one keyboard/mouse for both systems, each of which has it's own monitor.
>As I use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, I can just move the usb dongle
>temporarily when booting/logging into the the other two systems.
>
>I only use linux, so likely can't help with configuration for windows.
That's big of you.
David W. Hodgins
Nov 17, 2023, 11:04:07 PM11/17/23
to
On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:22:22 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
> And yet you read this ng. (Unless you're reading t he hardware ng?)
> That's big of you.
I'm subscribed to alt.comp.hardware. I'm not subscribed to any windows newsgroups.
> And yet you read this ng. (Unless you're reading t he hardware ng?)
> That's big of you.
Windows XP was the last version of windows that I used. I prefer to control
what's installed in my computer rather then some company that does what's best
for them. I used to help people diagnose and fix malware infections. Got tired
of seeing every version of windows be worse than the version before it.
I dual booted windows and linux for a few months. Once I was comfortable with
how linux works, I switched to it completely and deleted windows to free up
the disk space.
Regards, Dave Hodgins
micky
Nov 17, 2023, 11:37:20 PM11/17/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:03:57 -0500, "David W.
I'm glad I included the hardware group. I looked at it and it seemed no
one had posted anything worthwhile in a long time, but I included it
anyhow.
one had posted anything worthwhile in a long time, but I included it
anyhow.
Paul
Nov 17, 2023, 11:45:35 PM11/17/23
to
On 11/17/2023 8:26 PM, micky wrote:
> It's not that the 3rd box, which isn't even functional yet ;-), needs
> equal access. It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
> keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
> behind it. I can't touch-type on the rear one. I have to hunt and
> peck.
>
> That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
> tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
> the wrong computer.
With a little carpentry, you could probably make some better
> It's not that the 3rd box, which isn't even functional yet ;-), needs
> equal access. It's that I don't feel I have room on the desk for two
> keyboards. For the last 18 months I've had one flat and one tilted
> behind it. I can't touch-type on the rear one. I have to hunt and
> peck.
>
> That's fine for 2 or 3 words, but if I have something long to write I've
> tried reversing their positions, but then I get all mixed up and type in
> the wrong computer.
work surfaces for yourself.
One of my keyboards is at table height. The second keyboard
happens to be one foot above the table.
Paul
R.Wieser
Nov 18, 2023, 3:26:07 AM11/18/23
to
Char,
>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
> running applications.
[snip]
Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.
You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick
is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...
>> My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than
>> 1...4 for the
>
> I had a D-Link KVM that operated that way! Annoying. :-)
:-) You could always have gone for an even older version, the ones with the
selection buttons on the KVMs front, or even yet older, with the rotary
switch. :-p
Regards,
Rudy Wieser.
>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>
> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
> running applications.
Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.
You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick
is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...
>> My old D-link did it with a scroll-lock double-tap and than
>> 1...4 for the
>
> I had a D-Link KVM that operated that way! Annoying. :-)
selection buttons on the KVMs front, or even yet older, with the rotary
switch. :-p
Regards,
Rudy Wieser.
R.Wieser
Nov 18, 2023, 3:26:07 AM11/18/23
to
micky,
> It must be pretty good. Reconditioned, it's selling for
> 108 dollars or more.
I think is is. I've been using one for a number of years, only to be
replaced when I wanted to be able to connect more than four 'puters.
Thats quite the price though. I bought it for E50,- (AFAIK) new. Without
cables thoug, but they are bog-standard.
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
> It must be pretty good. Reconditioned, it's selling for
> 108 dollars or more.
replaced when I wanted to be able to connect more than four 'puters.
Thats quite the price though. I bought it for E50,- (AFAIK) new. Without
cables thoug, but they are bog-standard.
Regards,
Rudy Wieser
Brian Gregory
Nov 18, 2023, 8:29:45 AM11/18/23
to
you're not switching a screen.
You just need something you can connect your USB keyboard and USB mouse
to which can switch them between three (or four) USB inputs from the PCs.
--
Brian Gregory (in England).
Brian Gregory
Nov 18, 2023, 9:18:40 AM11/18/23
to
On 16/11/2023 19:10, micky wrote:
> Running two computers at once.
>
> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
> up.
>
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
> what am I to do?
>
> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
> both so easily .
Something like this ought to do it if I understand your requirements
> Running two computers at once.
>
> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
> up.
>
> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
> what am I to do?
>
> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
> both so easily .
correctly:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74SPYFN/
micky
Nov 18, 2023, 11:48:44 AM11/18/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:18:37 +0000, Brian
Yes, that doesn't have monitor switching! And it's only about $30 but
still usb3. Tnx.
still usb3. Tnx.
Mark Lloyd
Nov 18, 2023, 12:50:27 PM11/18/23
to
On 11/17/23 22:03, David W. Hodgins wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:22:22 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>> And yet you read this ng. (Unless you're reading t he hardware ng?)
>> That's big of you.
>
> I'm subscribed to alt.comp.hardware. I'm not subscribed to any windows
> newsgroups.
> Windows XP was the last version of windows that I used. I prefer to control
> what's installed in my computer rather then some company that does
> what's best
> for them. I used to help people diagnose and fix malware infections. Got
> tired
> of seeing every version of windows be worse than the version before it.
That is why I started using Linux, although I haven't completely given
> On Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:22:22 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>> And yet you read this ng. (Unless you're reading t he hardware ng?)
>> That's big of you.
>
> I'm subscribed to alt.comp.hardware. I'm not subscribed to any windows
> newsgroups.
> Windows XP was the last version of windows that I used. I prefer to control
> what's installed in my computer rather then some company that does
> what's best
> for them. I used to help people diagnose and fix malware infections. Got
> tired
> of seeing every version of windows be worse than the version before it.
up on Windows.
> I dual booted windows and linux for a few months. Once I was comfortable
> with
> how linux works, I switched to it completely and deleted windows to free up
> the disk space.
> Regards, Dave Hodgins
--
37 days until the winter celebration (Monday, December 25, 2023 12:00 AM
for 1 day).
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/
"I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in
its churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral
progress in the world." [Bertrand Russell]
micky
Nov 18, 2023, 12:57:29 PM11/18/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:37:16 -0500, micky
Well, they are sneaky sons of a gun, it seems. AFTER I paid, they said
"We're working hard to develop Synergy 3 into stable software. Please
bear with us while we complete this phase of development. If you have
any problems, then please either contact us for technical support or use
Synergy 1 instead."
And sure enough it didn't install on the laptop and didn't give any
indication why. When I tried the desktop, it said that Firefox had
either to be closed or the PC rebooted later. It actually gave a list
100 items long, all of them Firefox. (I 10 windows of FF with well over
100 tabs.) I closed Firefox and it installed, so I went back to the
first computer and closed FF and it installed.
But then it wouldn't work. The cursors were each trapped in their own
monitor. I fiddled for almost an hour, restarted the computers, read
everything on their webpage,finally put in a request for help. And
then, though I had done nothing more, it started to work.
Right now it's working pretty well!!! I think I like it. Thanks again.
Of course there are many other ways to be unstable. ;-)
"We're working hard to develop Synergy 3 into stable software. Please
bear with us while we complete this phase of development. If you have
any problems, then please either contact us for technical support or use
Synergy 1 instead."
And sure enough it didn't install on the laptop and didn't give any
indication why. When I tried the desktop, it said that Firefox had
either to be closed or the PC rebooted later. It actually gave a list
100 items long, all of them Firefox. (I 10 windows of FF with well over
100 tabs.) I closed Firefox and it installed, so I went back to the
first computer and closed FF and it installed.
But then it wouldn't work. The cursors were each trapped in their own
monitor. I fiddled for almost an hour, restarted the computers, read
everything on their webpage,finally put in a request for help. And
then, though I had done nothing more, it started to work.
Right now it's working pretty well!!! I think I like it. Thanks again.
Of course there are many other ways to be unstable. ;-)
Char Jackson
Nov 18, 2023, 2:10:47 PM11/18/23
to
On Sat, 18 Nov 2023 09:25:55 +0100, "R.Wieser" <add...@is.invalid> wrote:
>Char,
>
>>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>>
>> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
>> running applications.
>
>[snip]
>
>Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.
>
>You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick
>is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...
I didn't forget, since that was the entire point of my post. You snipped it, but
>Char,
>
>>> I'm not all that sure what you think switching using the mouse
>>> is less work than doing the same using the keyboard.
>>
>> Start with the simplest case of one PC and two simultaneously
>> running applications.
>
>[snip]
>
>Yeah, I know how it works, you don't have to describe it to me.
>
>You still forgot to bring anything forward about how switching by mouseclick
>is simpler than doing the same by keyboard ...
it shouldn't be a problem because you know how it works. ;-)
micky
Nov 19, 2023, 11:00:23 AM11/19/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:57:25 -0500, micky
Like any of the suggestions, it takes some getting used to.
On the left hand computer, I can't just move the cursor all the way to
the right without looking and know I'll be in the vertical scroll bar.
Instead I'm in the right-hand computer.
And I use AutoHotKey to reassign the Pause key to Sound Off/On, and the
/ and * keys to lower and raise volume. Before having this, I could
just press Pause on the righthand keyboard and the sound would turn on
or off. Now I have to move the cursor to that computer first.
Most importantly AHKey still works on the righthand computer, win10 Pro,
but on the lefthand, Home, it stopped working when I installed Synergy.
I wonder why.
I've rebooted and was going to reintall but I can't tell which of three
files I used to install. I went to their webpage and they're now
emphasizing ver 2 instead of ver 1 but they said that scripts for 1
could be incompatible with version 2, so I have to read about that, dl 1
again or if there are sufficient improvements accomodate my short simple
script to version 2. Maybe even if not mentioned, 2 won't be
succeptible to conflict with Synergy. Always enough to keep busy!
On the left hand computer, I can't just move the cursor all the way to
the right without looking and know I'll be in the vertical scroll bar.
Instead I'm in the right-hand computer.
And I use AutoHotKey to reassign the Pause key to Sound Off/On, and the
/ and * keys to lower and raise volume. Before having this, I could
just press Pause on the righthand keyboard and the sound would turn on
or off. Now I have to move the cursor to that computer first.
Most importantly AHKey still works on the righthand computer, win10 Pro,
but on the lefthand, Home, it stopped working when I installed Synergy.
I wonder why.
I've rebooted and was going to reintall but I can't tell which of three
files I used to install. I went to their webpage and they're now
emphasizing ver 2 instead of ver 1 but they said that scripts for 1
could be incompatible with version 2, so I have to read about that, dl 1
again or if there are sufficient improvements accomodate my short simple
script to version 2. Maybe even if not mentioned, 2 won't be
succeptible to conflict with Synergy. Always enough to keep busy!
micky
Nov 19, 2023, 2:39:10 PM11/19/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:00:19 -0500, micky
<NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>>Right now it [synergy] 's working pretty well!!! I think I like it. Thanks again.
asleep, the other computer B won't wake it up afaict. So I need to keep
a mouse connected to A all the time. That's fine.
3b, earlier today, A fell asleep, the mouse woke it up, but
the cursor would not leave B to go to A!! I could do mouse things with
the mouse but I could not type! For 1 or 2 hours!! I made notes in
an email to send to the other computer, to go to various programs.
Finally it started working again!
When I had my first problem I wrote them and they were to call back in
24 hours. I think their time limit is soon to arrive. This latest
problem is pretty much what the first problem was.
<NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>>Right now it [synergy] 's working pretty well!!! I think I like it. Thanks again.
>>Of course there are many other ways to be unstable. ;-)
>
>Like any of the suggestions, it takes some getting used to.
>
>On the left hand computer, I can't just move the cursor all the way to
>the right without looking and know I'll be in the vertical scroll bar.
>Instead I'm in the right-hand computer.
>
>And I use AutoHotKey to reassign the Pause key to Sound Off/On, and the
>/ and * keys to lower and raise volume. Before having this, I could
>just press Pause on the righthand keyboard and the sound would turn on
>or off. Now I have to move the cursor to that computer first.
>
>Most importantly AHKey still works on the righthand computer, win10 Pro,
>but on the lefthand, Home, it stopped working when I installed Synergy.
>I wonder why.
>
>I've rebooted and was going to reintall but I can't tell which of three
>files I used to install. I went to their webpage and they're now
>emphasizing ver 2 instead of ver 1 but they said that scripts for 1
>could be incompatible with version 2, so I have to read about that, dl 1
>again or if there are sufficient improvements accomodate my short simple
>script to version 2. Maybe even if not mentioned, 2 won't be
>succeptible to conflict with Synergy. Always enough to keep busy!
Problem 3: 3a, easily solved: When the computer without a mouse A falls
>
>Like any of the suggestions, it takes some getting used to.
>
>On the left hand computer, I can't just move the cursor all the way to
>the right without looking and know I'll be in the vertical scroll bar.
>Instead I'm in the right-hand computer.
>
>And I use AutoHotKey to reassign the Pause key to Sound Off/On, and the
>/ and * keys to lower and raise volume. Before having this, I could
>just press Pause on the righthand keyboard and the sound would turn on
>or off. Now I have to move the cursor to that computer first.
>
>Most importantly AHKey still works on the righthand computer, win10 Pro,
>but on the lefthand, Home, it stopped working when I installed Synergy.
>I wonder why.
>
>I've rebooted and was going to reintall but I can't tell which of three
>files I used to install. I went to their webpage and they're now
>emphasizing ver 2 instead of ver 1 but they said that scripts for 1
>could be incompatible with version 2, so I have to read about that, dl 1
>again or if there are sufficient improvements accomodate my short simple
>script to version 2. Maybe even if not mentioned, 2 won't be
>succeptible to conflict with Synergy. Always enough to keep busy!
asleep, the other computer B won't wake it up afaict. So I need to keep
a mouse connected to A all the time. That's fine.
3b, earlier today, A fell asleep, the mouse woke it up, but
the cursor would not leave B to go to A!! I could do mouse things with
the mouse but I could not type! For 1 or 2 hours!! I made notes in
an email to send to the other computer, to go to various programs.
Finally it started working again!
When I had my first problem I wrote them and they were to call back in
24 hours. I think their time limit is soon to arrive. This latest
problem is pretty much what the first problem was.
micky
Dec 3, 2023, 10:12:36 AM12/3/23
to
In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:59:04 -0500, "David W.
Hodgins" <dwho...@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:
>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>> Running two computers at once.
>>
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.
>>
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>> what am I to do?
>>
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>
I made the Pro desktop the primary computer. When it works, it works
very well, except that AutoHotKey on the laptop/secondary no longer
works. I used its reassigned keys all the time to mute or adjust
volume. I reinstalled it and it worked once 5 seconds later, but then
didnt' work anymore. I reload the script and that doesnt' help at all.
I complained to Symless and it's been at least 10 days and they havent'
gotten back to me.
Also, sometimes the cursor gets trapped in one monitor or another.
Both pcs have mice, becasue I need the mouse to wake up the secondary
when it's sleeping, so I can do whatever the mouse can do when the
cursor is trapped in the primary, but for some things I need a keyboard.
This problem started at the very beginning and I wrote them and the
reply wanted screen shots of each computer. Well I can't take a screen
shot when the keyboard doesn't work, but I gradually figured out that
while the pc was doing one or two specific things the cursor couldn't go
from one monitor to the other. So I wrote back, like I say, more than 10
days ago, about AutoHotKey and said a list of situations that trap the
cursor (which they must have) would be helpful, but they haven't replied
to yet.
Now the problem of cursor being stuck in one monitor has recurred.
Sometimes for hours, which is forever. When it locks the cursor, once
it helped to click on reconnect, but they probably know which PC I
should do that in and they don't say. Their help page has very little.
I wrote them again on Friday evening. I said a recommended procedure,
which pc to restart if need be, would help, and I asked if they were
going to extend the 30 day warranty. It's the weekend.. We'll see if
they write back.
I never had any trouble with the KVM switch but when this works, it
allows copy and paste to span pc's and that's really nice, and saves me
a lot of time. We'll see if its annoyances outweight its benefits.
Hodgins" <dwho...@nomail.afraid.org> wrote:
>On Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:35 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>> Running two computers at once.
>>
>> It happened sort of by accident but now I'm runing my laptop and my
>> desktop all the time. And I have a spare computer I really should set
>> up.
>>
>> To use just one mouse and one keyboard and switch them from PC to PC, I
>> need a KVM switch, but it seems that those that supply more than 2
>> computers all have HDMI outputs. And maybe I should get HDMI just
>> because it's newer than USB. But my laptop and desktop inputs are all
>> USB. I gather someone like me is supposed to get an HDMI to USB cable,
>> but that seems to connect only the mouse OR the keyboard, not both? So
>> what am I to do?
>>
>> I don't want to use only one monitor. It's good to be able to look at
>> both so easily .
>
>Part of it is open source, so for linux user's it can be installed without
>having to buy it. It has to be configured by manually editing the text
>configuration files, or you can buy the commercial software that includes a
>graphical interface to simplify the configuration.
>
>I still need a local keyboard to login to each computer, but once logged in
>I use one keyboard/mouse for both systems, each of which has it's own monitor.
>As I use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, I can just move the usb dongle
>temporarily when booting/logging into the the other two systems.
Well I bought it about 2 weeks ago, and they offer a refund in 30 days.
>having to buy it. It has to be configured by manually editing the text
>configuration files, or you can buy the commercial software that includes a
>graphical interface to simplify the configuration.
>
>I still need a local keyboard to login to each computer, but once logged in
>I use one keyboard/mouse for both systems, each of which has it's own monitor.
>As I use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, I can just move the usb dongle
>temporarily when booting/logging into the the other two systems.
I made the Pro desktop the primary computer. When it works, it works
very well, except that AutoHotKey on the laptop/secondary no longer
works. I used its reassigned keys all the time to mute or adjust
volume. I reinstalled it and it worked once 5 seconds later, but then
didnt' work anymore. I reload the script and that doesnt' help at all.
I complained to Symless and it's been at least 10 days and they havent'
gotten back to me.
Also, sometimes the cursor gets trapped in one monitor or another.
Both pcs have mice, becasue I need the mouse to wake up the secondary
when it's sleeping, so I can do whatever the mouse can do when the
cursor is trapped in the primary, but for some things I need a keyboard.
This problem started at the very beginning and I wrote them and the
reply wanted screen shots of each computer. Well I can't take a screen
shot when the keyboard doesn't work, but I gradually figured out that
while the pc was doing one or two specific things the cursor couldn't go
from one monitor to the other. So I wrote back, like I say, more than 10
days ago, about AutoHotKey and said a list of situations that trap the
cursor (which they must have) would be helpful, but they haven't replied
to yet.
Now the problem of cursor being stuck in one monitor has recurred.
Sometimes for hours, which is forever. When it locks the cursor, once
it helped to click on reconnect, but they probably know which PC I
should do that in and they don't say. Their help page has very little.
I wrote them again on Friday evening. I said a recommended procedure,
which pc to restart if need be, would help, and I asked if they were
going to extend the 30 day warranty. It's the weekend.. We'll see if
they write back.
I never had any trouble with the KVM switch but when this works, it
allows copy and paste to span pc's and that's really nice, and saves me
a lot of time. We'll see if its annoyances outweight its benefits.
>
>I only use linux, so likely can't help with configuration for windows.
>
>I only use linux, so likely can't help with configuration for windows.
>
David W. Hodgins
Dec 3, 2023, 2:49:55 PM12/3/23
to
On Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:12:31 -0500, micky <NONONO...@fmguy.com> wrote:
> I never had any trouble with the KVM switch but when this works, it
> allows copy and paste to span pc's and that's really nice, and saves me
> a lot of time. We'll see if its annoyances outweight its benefits.
I do get the problem, but very rarely. I'm not sure of the cause, but I think
> I never had any trouble with the KVM switch but when this works, it
> allows copy and paste to span pc's and that's really nice, and saves me
> a lot of time. We'll see if its annoyances outweight its benefits.
it's either very high cpu usage (on either computer), or very heavy network
usage, causing an interruption in it's connection.
When that does happen, I restart it rather then wait. I'd forgotten about that
rare problem when I was describing it before. For me, it's a minor inconvenience.
I've never had the mouse cursor get stuck on the client computer. It that's
happening for you, it's likely due to a windows/linux difference in hardware
handling and windows allowing a program to take control of the hardware, which
IIRC is usually used in some games.
On linux, restarting it when it stops working just requires killing the program
and restarting it, which is easy to do.
I also have mouse/keyboard on each computer, which is needed to login and
when necessary, restart synergy. As I don't use the gui, I just run a script.
On the server system ...
#!/bin/bash
killall -9 synergys 2>/dev/null
synergys -n desktop --debug FATAL
On the client system ...
#!/bin/bash
killall -9 synergyc 2>/dev/null
synergyc --name rp4 --restart --debug FATAL 192.168.10.2
Those scripts are the ones I use to autostart it when I login, or to manually
restart it when it loses it's connection.
The three programs involved are:
synergy - the gui program used for setup,
synergys - the server program that has the physical connection to the
mouse/keyboard being shared
synergyc - the client program on the computer that receives the
mouse/keyboard activity.
On linux, the killall program tells the kernel to send a signal to the program
to close it's files and terminate, aka SIGTERM.
Adding the -9 option for the killall tells the kernel to terminate the program
even if it has open files, aka SIGKILL, which is needed in this case.
If you can find a way to kill and restart the client and server programs, you
won't have to wait for it to eventually reestablish the connection on it's own.
The other option is to reboot, which will do the same.
Regards, Dave Hodgins
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