Computer and Software Support


KVM Switch 

   

You can use a KVM switch to connect to multiple monitors and computers with only one mouse and keyboard. Some KVM switches even have the ability to connect audio to all the systems.

There is KVM switches available with different type of connections. Some available connections are

  • Some KVM switches use PS2 connections to connect the KVM Keyboard and mouse to each computer (If your system only uses USB you might have to use a converter. However some systems will not work with a converter)

  • Some KVM switches use USB connections to connect the KVM keyboard and mouse to each computer (if your system only uses PS2 you might have to use a converter. However some systems will not work with a converter)

  • Some KVM switches have the ability to use either USB or PS2 connections.

The KVM works by connecting the cables to all the computers from the KVM switch. You connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse (some have other features as well) to the KVM switch. If you have 3 computers connected to the KVM switch, they will be numbered or lettered (depending on how the manufacturer of the KVM labels the computer) It will be listed on the KVM and possibly on the screen.

To switch to another computer, you press a button on the KVM switch. Some KVM switches has a keystroke you can press and it will bring up a menu so you do not have to touch the KVM switch.    A menu will appear and it will show you what computer you are controlling and available computers. You select the computer you want to control and it switches to that computer. If you are running a program on computer 1 and switch to computer 2, computer 1 will still be running the program, your just controlling computer 2.

The cost of a KVM can range from $25 to $12,000 depending on the features you need it to do.