How do you conect two PCs to one monitor, without having to plug/unplug it like a switch box or something?

Question

I want to be able to use my monitor with both PCs without having to plu/unplug just turn on/off either PC and have the monitor plugged and ready. Is there a switch box for that? I used to do that with my printers I used to have two printers on one computer with a switch box is there something like that for a monitor with twoo PCs?

Answer 1

They are called KVM switches & come in models for use with up to 16 or more PCs.

You need a 2 port KVM switch.
Here are some options & prices :

http://www.nextag.com/2-port-kvm/search-...

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

Yes there is a switch box, it's called a KVM switch (Keyboard Video Mouse). They are relatively inexpensive and quite easy to setup. Simply a matter of connecting your keyboard, mouse and monitor to the KVM switch and connect the KVM switch to each PC you want to share the input devices.

Here's one here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107407

That one is for use with a PS2 keyboard and mouse.

Alternatively, here's one that supports a USB keyboard and mouse

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817395002

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

The "Keyboard, Video, Mouse" switch is what you need. The details can be found here ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch

Alternatively, if you have multiple keyboards/mice, you may with to consider investing in a monitor that has multiple video inputs. Many Sony LCD monitors, for example, now come equipped with 2 video inputs.

Answer 4

it's called a KVM. you can find one to handle two computers, it will do the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

although instead of buying this, why not just make one the primary computer and use remote desktop to connect to the other one when you need it?