Two towers?

Question

I would like to test another tower with a different OS.

Is it possible to cable two towers together so they both use the

same monitor and keyboard , at the same time,without a lot of plugging and

unplugging. Both Dell XP & Vista.

I didn't want both towers running at the same time, just bootup and close down seperately..

Answer 1

Buy a KVM switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse)
http://www.compusa.com/products/products.asp?=undefined&N=0&Ntt=KVM&Ntk=All&Nty=1&D=KVM&Dx=mode%20matchall
or run a remote control program like VNC on one unit and control it with the other.
notice: you may have to have the machine being controlled set up in bios to boot without a kb or mouse or just connect a kb and mouse so it will boot & then you can take control from your other kb ( a little messy, since you'll need 2 kbs/mice, but only have one on the desk to USE & this option is FREE.
So once you have one pc setup & the other running the VNC server with a kb & mouse attached & hidden away you can control it at will - no plugging and unplugging!

Answer 2

A KVM will only display/control one computer at a time. There is a KVM device that will allow both via split screen viewing. But is costly.
If you can deal with hitting a couple keyboard keys to go from one to another, heres the solution.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107702

Or what I have done was run multiple monitors with KVM. Best of both worlds.


Update
Yes you can power up one or both.

Answer 3

you need a KVM switch, i use these with upto 16 computers

Answer 4

Yes, use a KVM switch.