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Copyright 1999 by Ken Fermoyle, Fermoyle Publications.
All rights reserved.
Ken's Korner
KVM Computer Switch:
Secret Weapon For Small Offices
By Ken Fermoyle
For some time I have been advising friends, relatives and
my readers not to get rid of an old computer when they buy a
new one. First, you can't get much for it, and second, it can
still be a useful tool. Use the older machine for such tasks
as word processing, simple spreadsheets or the like, and save
the new computer for applications (scanning, image editing, desktop
publishing, complex games, etc.) that need more speed and memory.
I've also pointed out that if you install a simple, inexpensive
network (often cheaper than a tape drive) you can easily back
up data from one computer to the other.
Several readers have written to say they would like to do
just that, but complain: "We don't have room for two computers!"
What they usually mean is that they don't have enough desk space
to accommodate two keyboards, monitors and mice.
I had a similar problem: squeezing two more computers into
a small office that measures just 11x12.5 feet and already held
two computers (both with 17-inch monitors), three printers, two
scanners, a fax machine and a Mita copier, plus many shelves
and bookcases. I wanted to add a new server, bring our #3 computer
in from another room and combine everything in one peer-to-peer
LAN (local area network). I could fit in the #3 computer and
the server tower, but there just wasn't desk space for a fourth
keyboard, monitor and mouse.
Knowing that various switches were available that allowed
control of two (or more) computers from one keyboard, video display
and mouse (KVM switches), I started checking the Web and catalogs
from companies like Belkin and Cybex. Belkin has been my main
source of switches since I bought my first A-B switch (to share
a printer) in 1985. I have since used a variety of Belkin products,
mostly switches and cables, and always found them to be well
made and reliable. Several experienced computer pros recommended
Cybex KVM switches. I tried KVM switches from both firms because
they offered slightly different features.
I first installed the new 2-port
PS/2 KVM OmniCube(tm) switch from Belkin; it proved to be an
excellent choice!
The new server tower fit neatly under my desk. My minitower
computer was on the desktop, next to my monitor, so it proved
easy to run cables from both machines to the OmniCube and from
the switch to the keyboard, video and mouse. I rigged a small
shelf above my monitor to hold the OmniCube and the bass speaker
of my QIC computer sound system.
I say "small shelf" advisedly because the tiny OmniCube
switch (4.75"D x 4.5"W x 1.75"H without cables
attached) takes up little space. Size aside, the switch is reasonably
priced and offers features I find invaluable.
Belkin claims that OmniCube's full mouse and keyboard emulation
"eliminates boot-up failures," and my experience verifies
that. I also like the fact that it supports video resolutions
of up to 1200x1600 dpi. That can be important in some of our
graphics and desktop publishing work. Also, switching from one
computer to the other requires just a touch of the "Select"
button on the switch's front panel. You can also use hot-key
or autoscan switching, but I prefer the simple pushbutton. A
red light indicates which computer is active in any case.
Price of a 2-port PS/2 OmniCube (no AT version offered) is
$99.95; a 4-port model is $129.995.
Next, I replaced the OmniCube with a Cybex SwitchView(tm)
model because of two features it offers. First, although physically
larger than the Belkin switch (5"D x 8.1"W x 2.7"H),
all cables plug into the rear of the SwitchView, whereas two
cables (to keyboard and mouse) plug into the front of the OmniCube.
Either way works fine but one setup, and size, may be better
than the other for a given desktop arrangement.
Second, the Cybex switch works with PC/AT and PS?2 systems,
VGA and SVGA video, PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 and serial mice supported
through the rear of the unit. This could be important if you
have an older computer with a serial mouse and newer one with
PS/2 mouse. Like the OmniCube, this switch supports Microsoft's
Intellimouse and 1200x1600 video resolution. A 2-port SwitchView
costs $149.99; a 4-porter is $199.99.
Another plus: you can work with one computer while booting
up the other one with SwitchView. Using OmniCube, you have to
switch to the second computer and wait until it boots up completely
before you can use either machine.
Neither switch requires an external power supply, IRQs, drivers
or other software. Installation is a simple matter of unplugging
and plugging cables. Connecting cable kits run about $20 per
set of three 6-foot cables for either switch. Each kit contains
cables that run between the switch and the keyboard, video and
monitor ports to the switch. You use existing cables to connect
switch to keyboard, video and mouse.
Some manual KVM switches are available for less money (from
about $40 to $65), but I didn't try one and don't recommend them.
I wanted to be sure I had automatic mouse and keyboard emulation
to eliminate boot-up and switching problems common to manual
switches. I figured that not having to buy another monitor (especially
a 17-inch model), keyboard and mouse saved more than enough to
pay for either the Belkin or Cybex switch.
Running my workstation computer and our network server from one
set of controls is a snap with the OmniCube or SwitchView products.
I have no hesitation in recommending either one to others with
limited office space and growing computer needs.
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