jimmh

Q: Alternative to KVM switch?

Is there now a better alternative to a KVM switch?

 

I have a G5 PowerPC and am acquiring a 2nd computer, either a MacBook or a MacMini, to run a new printer that requires at least OS 10.6. I want to set up the 2 computers to run on the same keyboard/mouse/monitor. I have to some extent investigated KVM switches and find that probably the best is to go simple, like with a manual switch instead of a keyboard "hotkey". I've found the IOGEAR - 2 port USB KVM Switch, Model: GCS22U that sells for $22.00 at Best Buy. One concern I have is that this connects to the monitor via VGA. Is this as good as DVI (My G5 is currently connected via DVI)? Is there a better KVM switch for my purpose than this one?

 

OR as I originally asked: Is there now a better alternative to a KVM switch?  

Posted on Feb 9, 2014 6:58 PM

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Q: Alternative to KVM switch?

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  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Feb 9, 2014 8:38 PM in response to jimmh
    Level 10 (123,618 points)
    Feb 9, 2014 8:38 PM in response to jimmh

    Hi, I'd stup Screen Sharing to use/control one computer from another.

  • by jimmh,

    jimmh jimmh Feb 9, 2014 10:40 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 9, 2014 10:40 PM in response to BDAqua

    Thanks, BDAqua, for your reply

     

    Would Screen Sharing be instead of KVM or along with KVM?

     

    I've seen some things about Screen Sharing in Mac Help but it's all so unfamiliar and unclear to me, the ramifications of certain settings. I hate to just try something and get in a rut I don't know how to get out of. I've also looked at things like networking, but that always leads to setting up internet connections. I don't want to mess with that. In the early days of using a computer I came across the term "Local Area Network" or LAN. But I never before had need to investigate such. All I find now is entailed with Airport, which I don't know a thing about except I think it involves something wireless. For security reasons, I'm very leary of wireless, so I'm currently connected via wires only.

     

    I need to find more detailed and clear explanations about how to do all this. Do you have suggestions of where to get better/clearer info?

     

    Thanks

  • by BDAqua,Helpful

    BDAqua BDAqua Feb 10, 2014 11:07 AM in response to jimmh
    Level 10 (123,618 points)
    Feb 10, 2014 11:07 AM in response to jimmh

    It  would be instead of KVM, but require both be hooked to a local network.

     

    Depending on OSX versions, setup would look something like this...

    ScreenSharingSetup.gif

     

    Here's my headless, mouseless, keyboardless G4 Mini viewed & controlled by my G5's Mouse & KB, viewed on the G5's monitor...

    ScreenSharedMini.gif

    Some other instructions...

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11150

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4279?viewlocale=en_US

     

    http://macs.about.com/od/usingyourmac/qt/Mac-Screen-Sharing.htm

  • by jimmh,

    jimmh jimmh Feb 11, 2014 1:32 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 11, 2014 1:32 PM in response to BDAqua

    Thanks, BDAqua

     

    I have yet to check out your suggestions.

     

    However, I need to move along with my work. So, I'm going to purchse the MacMini and run it separately for the time being (for the purpose of operating my new printer). I'll just use a USB flash drive from my G5 to the MacMini.

     

    I do ultimately want to run them together; so I can run both old and new software at my one workstation.

     

    After I get this further resolved, I will post my results (or seek further advice) back here.

     

    Thanks so much

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Feb 11, 2014 1:57 PM in response to jimmh
    Level 10 (123,618 points)
    Feb 11, 2014 1:57 PM in response to jimmh

    OK, good luck!