Alternative to KVM switch?

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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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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Feb 9, 2014 8:38 PM in response to jimmh

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

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Answer 2

jimmh Author

Level 1

8 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

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 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...

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

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

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Answer 4

jimmh Author

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8 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

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Feb 11, 2014 1:57 PM in response to jimmh

OK, good luck! 🙂

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