KVM switch vs. VNC for MacPro

Question

KVM switch vs. VNC for MacPro

I have a MacPro and use it as my primary computer. I have need to occasionally access software, residing on my G4, that requires Classic. I am investigating the best way to do this. I've done research and read topics in this forum but have additional concerns and questions.

I'm considering buying the Miniview Micro USB Plus KVM Switch by Iogear since, from my Internet research, it seems to be one that plays well with Mac hardware and does it at a great price. If others using this switch can confirm that it will work for my setup I would be most appreciative.

However, I read in a KVM discussion in the MacPro forum that using VNC (virtual network connection??), a software solution to accessing resources on another computer from the MacPro, is another viable method to access software and data on the G4. This solution doesn't require a KVM switch.

These computers are at my home. Our internet service is cable DSL and we use a router to serve it to multiple computers (PCs and Macs) in the home. It seems feasible that I could use the VNC solution, but I am not familiar with this so I don't know how to find out more and determine if it will work on my home network.

Any advice on these options would be most appreciated.

MacPro 2.66 2GB 250/PM G4 AGP Sawtooth 1.6GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Nov 24, 2006 12:31 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 24, 2006 1:36 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

You might want to post this question in the ARDT or UNIX forum if you don't get any answers. I know VNC for Linux/Solaris/Windows. But I have not tried it with OS X.

Here...there's already some VNC post in the Apple Remote Desktop forum...

http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=174 (Apple Remote Desktop)

http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=735 (UNIX)

http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=96 (Mac OS Server)

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Answer 2

Nov 24, 2006 1:38 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

An Update: I was able to locate the site www.realvnc.com and investigated the VNC product. I'm still a little confused. It says you can download it and use it on Mac, but at the point of download I don't see a version clearly labeled "Mac". Is one of the UNIX versions the appropriate one?

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Answer 3

Nov 24, 2006 1:51 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

Although Mac OS is UNIX based. You'll still need the binary compatible version. From the download site matrix. It looks as though only the Enterprise Version is available for Mac OS X (x86/PPC).

http://www.realvnc.com/download.html

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Answer 4

Nov 24, 2006 2:14 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

While I can use my display as a KVM I actually much prefer to use Apple Remote Desktop to control and use my Mac mini. I find it far more convenient especially when using gigabit Ethernet between the two. While you don't get 100% functionality (for instance, command-Tab only works for the host) it's more than adequate. Additionally, remote access via broadband connections is very simple to set up.

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Answer 5

Nov 24, 2006 2:37 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

As long as the G4 is next to you, I see no reason to use VNC to access it. VNC is slow (well compared to directly accessing a Mac) at least for my taste. I use VNC to access my servers which are located in a separate network room in the house, away from my office. VNC does a great job for this purpose. I don't have to go to the network room for basic maintenance, software install, configuration and testing. As far as running applications, I don't have any problems running text editors and the like, but would not wish to try and run anything more complicated beyond an occasional use.

To use VNC you will need to run the VNC server on your G4 and a VNC client on your MacPro, I like Chicken of the VNC for a client.

Now, as I original said, VNC is a great way to access remote computers. Your G4 is not a remote computer, it is sitting next to you. You will be much better off with a KVM switch. The KVM will allow you to access your G4 at its native speed, with no overhead of processing screen graphics, compressing them, and sending them over a network to your Mac Pro, instead you will just have straight easy access.

I use an iogear2 port USB KVM,
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS632U
but I don't use the KVM to change the monitor, I use the monitors built in switch. I do this because I want to use the DVI connector on the Mac Pro to drive the monitor, and the VGA port on the other computer.

Good luck.

Tom N.

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Answer 6

Nov 24, 2006 4:27 PM in response to Tom Nelson1

I appreciate your confirmation of use, with the MacPro, of the iogear KVM I referenced. Since my monitor is a 22" CRT (VGA) I don't have to concern myself at present about the DVI/VGA conflict. I will use the CRT alone for both the MacPro and the G4.

I was concerned about speed with the VNC option because I use Adobe Creative Suite software and the primary Classic software I need to access is QuarkXPress and Flash 5. These demand the best possible delivery of the computer's power to the tasks underway.

I would like the option of accessing my home computer from work using VNC. But, I suspect that my company's aggressive measures to protect our network may prevent it. I couldn't install VNC on the work computer anyway; and I have no laptop, just desktops.

Thank you again for your assistance, and those of all who responded to my post. I'm impressed with how quickly I got informed responses.

Debbie

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Answer 7

Nov 24, 2006 4:36 PM in response to infinite vortex

I haven't really looked into Apple Remote Desktop, having thought of it more as a solution for when one is away from home and has a laptop with which to access the other computer.

This idea of using Apple Remote Desktop within the home network to access another of the networked computers never crossed my mind. Can you share a link on the Apple site or elsewhere that would give me a good overview, and specifically for set up for the "remote access via broadband connections" you reference?

Also, I'm intrigued by your statement "While I can use my display as a KVM." How do you mean? Is this without a KVM switch, but with some feature of your monitor? Pardon me if I'm being dense. I've just never had to do any of this before and haven't learned about it.

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Answer 8

Nov 24, 2006 5:53 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

Can you share a link on the Apple site or elsewhere that would give me a good overview, and specifically for set up for the "remote access via broadband connections" you reference?

There really isn't one although here's the ARD link…

http://www.apple.com/remotedesktop/

… for you to look over. While it's actually intended to be use on a LAN it works extremely well over broadband lines. The trick with this, as with most broadband interconnectivity, is having control over your broadband modem. If you have that then you can pretty much do as you please. Problem is, most ISPs don't like that.

I mostly use it to manage client servers.

Also, I'm intrigued by your statement "While I can use my display as a KVM." How do you mean? Is this without a KVM switch, but with some feature of your monitor?

Well… my Dell 2405 24" display has a multiple input ports (DVI, VGA, component etc) to which I can connect each computer. Right now I have my Mac Pro connected to DVI and my Mac mini connected to VGA. Additionally, there's an in-built USB2 hub and all I need to do to use it as a KVM is to connect my mouse and keyboard to the USB hub. To change video I just use the input selector on the front. As for USB, I just change the uplink to the computer I want to use.

While not as pretty as hitting a button on a proper KVM it's quite a deal cheaper. I do however prefer to use ARD.

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Answer 9

Nov 24, 2006 6:57 PM in response to infinite vortex

Thank you Ned. ARD is quite impressive. I think though that I wouldn't get enough use out of it to justify the price tag. I'm sure the KVM switch I've selected is on the low end of the spectrum and may not be considered "proper" in that respect, but I think it will get the job done. I've found it for $35 rather than it's normal $50, so I won't be out much if I later decide it's not getting the job done.

This has been educational for me. Thanks for your responses.

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Answer 10

Nov 25, 2006 7:29 AM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

Note that the Unlimited version of Apple Remote Desktop is $500. But the 10 License version is $300.00.

Not sure that matters. Just fyi...

http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&productLearnMo re=MA231Z/A

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Answer 11

Nov 25, 2006 1:48 PM in response to R D Salinas

Regrettably, it matters. This is just for my home and I've got a lot of expensive software that is regularly needing to be upgraded so I'd prefer to put $300 towards buying upgrades, Vista for Parallels, or some peripheral I need.

If my freelance endeavors ever turn into a true small business I might entertain an ARD solution. That would make it worthwhile.

Again, I truly appreciate your feedback. Have a great weekend.

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Answer 12

Nov 28, 2006 11:39 PM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

ARD actually uses VNC for remote control. No need to spend the $$$ unless you need some of the other benefits of remote desktop (maintaining multiple workstations, remote software upgrading, configuration control, etc); ARD is an EXCELLENT product, well worth the money IF YOU NEED THE FEATURES it provides. Purchasing ARD for remote control alone is massive overkill, IMHO.

I use VNC extensively at home and at work - it's a great product. I've found OSXvnc ( http://www.redstonesoftware.com/products/vine/server/vineosx/) to work extremely well on the mac; it is responsive enough to run XCode remotely over a 802.11g wireless connection. I work on some pretty hefty XCode projects, so the mac pro provides a welcome performance boost for builds; it's pretty nice to work on projects sitting on my couch with my old G4 ibook though (and it's pretty funny to see the look on my coworkers face when she sees the speed of my builds on my G4<g>)

Check out VNC before shelling out any cash.

== HTH, Steve

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Answer 13

JimN

Level 2

275 points

Nov 29, 2006 7:59 PM in response to Tom Nelson1

My .02 cents on this, all the reviews I've read about the IOGear state some really troublesome problems with mice and keyboards not to mention some audio issues.

Years ago, I used to design computer rooms and was an avid fan of Cybex KVM's. Since then Cybex was acquired by Avocent http://www.avocent.com and they have a DVI/USB/KVM/Audio/USB Hub combo that apparently has very high ratings. I found the device at Amazon but if you want to go to Avocent's site to check it out, here's the link: http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/SwitchViewDVI-2port it comes in both 2 port and 4 port and the Amazon price is under $200. Its not cheap but you do get what you pay for.

I haven't jumped into this yet as I'm still on the fence - 200 bones is a lot but I'm at my wits end with managing a ThinkPad with XP for work and my PowerBook for home office. I have 2 keyboards, 2 mice, one monitor doing dual duty.

Hope this helps who ever is looking... I think these Avocent folks are on the mark and if they took Cybex to the next level (who were rock stars in my day) then they really have something.

Jim

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Answer 14

Nov 30, 2006 6:18 AM in response to JimN

Thank you Jim. I actually haven't purchased the iogear KVM yet nor any other. I kept reading conflicting reports--some glowing, some distressing--about the Miniview.

My husband works in the Information Technology field and he brought home a Hawking CS112U for me to test. We hooked up this KVM last night and it is able to operate both the G4 and the MacPro. There is a button on the switch that you push to move between the two CPUs. We tried to find information about a keyboard command to switch between them, but haven't yet found it for the Apple USB keyboard. I haven't tried to do any work on the machines since we hooked them up to the CS112U but everything looks good at this point. I'll need to test all the keys on the keyboards and use some software to tell for sure.

I think this switch costs around $50. I don't like the bulk of it and the fact that wires are coming out of all four sides. I really wanted to buy a KVM that is designed to reduce the tangle of wires and the ugliness a KVM can create. That was my attraction to the Iogear Miniview. The Hawking switch does combine some wires into one covered cable, so you end up with only two wires coming out of the back of the switch, but the VGA hookups are on the ends and the USB wires have to be hooked up to the front, so it's like a traffic jam. With an extension wire for my mouse and keyboard I think I could hide such a switch behind my desk, but only if I can determine a keyboard shortcut to switch them.

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Answer 15

JimN

Level 2

275 points

Nov 30, 2006 6:47 AM in response to Debbie Nessamar1

I agree with you about the traffic jam... haven't actually looked at the Hawking product but it sounds like functionality was more important than design which is ok for a KVM. KVM's were never very elegant in design except when they started becoming rack mounted (large enterprises). I also agree with you, the IOGear design is nice and small but, at the end of the day, its about functionality and capability too. Hope the Hawking continues to work well for you. I'm still leaning toward the Avocent since all the connections are in the back and apparently, it works well for all aspects, including being able to assign ports for the integrated USB hub to one system or the other or make them switched as well.

Thanks for the feedback!
Jim

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