Two Computers One Monitor – With a KVM 2 Port Switch.

Two Computers One Monitor – Introduction

Two computers one monitor and a lack of desk space!

A not uncommon problem today is that of an office or home setup where you have two computers that you wish to switch between regularly but only have room on your desk for one monitor, keyboard and mouse, especially if you have a widescreen LCD monitor filling your desktop!

Maybe you have a PC setup dedicated to gaming and another PC for all of your other applications or setup as a server etc.

Some gamers and computer buffs like to have multiple setups with one PC a ‘latest spec’ machine and the other as a backup or new build PC.

With this kind of setup it would be very annoying to say the least to have to keep unplugging your monitor, keyboard and mouse from one PC only to have to reconnect it to the other – back and forth all the time!

Well not to worry – there is a way around this!

KVM monitor switches are available which allow the connection of two or more PCs to one monitor, keyboard and mouse.

KVM stands for, yep, you guessed it, keyboard, video and mouse!

It’s a neat little device that you can connect up between two or more PCs with a single set of user interfaces and switch between your PCs using a simple keyboard shortcut command – brilliant eh!

The keyboard command is usually something simple like a multiple tap of your shift key for instance.

Manual KVM switches are also available which require you to simply press a button to switch between PCs.

Two Computers One Monitor – Remote Control

It’s even possible to set up dual PC sharing without having to site the PCs locally to each other by using a local / remote KVM switch.

How does this work?

Well, your local KVM switch simply plugs into your keyboard, mouse and monitor and a CAT 5 type network cable connection is made between the local and remote KVM switch boxes.

The remote Ethernet KVM switch then connects to your remote PCs keyboard, video and mouse inputs, and you’re all set to go.

Two Computers One Monitor – Who Makes Them?

These handy little devices are easily obtainable from a number of manufacturers, such as Belkin, D-Link, TRENDnet and Iogear KVM switches and can be purchased quite cheaply from online stores such as tigerdirect.com.

Obviously it’s best to spend a reasonable amount to ensure a good quality product, you are dealing with some quite sensitive signals here especially for your monitor connection and the cheaper models may be more susceptible to crosstalk and interference of the signals.

Two Computers One Monitor – Is there another way?

Sharing a monitor between two PCs can also be achieved very simply if your monitor has dual inputs.

You will simply need to select the input using the monitor input selector.

Obviously your individual PCs will still require their own keyboard and mouse but this is still another possibly cheaper option to consider.

Ok, well we’ve talked about the KVM switch solution and sharing a monitor using dual inputs but are there any other options open to you?

Well, in fact yes there is!

Two Computers One Monitor – Software Approach

Another option which is brilliant for those that require remote operation of a PC is the software based control via your home network or even over an Internet connection.

Who provides the software?

There are a number of software solutions around, some you have to pay for and some, such as ‘Windows Remote Desktop’ are available free.

Another free option is ‘LogMeIn’ who provide a free option for users with basic requirements.

You will need a high speed home network LAN and decent broadband Internet connection in order to use this to the best of its abilities.

Note that this isn’t strictly a software KVM type solution as your remote PC will still require its own keyboard video and mouse but you will be able to use one monitor, keyboard and mouse locally to view two or ore computers remotely.

Two Computers One Monitor – KVM Switch Cables

KVM switches are available with two or more sets of connections for the sharing of multiple PCs with a single monitor, keyboard and mouse

Some KVM switches have VGA inputs and outputs and PS2 connections for mouse and keyboard whilst the newer models have USB ports for today’s USB keyboard and mouse connections.

Your KVM switch will usually come complete with a set of cables. You will need to check that the KVM switch that you select has the correct connector types for both of your PCs that you intend to share with your monitor keyboard and mouse.

Many KVM switches available today have the facility to connect a set of speakers and a microphone which can also be switched between your PCs.

A KVM switch will, due to the technical limitations regarding signal quality etc, need to be sited in reasonable proximity to your PCs – say within 2 to 3 metres.

By the way, with a basic KVM switch there should be no reason why you should not be able to mix and match between a PC and Mac as long as the keyboard and mouse are compatible with both setups.

Two Computers One Monitor – Best KVM Switch

Where would we suggest that you look for the best KVM switch?

Well, Belkin, Iogear and TRENDnet offer some very good KVM switches and a very compact dual port KVM switch can be obtained very cheaply from all of these manufacturers.

All are exceptionally easy to configure and install and do not require any device drivers or other software installation on any of the PCs that you intend connecting it to.

A very simple device available cheaply is the Belkin 2 Port KVM switch called the Belkin Flip which is offered in PS/2 or USB connector variants.

This is a really cute little device which sits between the two computers, a single monitor and your keyboard and mouse.

It comes with a ‘remote’ button that you use to swap ‘on the fly’ between your two PCs.

The Flip remote button has two colors along its edge which shine green or yellow with the color indicating which of your PCs is currently under control of your keyboard and mouse.

The Flip’s remote button can be attached to the top or underside of your desk using the included adhesive patch if you so desire.

No software installation is required with this model – it really doesn’t get any simpler!

Actually, there is also a variant of this model that has wireless remote included!


Belkin F1DG102W 2-Port USB KVM Switch with Wireless Remote

Belkin’s Wireless Remote version of the ‘Flip’ allows you wire free switching between two PCs or a PC and a laptop with the KVM to PC and KVM to keyboard etc. cables neatly hidden away from view.

This beauty also features audio support, allowing you to share a set of speakers between PCs!

The Flip lets you to listen to music files on one PC whilst working on your other PC by using the handy ‘audio lock’ feature.

Features

• Share a single monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse between two PCs


• Share a set of speakers between two PCs


• Wireless RF remote has a range of 10 feet


• ‘Active’ PC indication using bi-color LED indicator


• Includes 2 built-in cables for connecting computers


• Supports screen resolutions up to 2048x1536


• MAC and PC compatible

A good example of a competing Iogear KVM switch model is the

Iogear GCS42UW6 Compact KVM Switch

The IOGEAR two-port USB KVM switch supports both the MAC and Windows operating systems and allows a single monitor keyboard and USB mouse to be shared between two computers.

Switching between the two computers is by use of a manual switch which is attached to the top of the KVM switch housing.

Again, this device features plug and play operation does not require any software to be installed.

Features

• Share a single monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse between two PCs


• No external power required


• Supports screen resolutions up to 2048x1536


• Integral 6 foot USB and VGA cables


• Compact design features two attached KVM (USB and VGA) cables


• Microsoft Windows 2000 upwards and Appple Mac OS 9.0 upwards


• Manual Push button computer selection


• LED indication of active PC

A further excellent example of a competing Trendnet KVM switch model is

TRENDnet’s TK-207K 2-Port USB KVM Switch

This 2-Port USB KVM Switch allows connection of two PC’s with an integrated set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse cables.

Switching between computers is by push button selection or ‘hot keys’ with LED indication.

Again no external power is required as the Trendnet KVM switch obtains its power from the cables attached to your PCs

This device features plug and play with no software installation required.

Features

• Share a single monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse between two PCs


• Two sets of detachable KVM Cables included


• Supports screen resolutions up to 2048x1536


• Supports Microsoft Windows and Apple MAC


• Hot-key computer selection or push button selection


• Microsoft Windows users can specify hot keys


• Power adapter not required – USB power driven

Motherboard buying tips

When you ask someone about their computer configuration, they will normally tell you about the CPU speed, RAM memory size, Hard disk size etc. What most computer users do not care much about is the Motherboard. Most don’t even know what is a motherboard.

The heart of the computer is the Motherboard. Motherboard is as important to a computer as a foundation is important for a building. Even though you have high capacity hardware for the computer, if the motherboard is not efficient, then those hardware will also not function to their full capacity.

Therefore when you buy a computer or when you upgrade your computer it becomes very important that you get a correct motherboard. Here are the buying tips for a motherboard:

1. 
   

   It is important to know, how much speed of CPU the motherboard can support. For example if you are going to buy a CPU of 2.4 GHz speed then you should buy a motherboard that supports at least 3.06 GHz speed. The reason is, if you want to upgrade later, then you can just upgrade your CPU and reuse the existing motherboard. Therefore try to buy a motherboard that supports greater speed than your CPU speed.

   
   


2. 
   

   Take note of the CPU socket in the motherboard. The socket depends on the CPU. Socket 462 and Socket 478 are some examples.

   
   


3. 
   

   The chipset which controls all the hardware is very important. SIS, VIA, INTEL are some of the companies that manufacture chipsets. Intel 845E, VIA, KM 266 are some of the popular chipsets.

   
   


4. 
   

   Another important thing to note is to check how much RAM memory can be inserted into motherboard. Even if you are going to buy a smaller RAM size, make sure you have free slots for inserting RAM for later upgrade if needed. There are motherboards that can take upto 4GM RAM. Also see which type of RAM is supported. For instance there are SDR RAM and DDR RAM. Some costlier motherboards support both SDR and DDR RAM.

   
   


5. 
   

   In many motherboards the video cards are integrated. This is referred to as ‘Integrated Video’ or ‘Onboard Video’. If you buy a motherboard with this integrated video card then you do not have to buy another video card. So you can play games using these cards. However some higher end games and some software like CAD cannot be used with this video card. Therefore, if you are a game addict or you use video a lot, then make sure that your motherboard comes with a AGP slot, so that in future if you need a more powerful video card then you can buy and insert it here.

   
   


6. 
   

   Many motherboards also come with integrated sound cards. If you buy a motherboard with ‘Integrated bchannel’ audio then you can save cost on buying another sound card.

   
   


7. 
   

   You can also save cost by buying motherboards with Ethernet, USB 2.0 and FireWire integrated, so that you don’t need to buy them separately.

   
   


8. 
   

   Some motherboards also come with RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Devices) support. If you are buying a server then you should go for this. If you are a home user then normally it is not necessary.

   
   


9. 
   

   Motherboards that support bluetooth are available. If you use many wireless devices then you should go for bluetooth supported motherboards.

   
   


10. 
    

    The number of PCI slots also vary in different motherboards. The number of PCI slots vary from 2 to 6. It is better to buy a motherboard with more PCI slots so that you can insert any external devices as and when required.

    
    


11. 
    

    The Font Side Bus (FSB) speed of motherboard ranges from 133MHz to 533MHz. It is obvious that the FSM speed should be high. The motherboard Chipset should be able to handle your CPU speed and the FSB speed of your motherboard. This is called Form Factor. Now, Micro ATX form factor is quire popular.

    
    


12. 
    

    Also note that there should be adequate space around the CPU. This will enable more air flow to the CPU while functioning. If required buy an additional fan.

    
    


13. 
    

    Check that your motherboard comes with the User manual, Driver CDs, Required connection cables etc.

    
    


14. 
    

    The price of the motherboard usually ranges between $60 to $300. You can choose a cheaper motherboard with more features.

    
    


15. 
    

    Some of the popular motherboard manufacturers are Krypton, Asus, Msi, Mercury, Gigabyte and Intel. Choose the one with long warranty period.

    
    

There are different methods through viruses may be transferred from one computer to another.

• Now- a-days, most of the viruses spread due to receiving unknown e-mail messages that contains viruses. When a user opens such an infected message, the virus is also loaded into the computer memory. In this way, many other program files loaded into the memory are infected. This virus is also transferred to other computers when e-mail messages are sent from the infected computer to them. Due to these viruses, some time an auto generated email message from your email ID sends to your friends from your side with different virus messages. Never open unknown and attractive subject line email messages, always scan first even if you know the sender of the message. 


• Another way of spreading virus is by using Internet and other networks. For example, when you download infected executables files or data files from the Internet or from a shared disk on the network, viruses are transferred to your computer. It must be noted that many software are available on the Internet with free of cost. Most of that software contains viruses, for example free PHP or ASP scripts are the main source of virus, always get these scripts from reliable sources. In an LAN, if a computer contains a virus, then all the computers on the network may be infected with that virus.  


• One important means of exchanging data is through the use of removable media like, CDs, MP3 player, ipod and flash devices. So, when you copy the data from one computer to another by using a removable media, the viruses are also transferred. 


• The virus can also infect your computer by using pirated software. The software, which is installed into your computer without license is referred to as pirated software. Some companies may intentionally attach some virus programs into their software. This program will only activate when it does not find some special files like license files on your computer.

How to find a lost file on your Computer?

Today tip will help you to enjoy the quick and easy way to find lost files on your computer. Here I recommends you, try to search a file with its file extensions (for example for word file, type *.doc, Excel *.xls, Acrobat *.pdf, *.ppt and *.exe for executable files. If you don't know the name of file but know that it contains a string of text then try to search for files containing specific text, type the text you want to find from any file or folder. This is time taking process but creates very precise result. In Look in, click the drive, folder, or network you want to search. To save time, always select the specified drive or location instead of whole computer.

Click Start Button, point to Search, and then click For File or Folders, a Search Results dialog box will appear. In Search for files or folders named, type the file name or folder name you want to find in containing text.

To specify additional search criteria, click Search Options, and then click one or more of the following options to narrow your search:

Select Date to look for files that were created or modified on or between specific dates.
Select Type to look for files of a specific type, such as a text or Word Pad document.
Select Size to look for files of a specific size.
Select Advanced Options to specify additional search criteria.
Click Search now.

Disable auto-start applications on windows startup

Using this tip, you can minimize the startup time of windows XP and Vista also. You can disable some optional windows applications like windows messenger, Yahoo messenger, QuickTime and many others auto startup programs that run automatically when you start your computer.

Follow the given steps to disable the windows auto run applications:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type msconfig in Run option then press Enter for next.

A small System Configuration Utility dialog box will appear with many options like General, System.ini Win.ini, Boot.ini, Services, Startup and Tools.



Now select Startup tab and uncheck the applications that you want to disable from windows startup.

Now click on Apply button to implement the changes then click on Ok button to end the configuration process.

Again close the all program and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to set auto shutdown for your computer?

A cool tip to manage your computer shutdown process automatically. You can set your computer to shutting down at any convenient time (daily, weekly and when my computer starts) when you are not there.

A simple shutdown command set your computer to close all running applications and shutdown properly after predefined time. This tip is very useful to save energy and time. After the execution of command, a small window will appear to count time of system shutdown. You can cancel this auto shutdown process using same command.

Security Techniques against viruses.

Virus detection and its removal are mode through an antivirus or with some other security program. Different antivirus programs are available in the market and over Internet. The most common and famous security technique against viruses is as under:

Virus Signature/ Virus Definition

Virus signature is a known pattern of code of a code of a virus program; this pattern is used by antivirus program to detect viruses and then to remove these viruses. You should update virus definition continuously by downloading updates from Internet. This ensures that your antivirus is always able to detect changing viruses. 

Inoculation

Inoculation file is separate file created and maintained by antivirus program to record information like file size and file creation date. This information later on is used for virus detection and removal.
Quarantine

Quarantine is a separate area on a hard disk. It contains the infected files and folders that cannot be cleared or deleted by antivirus due to some reason, for example sharing violation or unknown virus for that antivirus.

Recovery Disk

Recovery disk is a removable disk that holds un-infected system commands and startup information. In case the boot record of actual hard disk fails, this recovery disk can be used to start the computer. Afterwards an antivirus program can be used to remove the virus.

Un-authorized access

Accessing a computer system without the knowledge or permission of its user is called unauthorized access. It is always recommended to restrict computer resources with the help of usernames and passwords. These are unique combination of characters to identify users and their secret codes respectively.

Firewall

Firewall is a security system consisting of hardware and software to prevent unauthorized access of a network or computer. Big companies use a separate computer firewall software or hardware to protect their date from unauthorized access. Firewall check outgoing and incoming traffic and manage data access to the authorized users only.

Biometric Devices

A biometric device reads personal characteristics like fingerprints hand structure, facial features, and voice recognition to authenticate a user for any further access to a computer system or other peripheral devices. A biometric device translates the personal characteristics into digital code that is matched to already store user data in that system. If the digital data matches with any of the stored data, it gives access to the person. In case of no match, the access is denied.

Convert FAT or FAT32 File system into NTFS

You can increase the performance of your computer using NTFS (New Technology File System) hard drive volume with windows XP, because this advance file system provides some extra features, for example security, reliability, file encryption and Compression features.

But if you are still using old file systems like FAT or FAT32, you can covert it into NTFS with a simple command. The interesting thing is that you can convert your hard drive volumes file system without losing data on the drive.

Follow the giving steps to convert FAT or FAT32 partition to NTFS:

• First go to Start button then click on Run option.


• Now type here “CMD” and press Ok to open command prompt.


• 
  

  At the command prompt type convert drive letter name: /fs:ntfs

  
  


• For example if you want to convert drive E to NTFS then the command will be “convert e: /fs:ntfs”.


• Now restart your computer and enjoy NTFS features, but keep in mind you cannot covert back it to FAT or FAT32 again.

Cheap DSL Connection Tips

Today there are different types of  cheap DSL Internet connections available in the  market with different rates according the need of users, for example ADSL, R-ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, and VDSL. Monthly rates of DSL connection depends upon its speed and downloading or uploading traffic allowed. DSL providers offering traffic allowed up to 1 GB with basic 128 Kbps internet connection. But if you want to play online games, downloading audio or video files and uploading data, then the traffic allowed(1 GB) in one month from DSL provider will be the main issue for you. Visit the market for the best rate DSL, may be some DSL providers offering you up to 2 GB or more traffic allowed with the same rates. Almost all DSL providers offering per month connection with the same rate but you can minimize your DSL cost to share your connection on many computers using any Internet sharing software. Normally DSL connection is available on unlimited usage but you can also buy connection for certain amount of time or hourly packages to control the monthly spend. Finally, you can reduce your DSL cost to share the business internet connection with your home, if your business or home is located near.