Advantages: Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution Disadvantages: No manual overide or audio support
has USB connections for the keyboard and mouse although Belkin do a range of KVM's so you can probably find a PS/2 equivelent if you have that sort of mouse/keyboard. The PS/2 models also include PS/2->USB adaptors so you'll also need those if you have a USB mouse and PS/2 keyboard. This particular model has no support for audio so if you need to also have your microphone and speakers switch from PC to PC, look elsewhere.
The monitor, keyboard and mouse are then connected to the KVM to complete the set up. One bugbear is that like the vast majority of KVMs, this Belkin unit has cables going in one end and out the other making it difficult to place on a desktop without having cables hanging out everywhere. However, there is no reason why you can't just tuck it out the way out of sight as it has no parts you'd normally need to access ...
Advantages: easdy to use,USB connections,up to 4 pc's Disadvantages: not pretty,
KVMswitches are,i think, a very underrated component and are not often seen in use. This i think is because untill recently they relied on pretty much old tech as far as connections were concerned.
Just to make it clear at the start what a KVM dose for those not familier with them,a KVMswitch performs the very useful function of alowing more than one computer to use the same keyboard,monitor, mouse,and sometimes(and in this case) speakers.
Be warned though,a KVMswitch is simply an input/output switch it dose NOT link the pcs in any way,when one is on the others are off,no movement between computers just access between you and several pc's.
For those of us who need to use more than one PC on a regular basis this is a major bonus both in space saving and speed of use.
This belkin switch is a big step forward in KVM ...
Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution, audio support Disadvantages: No manual overide
It's surprising how many people have more than one PC at home although even more surprising is that many of them each have their own screen, keyboard and mouse.
In many cases this makes perfect sense but sometimes, you know you'll only ever use one or the other - perhaps one is your general PC and the other your music workstation. In these situations you can save a lot of space and money by investing in a KVMswitch. KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse and allows you to use one keyboard, mouse and screen shared between two PCs.
This particular unit from Belkin is unusual in that it also includes audio support and also comes with all the leads permanently attached instead of being supplied as a separate cabling set.
Wiring it Up
Installation is simply a matter of taking each of the two main cables and plugging the sets ...
Product Information for "StarTech.com 4 Port Professional USB KVM Switch - KVM switch - 4 ports" »
Kvm
Keyboard / Mouse Interface
USB
KVM Local Users Qty
1 local user
Max Resolution
1920 x 1440
Manufacturer's product description
This 4 Port rack mountable USB KVM Switch Kit offers simple control of four Mac or PC computers from a single monitor/display and USB peripheral set (keyboard, mouse). The USB KVM switch features an integrated 4 port USB hub, allowing you to share connected USB peripherals between the four controlled PC/Mac computers as though the devices were connected directly to the computers. Ensuring convenient placement and installation, the KVM switch features a 1U, rack-mountable (optional) form factor and offers rear-port connection to master and slave computers, allowing you to make the necessary device connections without disrupting your workspace. A cross-platform solution, the KVM switch supports high resolution applications at up to 1920x1400 display resolutions, and provides a smooth operating experience when controlling Mac/PC combined work environments.
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