> On Wed, 6 Nov 2002, Paul Hamm wrote: > >>Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 17:08:15 -0500 >>From: Paul Hamm >>To: "'psyche-list@redhat.com'" <psyche-list@redhat.com> >>Subject: RE: issues with KVM switches >> >>Common problem that I have seen with low end KVMs and some not so low >>end ones. It is not a Linux issue but a hardware issue. I have found >>that some systems (PCs) work better, may be signal strength, than >>others. Also some KVMs work better than others. Personal expirience >>indicates that Compaq servers will handle almost anything no sweat but >>Dell power edge will flake out on the older Belkin pro KVMs. As far as >>KVMs the New Belkin pro 2 seems to work great I have a 4 port at home. >>Also raritan KVMs seem to work great also. I have had various problems >>with desktop machines where some models have no problem and others >>always die, same manufacturer. My advice is spend more money or learn >>to love TightVNC. > > For those using/needing/wanting KVM switches... think again... > > http://synergy2.sourceforge.net > > Synergy2 is a completley free open source software solution that > can do almost everything a KVM can do, only over the network. > One drawback being that you need multiple monitors still. > > -- > Mike A. Harris ftp://people.redhat.com/mharris For a person with 2 or maybe even 3 PCs - maybe - but unless your into the setup like in the Swordfish movie and/or have buckets of money, one monitor with a KVM is much cheaper than 3 or more monitors and some setup to be able to look at all the monitors at once. (I'd even say 2 monitors is more expensive unless you buy REALLY cheap monitors) For geek value, the Swordfish setup is certainly cooler :-) I use 2 KVM's: one (8 port) with 7 PC's (5 Linux and 2 Windows) and one (4 port) with 2 PC's (both Windows) Both KVM's are "Master View" (I even had the 4 port plugged through the 8 port for about a year and never had any problems with a Linux box in the 4 port) For video issues - you MUST use high quality video leads - never had a problem with Video and good leads. For Keyboard - nothing special - never had a problem. For Mice ... well that's where the problems start. As long as you are using a 3 button or less PS/2 mouse it works fine. My 4 button Logitech cordless sends a BUTTON3 when I press the 4th button and sometimes sends a MOUSE4 when I use the scroll - ended up plugging the mouse directly into the PC to solve that one and using a 2nd mouse for my 2 year olds WinPC. I never tried my 5 button no name mouse - I can image the problems ... Tring to get PS/2 to serial through is even worse ... that took 9 months to give up on with the supplier and just say - it doesn't work and get a 2nd replacement MasterView. Ignoring KVM's: My experience with PS/2 mice has ALWAYS been that if I unplug it, it will not work if I plug it back in again - windows and linux Also, if it's not plugged in at boot, it won't work plugged in later (even Windows tells you this when it boots :-) PC's range from old Compaq's, to all sorts of brands of motherboards in no-name PC's to Dell's and a Gateway. -- -Cheers -Andrew MS ... if only he hadn't been hang gliding! -- Psyche-list mailing list Psyche-list@redhat.com https://listman.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/psyche-list
