I've had several KVM switches to control the 5-8 machines I have at my desk at any point in time. These boxes are a mix of Linux, Windows, and Netware operating systems I use for testing or while configuring them for clients.
None of the KVM's I've tried has been without fault. Some cause mouse problems. Configuring Linux without a wheel mouse helps. Some lock up periodically. Dis & re connecting the keyboard cable fixes it. Some won't hold the keyboard repeat rate when switching around. A real nuisance when you're trying to write code and your cursor crawls at 10CPS. Some have long delays to get keyboard or mouse control after switching. Some can't handle higher resolution monitors. etc...etc...etc These have all been PS/2 style KVM's.
I am using a LinkSys 4 port PS/2 KVM. It also has AT keyboard connections, serial mouse connections and a special uplink port. I've added a IOGear PS/2 to USB adapter to use my PS/2 Kensington trackball and PS/2 keyboard on an iMac I have as a server.
I have bought Belkin made KVM cables on eBay from the seller racksys. Two 10 footers first and now 2 more. I have had no problems with these cables. They are molded and contain all the cables in 1 cord. The PS/2 connectors come out of the VGA connector. The KVM end has short PS/2 cords whereas the machine end has long PS/2 cords. This design is great. If you have problems with cables popping out, I recommend getting Compaq cables that have the click-lock. Your PS/2 cords will never fall out that way. :)
The only problem I have is when I disconnect power to the KVM, the trackball stops working on some of the machines. Not sure why, but a reboot of the machine sets it straight. Thusly, I have the KVM plugged into my UPS along with the main computer, hub and cable modem.
Is anyone running headless boxes and using X/SSH to work on them reliably?
This works great and is fast on a local LAN. Remotely though,I HIGHLY recommend using screen for SSH sessions. That way if your connection drops, you don't lose your work. Remote X though I think would still drop if the connection does. I have not done remote X yet, but I plan too.
Sincerely,
R. McFarlane
cross platform specialist Mac - Linux - windows
McFarlane Computing
on-site/remote tutorials, support & training
(phone) 391-8972
(fax) 391-8972
(pager) 413-8577
(email) techie @ mcfarlanecomputing . net
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