KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor

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Glyn Barnes
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2013/01/16 02:31:38 (permalink)

KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor

When I get my new DAW I am hoping to continue to use the old box for general applications, MS office, photo editing, internet and email and the odd game to keep the DAW as clean as possible. While I have room for two boxes, I want to use the same screen, keyboard and mouse.
 
At first I was just planning to get DVI KVM switch, however a bit of research has shown the Belkin model I was considering does not work with Windows 7 or 8.
 
Can anyone recommend a DVI KVM switch that would work with both Windows 8 and Vista?
 
Would another option would be switching on the monitor itself?
 
I am away for another week I can't check the options on my Iiyama 24" monitor at the moment. but if it has both DVI and HDMI inputs like the current models I am thinking that I may be able to switch between these inputs? This would take care of the display which is the main issue, swapping keyboards and mice would not be the end of the world. 
post edited by Glyn Barnes - 2013/01/16 02:32:51

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    Kev999
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    Re:KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor 2013/01/16 03:57:07 (permalink)
    Glyn Barnes

    Would another option would be switching on the monitor itself?
    Most monitors have an input select button on the front.

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    johnashdown1980
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    Re:KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor 2013/01/18 09:01:06 (permalink)
    You can check KVMSwitchTech. They offer HDMI KVM Switch and DVI KVM Switch solutions. I have used their Cat5 KVM Switch solutions in the past and they work pretty well.
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    noldar12
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    Re:KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor 2013/01/18 14:47:39 (permalink)
    If you want to keep using just one mouse and one keyboard a simple USB switch will work for both of those.  Those are usually very inexpensive.

    I also use both connections on my monitor, and as has already been mentioned, there is a simple switch on the front, and switching between the two computers is a non-issue.

    Jim
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    Glyn Barnes
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    Re:KVM switches and other options. 2 PCs with one monitor 2013/02/15 11:18:03 (permalink)
    For the record I decided on using a Aten CS682 2 Port USB DVI KVM Switch. This seems to work very well enabling me to switch monitor, mouse and keyboard between the two computers with a single button push. It did not like a Logitech wireless desktop set however and I am using a USB keyboard and mouse.

    There may be cheaper solutions but this is very convenient to use.
     

    Intel i7 3770K @4.4GHz, 32GB RAM, 240GB SSD System disk, 2 x 2TB and 1 x 1TB (with SSD Cache) HDD. Windows 10,  Sonar Platinum. Roland Quad Capture. 
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    Music - Goldry Bluszco on Soundcloud
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