2 Computers / 1 monitor

[DD716TED]

I have an old computer using Windows XP that has numerous programs on it that are not available for Win 7 and above.. (GPS programming for Boats Gps Sounder, etc) The old computer will not be connected to INET but on occasion I need what is in it... Rather than complete the difficult task of swapping the monitor cable (location) from one to the other, is there some kind of switch that will let me select between two computer inputs to the monitor? What am I looking for? Both computers when connected to a monitor use the same blue type basic video connection but I don't know the name for it..

[austinjenna]

jfkmk wrote:

It's called a KVM switch. You can use a software aka am where you use a special cable that hooks both computers up to the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse. I had one for a while and forget what keys I pressed to switch between computers but it worked flawlessly and was cheap.


^^^^^This answer

Yup for me I just hit the scroll lock key twice and everything switches over to the other computer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, audio

[Ron3rd]

jfkmk wrote:
It's called a KVM switch. You can use a software aka am where you use a special cable that hooks both computers up to the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse. I had one for a while and forget what keys I pressed to switch between computers but it worked flawlessly and was cheap.

^^^^^This answer

[fj12ryder]

If you don't use it all that often, and you have the desk space for a second keyboard and mouse, then just plugging in the second computer to a different input on the monitor would be the cheapest and easiest way to do it.

[bbaker2001]

I might have the unit and cables you need. am in Oregon, but have to go back to Ca. on Monday. I will look then. you can have them I you wanr.

[wa8yxm]

There is indeed a switch called a KVM (Keyboard/Video/Mouse) that not only switches the monitor from one to the other but in addition switches the Keyboard and Mouse over.

I used to have one.

Page 2..... On some computrs you have multiple video outs including HDMI as an option.. if ONE of your computrs has this feature the TV/Monitor itself can do the swiching (Video only)

[louiskathy]

Be sure you get the kind of KVM switch that allows you to use just one keyboard and mouse for both computers. You want the actual switch to be where you can get at it... not behind the monitor so get the extended cable with the switch on the end. AND check your connections on your monitor to see what you need on the KVM switch.

Nothing like having everything torn apart only to find out your cable won't connect to your monitor without more stuff to bridge it.


Iogear GCS22U USB KVM Switch With Cables And Remote 6

IO Gear KVM switchhttp://www.staples.com/IOGear+GCS22U/directory_IOGear+GCS22U?

[Heisenberg]

KVM Keyboard Video Mouse. I have one that also switches audio to computer in use.

[MrWizard]

A kvm switch will switch everything between computers
An A/B switch for VGA monitor signals, will switch the signal for only the monitor

[RoyB]

If you have a somewhat newer modern monitor it may have multiple video inputs. Just plug both computers into the separate video inputs on the one monitor and then select which one you want to display from its front panel buttons..

My two 24-inch DELL monitors has many different VIDEO INPUTS all selectable from the front panel button. It also has a picture-in-picture mode which I use alot for my older M90 Dell computer. It is displayed in a small PIP view down in the bottom corner of the large screen. I can select which computer I want to go to full screen ...

I have been running LAPTOPS for years using the DUAL 24-inch DELL monitors. My laptop sits in a docking station and feeds both monitors allowing me to throw many selected views from the same LAPTOP across both monitors.

When we head out in the RV I just grab the LAPTOP and plug it into a similar setup in the RV bringing all my programs with me where ever we go...

I have a feeling however both your computers are old somewhat vintage types...

Roy Ken

[C7XR7]

I use (Remote desktop protocol) RDP - not sure if XP has it available or not but it probably does. You do need to be using a pro version of the MS operating system usually. I have multiple MS OS computers and only one monitor. Using this method I have access to PC's at work as well as my home computer while on the road using my laptop. If you do not have access to MS RDP there are several other "free" applications that will let you do the same. A program called VNC for example.

[Finally_Time]

I use a KVM switch. (StarTech 2 port Professional)to use one monitor and one keyboard for both my laptop running Windows 7 and a desktop (not connected to the internet)running XP Professional.

[sch911]

Look for a KVM switch.

[jfkmk]

It's called a KVM switch. You can use a software aka am where you use a special cable that hooks both computers up to the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse. I had one for a while and forget what keys I pressed to switch between computers but it worked flawlessly and was cheap.

[K_Charles]

computer A B switch