Many computers to one monitor / keyboard - how?

[Tim]

This is probably a really simple question, but since I have no networking experience I don't know the answer.

I'm moving my computers around in the apartment, and I want to arrange it so my main system is by itself with all its hardware (mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, etc), and the other room has the other computers.

I've got the ethernet cables all figured out, but in the other room I'd like to have a few computers running on folding and have only ONE monitor / mouse / keyboard to control them all. And I don't want to switch cables back and forth everytime I want to see how a certain computer is doing, I've done enough of that already. I've heard of devices that can switch between the different computers but don't remember what they're called. :scratch:

So what things do I need to do this? I'll probably start with 2 computers, then expand it to 3, 4, or 5 total. Mostly they will just be a motherboard and power supply mounted on a board with only what it needs to run.

[Enverex]

You'll want to buy something called a KVM, it basically allows you to plug one keyboard, monitor, mouse etc into mutliple PCs and just flick switches to chose the PC you want (just search your favorite online shops for "KVM").

[Kwitko]

You could use either a KVM switch or remote desktop. I believe that there's a distance limit of 6' with analog video cables. Remote desktop might be your best bet, because you're limited by network cable length, and you can run all of your machines headless.

[Tim]

Having all the computers within 6 feet of the monitor should not be a problem, I was planning on that anyhow.

What kind of remote desktop programs would work? PCAnywhere? I wouldn't mind being able to control the computers like that if it didn't cost too much or involve changing too many things on my main computer.


I'll look for KVM switches and see how many computers they can connect and how much they cost.

[shwaip]

there are also many programs (EMIII, for example) that will monitor the folding progress over the network.

[Enverex]

You could just install VNC on all the machines (for free) and have complete remote control over them, thats how I manage my server.

[edcentric]

KVMs work great for 2,3 or 4 computers. More than that puts you into fancy equipment that can cost a bunch.
I know that some of guys run their folding farms 'headless'.

[DanG]

if the machines all have xp on them, remote desktop is the way to go, plus it's built in to windows.

[Tim]

I have XP Home on my main system, 2000 Pro on the laptop and BP6.

I have enough problems getting EM3 to monitor 2 instances of 5.02 on my BP6, I don't even want to think about putting it on a computer to monitor all the ones I have.

I looked up some KVM switches on eBay and google, looks like a simple solution to my problem.

Are there any brands of KVM switches that are of good quality, and any brands to stay away from?

Can a KVM switch be branched off of another KVM switch, like a bunch of 4 port ethernet routers?

[MrBill]

I looked up some KVM switches on eBay and google, looks like a simple solution to my problem.

Are there any brands of KVM switches that are of good quality, and any brands to stay away from?

Can a KVM switch be branched off of another KVM switch, like a bunch of 4 port ethernet routers?
I have a Belkin OmniPro 8 port KVM. It is "stackable" but I think most "home" type KVM's are not. I got a really good deal on mine. I think it was $125 on eBay. I'm not sure about cable limitations as I know you can get KVM cables 25' long. I think my cables are either 6' or 10'...don't remember.