KVM switch with Linux

hkxx9 · 09-04-2004, 05:27 PM

Hey all

Anyone use a KVM switch and have a problem with Linux wigging out when swrtching
between computers?

Using SUSE 9.1 personal with Radeon 9200 and Belkin SOHO KVM.

cheers

blainehilton · 09-04-2004, 06:26 PM

I have used three different KVM switchs with computers runing Fedora 1, Fedora 2, Windows 98SE, Windows 95, and Smoothwall without a problem.

The KVMs that I have used include a 4port Trendnet, a 2 port Linksys model and another 2 port KVM made by JustCom.

The one area that did cause a glitch though is with the Smoothwall I have had trouble with that one as in not being able to see anything when I switch back to it.

For the most part though I have done fine, although I do try and make sure that when I am booting a system that system has control of the KVM. I'm not sure if this is neccessary with the majority of them that "show" the system a KVM is there even when you are looking at another system.

--
Blaine

cincindie · 09-04-2004, 09:06 PM

I've been using a QVS 2-port KVM switch between my linux and Macintosh machines without any problems for the last 3 years or so. I've been able to boot into my linux box even when switched onto my Macintosh (just turned off the halt on keyboard errors in the BIOS). I was able to use the KB and mouse without any problem after switching back to linux (RH 7-9, FC1, FC2).

hkxx9 · 09-04-2004, 09:32 PM

Hmmm? You both are running Fedora. Wonder if it's a SUSE thing?

crane · 09-04-2004, 09:53 PM

I'm running a Zonet kvm switch. Right now I switch between Fedora Core 2, Clarkconnect, and suse 9.1 with no issues that I am aware of.

fotoguy · 09-04-2004, 11:11 PM

I have a laser 4 port kvm, and i have trouble with switching users or rebooting sometimes and loosing the mouse, then have to turn off and restart all my machines again. I think i just bought a dodgy switch, the package had been opened and then resealed again.

Electro · 09-05-2004, 12:26 AM

I used an IOGEAR 4 port KVM. It works without any problems. Occastionally the mouse glitches but that alsao happens if I do not use a KVM switch. Though, the problem using KVM switches you are limited to what KVM devices you can use.

hkxx9 · 09-05-2004, 08:06 AM

Hey all

What I am running into is I switch to one of my others boxes and when I come back to SUSE,
the mouse is hosed. Can't select anything, as I move the mouse around the cursor comes and
goes, windows open and close and I can't select anything at all. I go back to other boxes and
all is well. Only the SUSE box is afflicted.

Had to just crash Linux to get out. Came up reeeal
sloooow, but eventually came up and seemed OK.

Is there a key sequence to initiate a graceful shutdown?

Thanks everybody, cheers

linux-goot · 09-05-2004, 10:06 AM

Does the old standby CTRL-ALT-DEL work for your distro?

cincindie · 09-05-2004, 10:45 AM

How about if you just unplug the mouse and plug it back again? Most of the time, that should work. Else as linux-goot suggested, ctrl-alt-baskspace, or if you have a console, /sbin/shutdown -r now should work.

blainehilton · 09-05-2004, 08:45 PM

If you are using a PS2 mouse you should NOT unplug the mouse and plug it back in while the computer is running. The PS2 ports are not hot-swapable and I have seen blown ports. Newer systems have better protection on the PS2 ports, but you still should not chance it.

crane · 09-05-2004, 08:54 PM

Swap your ports. If suse is in port 1 and windows is in port 2 of the KVM switch, swap them. If the problem still shows up in suse then it is a suse problem or it is with that computer. if the problem moves to the windows box the problem is more than likely in the switch.

Just a though.

hkxx9 · 09-10-2004, 05:32 PM

Hey all

Thanks to everyone who responded. Seems to have been a SUSE/KDE/My Computer sorta thing.
I now have Slackware 10 installed and neither Gnome or FluxBox have a problem with the KVM.

One thing, I have installed the latest nVidia drivers on Slack which I did not do on SUSE.
So... who knows?

And yes to whoever asked, CTRL-ALT-DEL did work.

cheers

steved123 · 09-10-2004, 05:52 PM

no. but I do use a separate mouse for each pc.
1 is windows and the other is linux. One for games and one for real. It's probably your switch

UnmodNick · 10-06-2004, 03:20 PM

It's not a issue with SuSE 9.1.

I use SuSE 9.1 and a 6-port Edimax KVM and it works fine. The problems I have are with Fedora Core 1, Red Hat 7.2, 7.3, & 9, and Solaris 8 & 9.

The mouse just starts wigging out if I switch. I can use Red Hat 8 and there are absolutely no problems. I can also use any flavor of Mandrake and it works like a charm and like I said, SuSE 9.1 Pro works perfectly as well.

And yes, the KVM is plugged in