So I'm in the market for a KVM switch.

I tried one around 2003 and had some issues. The reason I want one, is that I want to switch back and forth between my Ubuntu 8.04 and a server that I want to build. Also want to build my parents a Windows 7 box too.

My keyboard and mouse are both PS/2.

I did look thru some of the reviews under newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ords=(keywords)

Seems to be ok, however no one mentions issues with the OS.

I did search the Hardware forum and found some folks were having issues between different OS's.

thanks

Don't know anything about that particular KVM, but I have used several KVM switches, 2 and 4 port, from different manufacturers, with several different distributions of Linux, and never had a problem with any of them. Did have a couple of them go defective, but that had nothing to do with Linux. It was strictly a hardware problem.

Most of this bunk you hear about hardware driver problems with Linux is FUD. I don't operate a big business, but Linux has no problems with any of the hardware I have used. I think you will be pleased with the results just about any hardware you choose. Of course there is still the .01% that is bound to be aggravating. Nothing is perfect. Not even us (tee hee).

Hi

I have had experience with a lot of KVMs over the years.

In general it is best to look for a KVM that is entirely OS independent.
Most well designed KVMs intercept a keyboard keystroke sequence (eg. Ctrl + Alt + <something>) to control switching, and other KVM features. Since the keystrokes are intercepted and acted upon my the KVM and not passed to the connected PCs, the PCs are oblivious to the KVM commands (hence the KVM is OS independent).

I have used KVMs made by: Black Box - a number of which have ultimately failed due to internal power supply breakdowns (not user serviceable); Masterview - ok (but had issues at one stage when configuring multiple KVMs in a tree configuration to extend the number of PCs connected. Admittedly these are now very old models but they turn up on EBay and second hand dealers from time to time for scrap prices.

In general, I recommend that you carefully consider how many PCs you will ultimately want to switch between (to ensure that you always have capacity); that you purchase a KVM from a reliable known manufacturer, and ensure that you get the longest warranty on the device that is available (oh and that the manufacturer's repair center is nearby to save on postage/courier charges should you need to make a return).

By the same token a good old fashioned mechanical KVM switch box can be use as good in some circumstances. The only drawback being that you have to keep track of the keyboard's CAPS and NUM LOCK states (since a mechanical switch box doesn't keep track of those settings for each connected PC). Also a mechanical switchbox would require you to turn a knob on the front of the box to pass through to the required PC.

Hope that assists

Regards

Chris

I've used several USB-based IOGear KVM's over the years, both at home and at clients, and have been very happy with them. I have a IOGear GCS174 working just great with CentOS 5.4, SLES10 sp3, and XP. I think I have a few GCS1742's or GCS1744's in other offices, again working fine with linux and Windows platforms.

Chris makes a great point: if you might need 3 instead of just 2 connections, go for a 4-port from the start. Typically, though, most servers are administered via a text-based remote shell, so you might only need ports after you get your server up and running.

It might be worth upgrading to a USB keyboard and mouse and go for a USB-based KVM.

Only caveat: some of the higher-end "gaming" mice with 29 buttons don't work though the USB-based KVM's; typical USB mice w/optical scroll wheels work fine for me, though.

Hope this helps.

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Just to let everyone know, this works fine with Linux (Ubuntu) and another box (converting from Win XP to Win 7 for my parents).

The only sticking point is that you have press the following keys very slowing: ctrl, shift, alt and then press whatever number that corresponds to whatever computer.

thanks

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