I run two Linux boxes connected to the same keyboard and mouse via a manual switchbox. When I switch from one to the other I always lose mouse control. The keyboard is recognized in switching back and forth. To regain control of the mouse I need to ctrl-alt-backspace which restarts X. What can I do to configure my machines so that I don't lose control of my mouse when switching between the machines via the switchbox.

TIA

Its a PS/2 mouse right? Well, when the PS/2 mouse is disconnect from the computer, you need to re-initialize it in order to use it again. When you are using your switchbox, the computer sees that as you unpluging your mouse. So, you can either buy another mouse for that computer, or don't use a switchbox.

Why exactly are you doing that anyway?

You're absolutely correct, I am using a PS/2 mouse. I'm trying to use this setup as I have a limited amount of space on my desk. I tried the two mouse/keyboard route and it got kind of messy. Is there another type of mouse/keyboard solution for multiple computers?

Thanks

The answer is to get a KVM switchbox. That keeps the various PS/2 mice alive!

I also have a similar problem, my two machines (Win2K and RH9) are connected to a Belkin Omniview KVM. The Win2K is fine during switching but the RH9 box flips out with the mouse. I tried purchasing a PSU for the KVM in case that was the problem but that didn't solve it. Bugga. Logging out and back in did it for me but thats a pain in the rear. Will try the CTRL ALT backspace thing tonight, otherwise I will try and set RH9 up as a VPN server and connect to its desktop that way through the LAN (as a server it won't be accessed that much apart from through the LAN as opposed to via the keyboard and mouse.
I have tried looking for setting somewhere in the GUI to help out but with no success. I will also be having a god poke around the BIOS over the weekend.
David.

That's odd. I'm running RH9 on one box and Gentoo on the other. No problems since installing my KVM switch. If you figure out what the problem is, please submit another post.

Bob

I'm using a Logitech corless keyboard and mouse with a manual switch box to
three CPUs. Normally I don't often have a problem with losing the mouse. If I do however, I simply ctl-alt-f6 and ctl-alt-f7 to switch from the X-windows console and back. Where I do see a problem is when switching from Windows 98 (gack) back to Linux. The mouse scaling is wrong. Switching consoles fixes this. Note I am not running gpm on the non X-windows console.

The fundamental problem you are encountering is that the switch box is interrupting power to the mouse momentarily as you switch between CPUs. Some switches act
fast enough that the filter capacitors in the mouse hold the power up during switching. A lot is dependant on the mouse/switch combination. Although my mouse is battery
powered, the receiver is still powered from the CPUs. The receiver probably has a
bigger capacitor.

The "electronic" switches which some of the of the others refer to as KVMs (manual
switches are also KVMs) use diodes to supply power from all the CPUs to the
keyboard and mouse. This way the mouse never losses power.

If you are electonically inclined all you need to do is bridge the +5V power switching contacts with a diode. Cathode toward the mouse and keyboard. Alternatively, a 1000uf/16V capacitor between +5 and ground at the mouse connector will probably give enough hold up time for switching.

Thanks for the reply.