Catch up on stories from the past week (and beyond) at the Slashdot story archive

 


Forgot your password?
Close
typodupeerror
×
Software

A Network-Based Software KVM Switch? 60

Posted by timothy from the that-would-take-some-cooperation dept.
ScanTron writes "This seems like such an obvious piece of software, but I can't find any implementation. Like many Slashdot users, I have a Windows PC next to my Linux PC. Rather than using a KVM switch, I have a keyboard, mouse, and monitor for each PC. I'm looking for software that would let me use only one keyboard and mouse for both machines. Ideally, moving the mouse to the edge of one PC's screen would move it onto the next, letting me send mouse and keyboard events over the network. There is no reason this couldn't be used for two Linux machines, or even a Linux machine, a Windows machine, and a Mac. Does a similar solution for mouse and keyboard sharing exist?"
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.

A Network-Based Software KVM Switch? More

A Network-Based Software KVM Switch?

Comments Filter:

  • Wow. (Score:5, Informative)

    by cbiffle ( 211614 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @06:48PM (#10099141)
    Yes, it exists.

    If both machines are X-windows, use x2x.

    If the master machine is X and the slave is not, use x2vnc.

    If you have a different config, google for one of those terms and use the Windows package (I have no experience with it, but I think it's called something creative like win2vnc.)
    • I should clarify. If your master (the one with the kbd and mouse) is Windows, use the aforementioned win2vnc package (or equivalent) with, for example, the vnc X module to allow control of your existing session.

      I typically set the X box as master and send VNC events to the Windows box or Mac, though.
    • x2x is very cool. Easy to use and set up.
      Another project that i think would be very cool,is the xdmx that tries to unite _different_ X Servers and their screens and make them behave as a single multihead Pc with Xinerama.

      http://dmx.sourceforge.net/ [sourceforge.net]

      Have not tried it yet since it's quite a download for me. Has anyone tried it? Is it worth the effort?

      • It's pretty neat -- used to use it to bind my laptop and desktop screens at the office.

        I ran into some issues with unsupported server extensions, if I remember correctly -- but that might have been something else around the same time.

        My main issues with it were difficulty of setup (high), speed (medium), and lack of dynamic configurability. That is, it would be more useful to me if I could add and remove displays without exiting my entire X session.

    • Re: (Score:1, Redundant)

      by account_deleted ( 4530225 )
      Comment removed based on user account deletion
      • I have been using Ultr@VNC [sourceforge.net] for a while now and it is not quite as slick an Synergy but it hase some nifty features...
        I use it to do tech support on remote (east coast-west coast)machines without the airline BS. Small, fits on a floppy small. And it just works.
        • File xfer
        • chat windows... great for remote support
        • Auto bandwith throttling. Good for slow connections
        • Auto screen scaling. So you 1280x1024 remote machine can been seen on your 800x600 laptop
        • ctrl-alt-esc send capibilities and such
        • full VNC compati

  • Synergy (Score:5, Informative)

    by AllMightyPaul ( 553038 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @06:50PM (#10099149)
    http://sourceforge.net/projects/synergy2

    Works with windows and X-11.

    • Re:Synergy (Score:5, Informative)

      by optikSmoke ( 264261 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @06:55PM (#10099201)
      Thankyou, we have a winner!

      Synergy's a great piece of software, I've been using it for awhile now. On top of the mouse/keyboard support, it also shares clipboards and can sync screensavers across your machines (though I've never setup the screensaver thing so I can't comment on it -- but the clipboards work great!). Anyway, I second the recommendation.
      • One thing about Synergy: it is a KM (Keyboard and Mouse only), not KVM (ie, no video -- you can use one mouse and keyboard, but you still have to have two monitors). The original question said that there are two monitors there already, so Synergy would work for him, but it is not a solution for multiple computers (unless your desk looks like Tank's [yimg.com]).

        The Synergy FAQ said that KVM functionality may be added in the future.
    • the last time this question was asked on ask slashdot everyone said to check out synergy. it rocks.
    • synergy is _exactly_ what the guy is looking for, and synergy kicks so much ass it's unbelievable.

      copypasting text between desktops already makes it worthwhile to use, what even hardware kvm can match that?
    • I just installed this in the last hour, after seeing it talked about here.

      Let me just say that this revolutionize my life!!
      I have twice the desktop space now! Its awsome. Before I had a windows desktop machine, and a linux machine running gnome that I only used for gaim (its also a file server). Every time I wanted to chat in aim, I had to lean forward, and use the other keyboard that is in front of my windows desktop keyboard. NO More!

      This made the linux machine a completely usable computer now, I can ha
      • This is off-topic, but I guess there is some reason why you're using the Linux box for AIM...? If there isn't, there are plenty of very good AIM clients for Windows...
        • I have 2 monitors on my desk, one is my windows machine, and gets rebooted occasionaly and is used for games. I try to keep aim running as steady as possible, so people can get a hold of me all the time.

          Also, so I can use aim while I'm playing full screen games.
    • I've been using Synergy for almost two weeks...it allowed me to give a new lease on life to an old Dell 166mx notebook. Highly recommended!
    • But this doesn't retarget the display. So it's not a KVM solution like the poster was looking for.
    • It's great, but it http://sourceforge.net/tracker/index.php?func=deta il&aid=982164&group_id=59275&atid=490467 [sourceforge.net]failes on multiple monitor mac server configurations. Too bad... cause this is PERFECT for what I need.

  • Synergy (Score:4, Informative)

    by Bistronaut ( 267467 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @06:50PM (#10099156) Homepage Journal
    Synergy [sourceforge.net]
  • Of course, there's Synergy [sourceforge.net], which I've briefly used. It seemed to do the job, but I've never had the use for it. I guess I should feel fortunate to have always had hardware KVM's on hand. It works with Linux and Win32 as well.
    • I've used Synergy for a while and it works great. My primary work station is still locked into w2k due to some dev. tools from my customer, but i was tired of spending a monitor on my RH firewall/gateway box. Got synergy up and running on both boxes in under an hour, been working great ever since.
      • ahem. obviously, the monitor is the onlything i'm still spending on the RH box. the keyboard and mouse clutter is what i meant i was tired of. </post first, think later>

  • stupid question but... (Score:4, Informative)

    by blackcoot ( 124938 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @07:02PM (#10099243)
    urm... why not a hardware kvm? the two ports are in the sub $50 range last i checked...
    • He wants to be able to move the mouse from one computer's monitor to another (like having a dual monitor setup, except with two different computers running each monitor). A hardware KVM cannot do this.

    • If you have two monitors you will be unable to go back to one. KVMs have their place, but if you have two monitors as well as two computers, then KVMs are the wrong solution.

      • well... right now i have two monitors, one of which is wired directly into my main box and the other of which is shared via the kvm (main box is a dual head rig). so yes, i don't share both monitors at the same time (but then i typically have one thing on my main box that i want to be able to see while i'm working with the other box).
      • One alternative which I'm using right now at work is a usb switch (with a PS/2toUSB converter).

        It seems to work quote well, except for problems with some keys like Shift+Del/Shift+Ins which I haven't yet resolved (probably a windows problem)
      • Not entirely true. A dual-head KVM ($189) would allow you to switch both monitors, pumping your total screens up to 4. You could have 6000 or even 8000 pixel displays for *each* of two operating systems, for about $900 invested in monitors, cards, and the switch.

        How about this...two dual-head FX5600 cards and two dual-input 21" trinitrons for a total of $700? With a switch on each monitor, you would have even more freedom. Or you could dump all your money into a 19" LCD panel, and live in the year 1996

  • Blackbox provides all!

  • Dell... (Score:4, Interesting)

    by burns210 ( 572621 ) <maburns@gmail.com> on Saturday August 28, 2004 @07:17PM (#10099314) Homepage Journal
    Dell has this functionality with their server... Mouse+Keyboard+Video -> RJ-45 dongle plugs into every server/PC... That RJ-45 plugs into a switch, and then some Dell client software auto recognizes the Systems plugged in, and lets you KVM between them, using a simple text popup window... Very badass setup.

    • pretty common (Score:5, Informative)

      by green pizza ( 159161 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @10:27PM (#10100280) Homepage
      I think Dell gets their KVM-over-IP equipment from Avocent [avocent.com], though there are other providers, such as Raritan. [raritan.com] The best setups allow for a hybrid combination of traditional rackmount matrix KVM and more modern KVM-over-IP.

      Also note that not all Cat5/RJ45 KVM units support KVM-over-IP. Many units simply use Cat5 cable to cut down on cost. (Cat5 plus an adapter on either end is cheaper than long runs of coax for video plus USB or PS/2 cables and repeaters.
    • Also note that pretty much all unix vendors have some sort of remote functionality as well. Sun has their LightsOutManagement, SGI has their L1/L2/L3 remote control systems, and even Apple has an oldschool console serial port on the back of the Xserve for remote mangement.

      I wonder if anyone is planning to make a Windows2003 server box with some sort of serial-based mangement system. With web interfaces and microsoft's slightly enhanced command prompt, a person really shouldn't have to resort to using a ful

  • software for both below ... (Score:5, Informative)

    by cs ( 15509 ) <cs@cskk.id.au> on Saturday August 28, 2004 @07:17PM (#10099317) Homepage
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/x2vnc/

    Drives a Windows display (that has a VNC service) from your X display.

    http://freshmeat.net/projects/x2x/

    Drives another X11 display from your X display.

    Each may be attached to any edge of your main display and grab the mouse and
    keyboard as it crosses that edge, then driving the other display.

    Exactly what you asked for. Very Very Useful.

  • Go with hardware (Score:4, Informative)

    by green pizza ( 159161 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @08:36PM (#10099713) Homepage
    If you really want KVM-over-IP, you'll want a hardware solution. A software-only setup won't help you with BIOS or networking problems. With a hardware-based KVM-over-IP you can have multiple network (and non-networked) paths back to the KVM itself.

    I love the Raritan Dominion KX series, it's both a classic KVM and a IP-enabled KVM:
    http://www.raritan.com/products/kvm_switches/domin ion_kx/prd_line.aspx [raritan.com]

    If you haven't worked with high-end KVMs before, don't be alarmed by the RJ-45 ports on the Raritan models. High end KVMs use Cat5 cable and adapters, it's quite handy and cheaper than buying thick bundles of coax for RGBHV.
  • What if you only have one Keyboard Mouse and Monitor?

    Is there software that when I move the mouse to the edge of the screen takes control of a specific machine AND displays its screen?
  • Rhis is the way coolest thing i have seen
    • Sorry about the "i agree" post, but.....
      I agree!

      I had never heard of this thing until an hour ago but its a brilliant piece of kit indeed. In one hour I replaced all the crappy hardware KVM's on all the traders machines at my work and they are happy as hell.

      Well done to the author.

  • Extend desktop? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by MadChicken ( 36468 ) on Saturday August 28, 2004 @11:29PM (#10100579) Homepage Journal
    Is there some way to use a similar program to display ONE computer's output on BOTH machines, but (not mirroring, of course)? Basically I want to have a dual monitor setup every once in a while by plopping my notebook down beside my desktop. I am trying MaxiVista, which works well, but I wonder if there's something free out there too...
    • Well in Linux I'm sure the X Virtual Framebuffer can be hacked into that. XvFB is like a 'fake' screen that has no video hardware, it's just a framebuffer in regular RAM.
      • Yeah, or maybe even VNC. The trick I would think, on any OS, is, to create an offscreen frame buffer and serve THAT over VNC, connecting the two somehow. Then the supplementary machine would be a client and not a server.

        However, my skills are nowhere near that...

        I know MaxiVista [maxivista.com] creates a virtual video card so you can use Windows' native multi monitor support.

        As neat as that is, I wonder if that's too complex to start with though (Linux or OSS Windows). Ultimately it would be the best solution though.

    • Re:Extend desktop? (Score:3, Interesting)

      by cosyne ( 324176 )
      A cheap hack would be to put a spare video card in the desktop machine. Then if you want more real estate, you enable that, and use the laptop to connect to that 'display' over VNC. If you don't need the desktops to connect, you could start new sessions in X or Windows Terminal Services, but that's probably not what you want.

  • osx2x, x2x, x2vnc, and win2vnc (Score:5, Informative)

    by lpontiac ( 173839 ) on Sunday August 29, 2004 @04:50AM (#10101361)

    All of these let you move your mouse off the side of a screen on the machine running the program, over to another machine.

    osx2x [opendarwin.org] - control another machine via X11 or VNC, from a Mac.

    x2x [freshmeat.net] (check your OS' package collection) - control another machine via X11, from an X11 host.

    x2vnc [hubbe.net] (again, check for packages) - control another machien via VNC, from an X11 host.

    win2vnc [hubbe.net] - control another machine via VNC, from a Windows host.

  • rdesktop (Score:3, Informative)

    by kraut ( 2788 ) on Monday August 30, 2004 @02:20AM (#10106931)
    rdesktop [rdesktop.org]

    Like Windows Remote Desktop, but running on Unix. I use it on my home network because I got fed up with all the KVM cables.

  • Synergy over SSH (Score:4, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 30, 2004 @05:09PM (#10112254)
    I've seen a bunch of comments about Synergy. it works very well for me, as i have a Sun running Solaris 9 next to my Intel/Linux box, sharing the sun kbd and mouse.

    The great thing about synergy is that you can easily tunnel it over SSH, so you are not sending any login/passwd/other sensitive info over the net in plaintext.

    to do this:
    1. set up the server one one machine, configure, and start ('synergys' from the CL).
    2. set up a tunnel on port 24800 from the client to the server ('ssh -L24800:server:24800 you@server' --may vary by SSH flavor. also, 24800 is the default port, you can use another, should you care to, just specify it when starting the client).
    3. start the client on the client machine looking for a server on the localhost (synergyc localhost).
    4. Enjoy the extra deskspace after stashing the extra keyboards!

    hope this helps someone.
  • We use it to control multible Milestone XProtect IP veideo servers from one control station. We of course need to see all the monitors but the extra kd/mice just cause headaches. Now the person monitoring can move the mouse to the screen in question with a natural move of the mouse. A bonus is the ability to control the Linux based NAS box and the SMTP server from the same workstation.

Slashdot Top Deals

Understanding is always the understanding of a smaller problem in relation to a bigger problem. -- P.D. Ouspensky

Close