2 system units for one monitor. How to connect two system units to one monitor

Hello! Today I propose to discuss an interesting and useful topic. I touched on it not by chance, but due to the fact that I am assembling home server.

For those interested, here it is Part one- http://site/vybiraem-domashnij-server-chast-1.html and part two- http://site/sborka-domashnego-servera-chast-2.html

Accordingly, I needed to quickly switch between workstations. One of possible solutions I propose to sort it out today.

Go! Sometimes there is a need to work on several computers at once, or quite often connect/disconnect other computers for setup or repair. In this case, constantly switching the keyboard, monitor and mouse from one computer to another is not the most suitable option. Of course, you can put 2 monitors, 2 keyboards and 2 mice on the table, but this is quite expensive and eats up a lot of work space.

There is a fairly simple and convenient solution to this problem - this is KVM-Switch. Let's figure out what it is and how to work with it.

KVM-Switch or KVM-switch is special device designed to connect one set of input/output devices to several computers. Speaking in simple words A KVM switch allows you to connect one keyboard, mouse and one monitor to multiple system units, and then switch to control any computer with the press of a button.

This is what a typical representative of the KVM family looks like:

In the photo above we see 1 VGA connector for connecting to a monitor and two connectors for connecting a mouse and keyboard. On the reverse side there are 2 VGA connectors for connecting to two system units via special cables. This is what they look like:

There is a wide variety of KVM switches and they have different characteristics, the key one being the number of connected computers. There are two-, four-, and more port switches. Also, they may differ in the types of outputs usb or ps/2, vga or dvi, which allows you to choose the desired option. Some KVMs have the ability to switch audio.

Almost all modern KVMs do not require separate power, but receive it through PS/2 or USB connectors, which saves us from unnecessary wires.

This is what the diagram for connecting computers via KVM switch looks like:

Switching between computers occurs by pressing one button on the device itself. It is also often possible to switch programmatically by double-clicking the Scroll Lock key.

Some might argue that there are special programs remote access, for example, TeamViewer, which allow you to control another computer without any extra devices. However, these programs are designed for other purposes. Considering that KVM switches do not depend on operating system and switch at the circuit level, they allow you to perform absolutely any actions with connected computers, for example, setting up the BIOS.

Thus, we can connect two computers, on one of which we will work in the operating system, and on the other, we will run tests or install the OS. Another example - you can run a complex task on one of the computers, for example, video processing or copying a large amount of data, and then switch to another computer and continue surfing the Internet)). Convenience, and that’s it!

Such devices can often be seen in server rooms, where there are usually several servers installed and only one monitor, one keyboard and mouse.

In this way, you can organize comfortable work at several stations at once.

Many specialists' work today involves using several PCs at the same time. For example, professional video engineers use two (sometimes three) computers. System administrators often need to use two computers; on one computer they control the operation of the server (with a server operating system), while the other computer is a working computer for everyday purposes.

In general, you can find a lot of examples, but there are “nothing at all” for convenient solutions for implementing such work; simultaneous use of two computers also implies the presence of two monitors, two keyboards and two mice on the desktop. And this, you see, is very inconvenient. It seems like there is a large table, but you have to huddle on a small area of ​​the table with an area of ​​half a square meter.

A device called a KVM switch, which allows you to connect two or more system units to one monitor, keyboard and pointing device.

A typical mid-price KVM switch is a small device with all the necessary connectors located around its perimeter. On one side, there are often two 15-pin HDDB input connectors, to which video adapters of system units are connected. Moreover, each such connector transmits, in addition to the video signal, data from the PS/2 ports (Mouse and Keyboard). This connection is made using a KVM cable with a 15-pin VGA connector on one end and a VGA + 2 PS/2 connector on the other.

On the other side of the switch there are usually one or two buttons for selection active connection, 15-pin VGA connector and 2 PS/2 ports. The monitor, mouse and keyboard are directly connected here.

Those who are worried about image quality should know that KVM switches do not distort the image and can transmit the image in a sufficiently high resolution– 2048x1536 pixels. It is also worth keeping in mind that today there are models not only with VGA interfaces, but also with DVI. In addition, KVM switches work with all operating systems, including server ones.

When switching computers peripherals(keyboard and mouse) recover quickly without freezing. And for those who, in addition to switching images and peripherals, also need sound, there are models with an audio interface.

Typically, a KVM switch is installed on the far side of the desk, with the wires connected to it running down the back wall of the desk. Thus, the mouse and keyboard connected to the switch stretch across the entire width of the table with their wires. If you need to completely free up the working surface of the table, you can purchase a KMV switch with USB port, to which to connect a set of wireless keyboard and mouse.

In science fiction films that vaguely resemble reality, and various films about hackers, the theme quite often flashes when one user uses several displays for different tasks. This form of communication between a person and a computer is familiar to almost everyone and is quite common in the real world. But there is another side to the “coin” - one monitor connected to two system units. Why do this? What will it give? And most importantly, how to connect two system units to one monitor? We will consider the answers to these and other questions.

To connect or not to connect, or the Modern Serpent-Gorynych

Without understanding the goals and objectives of this type of connection, there is no point in even thinking about figuring it out with just one monitor. And even more so to start doing something. Simultaneously connecting two computers to one monitor to display graphic, text and other useful and useless information makes sense if you have a server and, of course, another computer.

What is a server, and what is it used for?

Server is a well-known concept. Usually it is presented as big, powerful computer, looking like a cabinet with light bulbs. And only large companies, corporations, banks, factories and other large structures use it.

Actually this is not true. In common parlance, a server is a maintenance staff. A service computer provides services to other machines connected to it. Such collective activity relieves computers connected to the server and increases overall productivity. Data processing speed also increases, and this useful option saves users’ nerves. There are several types of servers, each of which performs a specific type of task.

There are many uses for the server, if only you could use your imagination...

By installing a server at home, an ordinary user can conduct many interesting experiments, for example, with programming. From his personal server very convenient to receive feedback, see the intermediate result without thinking about connecting to the hosting. You can check the functionality directly on your server; for this purpose, install a special software

And in general, if you have an additional computer at hand, you can feel many pleasant bonuses: store unnecessary or educational information, books, films on it, use it for storage, install torrent downloads, game server, mail server,perform parallel computations for complex problems. There are many applications, just use your imagination. One monitor is also better value for money. It is more convenient for perception and switching from one station to another. The eyes and nervous system are less stressed.

The best option

One way to figure out how to connect two computers to one monitor is to use KVM. This strange abbreviation in English means keyboard-video-mouse. And in Russian - an object that connects input devices (mouse and keyboard) and output devices (display) between several computers. That is, control is carried out with one keyboard and mouse. Convenient enough. There are KVM and up to 12 objects, but this is not what we are talking about. In principle, it is possible to connect a workstation and a server in other ways, but this one has some advantages that offset the rest. KVM allows you to perform almost any operation with the server, including the BIOS, without being distracted by the operating system, and as a result, it is possible to install any programs and OS on a second computer through the device. Very convenient one button control. Click and go.

Divide and rule

Having dealt with the goals and objectives, let’s proceed to a step-by-step consideration of the question of how to connect two computers to one monitor.

On a KVM device, there are ports for a video card, keyboard and mouse. There are inputs for both incoming and outgoing signals. We connect the monitor, mouse and keyboard to the sockets with the OUT sign. The OUT sign is located on one side of the switch only. In principle, it is difficult to make a mistake. There is KVM for PS/2 ports (standard), and there is one for USB. Nowadays, USB outputs are the most common, but if you wish, you can find models with old inputs or buy additional adapters.

The KVM switch has one more side for incoming signals. On this half of the device there are ports for the first and second system units. We first connect to them a keyboard, mouse and video card from one workstation, and then a similar operation is performed for the server. Or vice versa. Changing the places of the terms does not change the sum.

Checking the correct connection

We check carefully: the output cable for the keyboard should stick out in the keyboard port. The input ports must contain cables from the output ports - from the monitor - and nothing else, if you do not want to repeat the entire procedure again, but, most likely, with new equipment. A couple of minutes to check will save effort, money, and time.

Starting the system

So, everything is ready, checked, rechecked. We connect the KVM device. Of course, don’t forget to turn on both computers in advance. And now, to move from one station to another, just double-click the NumLock button and the number 1 or 2. The number of the number indicates the position of the computer in the system. If the computer number, in the user’s opinion, does not correspond to a key on the keyboard, then this misunderstanding can be corrected. To set up switching that is convenient for us, KVM manufacturers took care of software, using which we can and should program the buttons we need for the corresponding block. So, the main goal - how to connect two computers to one monitor - has been achieved!

We're working!

Well, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to connect two computers to one monitor has been given. Now it has become clear how to do this, and why such a “double” connection is needed, as well as what benefits it can bring to the average user. The proposed method is not the only one for connecting two workstations to a monitor. There are also alternative methods. We looked at the KVM switch method because it is simple and intuitive. And both an advanced user and a novice user can cope with it.

In science fiction films that vaguely resemble reality, and various films about hackers, the theme quite often flashes when one user uses several displays for different tasks. This form of communication between a person and a computer is familiar to almost everyone and is quite common in the real world. But there is another side to the “coin” - one monitor connected to two system units. Why do this? What will it give? And most importantly, how to connect two system units to one monitor? We will consider the answers to these and other questions.

To connect or not to connect, or the Modern Serpent-Gorynych

Without understanding the goals and objectives of this type of connection, there is no point in even thinking about figuring out how to connect two computers to one monitor. And even more so to start doing something. Simultaneously connecting two computers to one monitor to display graphic, text and other useful and useless information makes sense if you have a server and, of course, another computer.

What is a server, and what is it used for?

Server is a well-known concept. Usually, it is presented as a large, powerful computer that looks like a cabinet with light bulbs. And only large companies, corporations, banks, factories and other large structures use it.

Actually this is not true. In common parlance, a server is a maintenance staff. A service computer provides services to other machines connected to it. Such collective activity relieves computers connected to the server and increases overall productivity. Data processing speed also increases, and this useful option saves users’ nerves. There are several types of servers, each of which performs a specific type of task.

There are many uses for the server, if only you could use your imagination...

By installing a server at home, an ordinary user can conduct many interesting experiments, for example, with programming. It is very convenient to receive feedback from your personal server, see the intermediate result, without thinking about connecting to hosting. You can check the performance directly on your server; for this you install special software

And in general, if you have an additional computer at hand, you can feel many pleasant bonuses: store unnecessary or educational information, books, films on it, use it for storage, install torrent downloads, game server, mail server, perform parallel calculations for complex tasks. There are many applications, just use your imagination. One monitor is also better value for money. It is more convenient for perception and switching from one station to another. The eyes and nervous system are less stressed.

The best option

One way to figure out how to connect two computers to one monitor is to use KVM. This strange abbreviation in English means keyboard-video-mouse. And in Russian - an object that connects input devices (mouse and keyboard) and output devices (display) between several computers. That is, control is carried out with one keyboard and mouse. Convenient enough. There are KVM and up to 12 objects, but this is not what we are talking about. In principle, it is possible to connect a workstation and a server in other ways, but this one has some advantages that offset the rest. KVM allows you to perform almost any operation with the server, including the BIOS, without being distracted by the operating system, and as a result, it is possible to install any programs and OS on a second computer through the device. Very convenient one button control. Click and go.

Divide and rule

Having dealt with the goals and objectives, let’s proceed to a step-by-step consideration of the question of how to connect two computers to one monitor.

On a KVM device, there are ports for a video card, keyboard and mouse. There are inputs for both incoming and outgoing signals. We connect the monitor, mouse and keyboard to the sockets with the OUT sign. The OUT sign is located on one side of the switch only. In principle, it is difficult to make a mistake. There is KVM for PS/2 ports (standard), and there is one for USB. Nowadays, USB outputs are the most common, but if you wish, you can find models with old inputs or buy additional adapters.

The KVM switch has one more side for incoming signals. On this half of the device there are ports for the first and second system units. We first connect to them a keyboard, mouse and video card from one workstation, and then a similar operation is performed for the server. Or vice versa. Changing the places of the terms does not change the sum.

Checking the correct connection

We check carefully: the output cable for the keyboard should stick out in the keyboard port. Input ports must contain cables from system units. And the weekend - from the monitor - and nothing else, unless you want to repeat the whole procedure again, but, most likely, with new equipment. A couple of minutes to check will save effort, money, and time.

Starting the system

So, everything is ready, checked, rechecked. We connect the KVM device. Of course, don’t forget to turn on both computers in advance. And now, to move from one station to another, just double-click the NumLock button and the number 1 or 2. The number of the number indicates the position of the computer in the system. If the computer number, in the user’s opinion, does not correspond to a key on the keyboard, then this misunderstanding can be corrected. To set up switching that is convenient for us, KVM manufacturers took care of software, using which we can and should program the buttons we need for the corresponding block. So, the main goal - how to connect two computers to one monitor - has been achieved!

We're working!

Well, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to connect two computers to one monitor has been given. Now it has become clear how to do this, and why such a “double” connection is needed, as well as what benefits it can bring to the average user. The proposed method is not the only one for connecting two workstations to a monitor. There are also alternative methods. We looked at the KVM switch method because it is simple and intuitive. And both an advanced user and a novice user can cope with it.

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How to connect two computers to one monitor

A personal computer at home and at work can solve a wide range of problems, and usually one system unit is enough. But sometimes you need to connect two computers to one monitor, for example, when one computer is working and the second is auxiliary for storing data. This connection scheme is possible and carried out in several ways.

If your existing monitor has several connectors for connecting to a personal computer, then the first method is to connect the monitor to two system units directly. Switching between them is done using the monitor menu. The sequence of actions is as follows:

• study the specification of the monitor or the connectors it has for connecting to a PC; it must support at least two of the possible connections: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort;
• inspect the output connectors on each system unit, find matches with the monitor connectors;
• if necessary, purchase the necessary cords or adapters, for example, two system units with VGA connectors can only be connected using an adapter;
• connect both computers to the monitor;
• Change connections to one or another PC through the monitor menu or using a separate function button on the monitor body.

In the case when the monitor has one input, you need to purchase a special device - a KVM switch, which is a signal splitter for the monitor, keyboard, mouse and devices for playing sound files to connect two or more system units to one monitor. A KVM switch allows you to control computer devices using one mouse and one keyboard, which significantly saves work space. Switching between system units is carried out using a button on the KVM switch.

To connect 2 computers to one monitor using a KVM switch, you must:

• select a KVM switch with the functionality you need: various devices have different numbers of connected system units, different video bandwidth, support for different refresh rates and, accordingly, different prices;
• connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and speakers to the ports;
• Connect the outputs from the video card, keyboard, mouse, and sound card to the corresponding connectors on the system units.

Another way to connect two system units to one monitor is to use remote access programs like Radmin:

• follow the link and download the program;
• connect both system units to the Internet or to home network;
• Install the remote access program on both system units: on the system unit that will be used with the monitor - the control module, on the second - the client module;
• use the control module to log into the second computer, its desktop will be displayed in a separate window of the operating system.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages related to saving work space, reducing cash costs for the purchase of additional equipment, and ease of use.

SovetClub.ru

How to connect two system units to one monitor

Many specialists' work today involves using several PCs at the same time. For example, professional video engineers use two (sometimes three) computers. System administrators often need to use two computers; on one computer they control the operation of the server (with a server operating system), while the other computer is a working computer for everyday purposes.

In general, you can find a lot of examples, but there are “nothing at all” for convenient solutions for implementing such work; simultaneous use of two computers also implies the presence of two monitors, two keyboards and two mice on the desktop. And this, you see, is very inconvenient. It seems like there is a large table, but you have to huddle on a small area of ​​the table with an area of ​​half a square meter.

A device called a KVM switch will help get rid of such inconveniences, allowing you to connect two or more system units to one monitor, keyboard and manipulator.

A typical mid-price KVM switch is a small device with all the necessary connectors located around its perimeter. On one side, there are often two 15-pin HDDB input connectors, to which video adapters of system units are connected. Moreover, each such connector transmits, in addition to the video signal, data from the PS/2 ports (Mouse and Keyboard). This connection is made using a KVM cable with a 15-pin VGA connector on one end and a VGA + 2 PS/2 connector on the other.

On the other side of the switch there are usually one or two buttons for selecting the active connection, a 15-pin VGA connector and 2 PS/2 ports. The monitor, mouse and keyboard are directly connected here.

Those who are concerned about image quality should know that KVM switches do not distort the image and can transmit images in a fairly high resolution - 2048x1536 pixels. It is also worth keeping in mind that today there are models not only with VGA interfaces, but also with DVI. In addition, KVM switches work with all operating systems, including server ones.

When switching computers, peripheral devices (keyboard and mouse) are quickly restored without freezing. And for those who, in addition to switching images and peripherals, also need sound, there are models with an audio interface.

Typically, a KVM switch is installed on the far side of the desk, with the wires connected to it running down the back wall of the desk. Thus, the mouse and keyboard connected to the switch stretch across the entire width of the table with their wires. If you need to completely free up the work surface of your desk, you can purchase a KMV switch with a USB port to which you can connect a set of wireless keyboard and mouse.

fsch.com

How to connect one monitor to 2 computers correctly

If you regularly work with multiple computers or your personal PC is not powerful enough to complete your tasks, there are many options that can make your life easier. Today we will talk about how to connect one monitor to 2 computers and vice versa.

Mechanical method

Depending on your goals and desires, there are various techniques for working with multiple computers from one monitor. If you don't have enough performance from your PC or need a separate workstation to perform long calculations while you do other things, then to connect 2 computers to 1 monitor, you will need a special device - a KVM switch.

KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) is a special adapter designed just for this purpose. It allows you to divide one monitor into two computers without installing additional software and “dancing with a tambourine.”

This device in its simplest form has one input each for a mouse, monitor (projector) and keyboard. It also has two outputs for each of the above devices. That is, we simply place two system units next to each other, connect a KVM switch to them, like conventional equipment, and then connect one set of external devices to it. That's all.

Now you can press the power button on both system units. They will start up and start working at the same time. In order to switch between workstations, you just need to press a certain button on this device.

The only disadvantage of this method is the need to create local network. Of course, there are switches that also play the role of routers, but they also cost an order of magnitude more.

TeamViewer

This method of connecting one monitor to 2 computers will appeal to those who have the two necessary stations separated by a large distance and no “switch” can reach them with wires. To do this you will need the TeamViewer program.

But there are several nuances to using it. This utility Free for personal computer only. If you use it for organization, then it may start to be “harmful” and work for a maximum of five minutes with breaks of 2-3 minutes. In addition, it requires an Internet connection, and the faster the better.

In order to share 2 computers connected to one monitor, you will need to install TeamViewer on both stations and remember their IDs and passwords. After this, at your workplace you must launch the program and connect to the second system unit, even if a separate monitor is not connected to it.

Radmin

Another utility that can be classified as a “software method”. In essence, it is no different from the aforementioned TeamViewer and only expands the answer to the question of how to divide one monitor into two computers. If you are not going to buy a switch, then it will be easier for you to download both programs and check in practice which one is more convenient.

What features can be noted in the software method of how to connect one monitor to 2 computers?

1. Ready private network between two PCs. You can transfer data between them without unnecessary headaches, watch movies, and so on.
2. The range is not limited. The main thing is that both PCs have Internet.

The only downside is the headache of setting up autorun and scripts so that the program starts itself and is configured to receive it when the PC starts.

Vice versa

Now let's discuss not how to connect one monitor to 2 computers, but a completely opposite situation. Often, the work space of one screen may not be enough to accommodate all the information. Folders, tables, files - everything is layered on top of each other and interferes with viewing.

In order to deal with this problem, you need to know how to create a computer with 2 monitors. However, this is not such a big problem. After all, it all depends on your requests.

1. If you want to connect a TV or projector to your PC, first check the connectors on the back of the computer. You may need either ordinary hdmi cable, or exactly the same wire as you use to connect the monitor.
2. To connect a second monitor, just make sure that the video card has an additional connector for connection, and the cable is of the right shape. In extreme cases, you will have to purchase an adapter, which costs about 200 rubles.

System

After you wire the second monitor to your computer, you must decide what type of connection you want to use. By default, the TV, projector or second monitor will display the same as the main screen of the personal computer. To change this “injustice”, you must press the key combination Win+P.

A window will appear in front of you with options for placing monitors. Select "Expand". Now your desktop will be divided into several screens at the same time. It should also be noted that if the picture does not appear, then the problem may lie in the settings of the second screen. For example, on a TV you will have to find and turn on the required input from which the signal from the computer is supplied.

DisplayFusion

In addition to the system built-in utilities, you can use special programs to split and expand the screen, such as DisplayFusion. This software allows you not only to manage windows and monitors, but also to customize each desktop on a separate screen to your liking: change screensavers and wallpapers. By the way, this cannot be done using the operating system. A nice bonus is that the program can automatically change your desktop wallpaper. You only need to specify the folder from which it will draw pictures.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the cost of this program. The price, let's be honest, of a not so necessary utility is $25. At the current exchange rate of the ruble, this is almost 2000. Agree, it’s a lot for a program that duplicates the function of the operating system and changes the picture on the second screen.

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KVM switch

If you are an active user, then you have at least a couple of personal computers that have accumulated over time. And this whole home office takes up quite a lot of space. And if you consider that the second computer is becoming something like a home server, which practically does not require a monitor, then it’s time to think about upgrading the management of both PCs at the same time.

One monitor - two computers

Thanks to some technical solutions, it has become possible to connect two or more system units with one monitor. This method has long been practiced by system administrators and specialists service centers, because with such a connection you can not only save work space, but also optimize access to several PCs at once.

To organize the connection of one monitor and several system units, you will need a small device called “KVM Switch” or “KVM switch”.

KVM Switch (abbreviation for “Keyboard Video Mouse”) is a switch between several computers using one monitor and a set of input devices (keyboard and mouse). The photo below shows a model from D-Linkс USB ports.

There are several modifications of the switches, the first with standard input connectors - PS/2, and the second, as in the photo above, with USB. In addition, the number of connected computers can vary (from 2 to 12).

System units are connected to KVM Switch special cable, the branch of which is connected to VGA (video output) and input ports (INPUT). And the opposite side of the “switch” is connected to the monitor, computer mouse and keyboard (OUTPUT).

When assembling, you should pay attention to the correct combination of connecting cables, especially in the case of the PS/2 model. Incorrect connection may disrupt the performance of the KVM Switch or system unit!

After the connection work is completed, you can start starting the computers. The monitor will display the boot of the PC connected first (or the one that is turned on of the two). To switch between multiple workstations, use the button on the KVMSwitch case, or double-press the “ScrollLock” key on the keyboard and the key on number pad, corresponding to the connection order. You can change the keyboard shortcut at your discretion; for this purpose, the kit includes a disk with a utility.

P.S.

There are other possibilities to connect a pair of system units with one monitor, but the method described above sets them off with its practicality. Moreover, the solution is not the most expensive, especially in comparison with buying a second monitor.