Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

USB And PS2 Ports On KVM Switches?

Posted by Cliff on from the a-good-idea-whose-time-has-come dept.

An Anonymous Coward asks: "I am regularly working with multiple computers and have given in to the fact that I need and will buy a KVM. However, I am in need of a device that can switch both standard PS2 (mouse & keyboard support) and also USB. From my searching I have found KVMs with Monitor + USB or Monitor + PS2, but not all three. Does anyone know if such a USB + PS2 + Monitor KVM exists?"

5 of 18 comments (clear)

  1. KVM with USB by SlashGeek · · Score: 2
    Here, here, and here.

    I don't have time to look, but you might want to check out Belkin, they have just about every cable and accessory known to man.

    Good luck

    --

    --I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else's fault.

  2. Get a USB card (with another suggestion) by cloudmaster · · Score: 2
    Pretty much every OS I care about has support for USB, and USB expansion cards are cheap (like, $20 and less), so why not get a KVM with USB and video (I like the iogear switches I use) and just add a USB card to the machines that don't already have it?

    BTW, I'd go with active PS/2 switching if possible. You don't get as many devices, but you *do* get immediate keyboard-n-mouse control of the newly swiched-to machine. With the USB switches, you've gotta wait for the OS to recognize that there were new USB components plugged in, which takes a few seconds.

    You might also look into the conyx "surfer mp"http://www.conyx.com/surfermp.htm. I dunno if it'll work or not, but it suports a bunch of stuff...

  3. Why why why?? by Enry · · Score: 3

    Why do people insist on using KVM switches? Linux and most other UNIX(es) systems support serial consoles. Run the serial port to a concentrator, then those who need to can get DIRECT access to the system console from their desktops. Some motherboards support this and let you get into the BIOS via the serial port.

    There's only two times where you actually NEED a KVM switch:

    1) You have to do something at the machine that requires you to be there, like an OS install. Even that can be worked around. Pop CD in drive, walk back to desk, install while reading /. and drinking coffee.

    2) You're using NT. No serial console support there. The less said about this, the better.

    Seriously, look at the rack space used up by kvm switching gear and monitor and keyboard and mouse, the problems involved with having only one crash cart in a cage, or having to shlep your butt into work at 3AM to reboot a machine you could have done from home.

    (Yes, there are monitors and keyboards that will fit in a 1U space. $$$ and still has the limitation that you can't get direct access remotely.)

    1. Re:Why why why?? by shippo · · Score: 2
      The other problem (under NT) is that when you want to use the keyboard and monitor on one machine, someone else is using the keyboard and monitor to control something else.

      I've also had the problem of working on a site with KVM and remote control packages. Same limitation of one user per machine.

      Basically, NT is hopeless when it comes to remote administration.

  4. Re:Yet another uninformed opinion...for free! by Stavr0 · · Score: 3
    How about USB-to-PS/2 converters? I've seen some bundled with USB mice, so such a beast might be generic enough to handle what you want.

    OMIGOD!!! You've just stumbled onto the biggest secret from the connector conspiracy!!! USB is nuthin' but a repackaged PS2 port!!!!!!

    Naah, it's the mice that are bilingual... they speak both PS2 and USB protocols - just like the old days when they spoke PS2 and SERIAL.
    ---
    Inanimate Carbon Rod thanks you for your support. See you in 2004!