Best KVM Switch for iMac & PC

I have spent too much time trying to figure out the best solution for my needs, so this forum is my last resort.
I need to know if anyone out there has an iMac and a PC hooked up to a KVM switch using their mac wired or wireless keyboard & mouse.
What is the best KVM switch out there for this setup? What are people using right now that works?
My ultimate goal is to have my iMac, laptop pc, and tower pc that has it's own 21" wide screen display, all linked to the same keyboard and mouse so I can switch back and forth between the three using a hot-key.
Someone please help...I've become desperate.
Thanks.

I use one by IOGEAR for my PC and Linux server and it works great.
Barbara, I would love to know how to get RDC to work, but I have yet to. I will start another thread about this someday, but RDC always asks for a password and I do not have a password set up on my WinXP machine.
I agree that it would probably be best, but since I have not actually gotten it to work, I can't say for sure.

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Can anyone recommend a good KVM switch for a PC/Mac pair?

I want to run my Mac and PC off of the same USB keyboard and mouse and use the same monitor. Naturally, to fix this problem I bought the first KVM switch I could find (how different could they be?) which was a Belkin variety. Worked ok right at first, but by day 2 I was having switching issues - the monitor kept switching between the two endlessly, though the USB seemed to switch ok. The Mac refused to sleep, though. I'm taking the Belkin switch back and trying something new.
Has anyone had any success with a KVM switch? If so, what flavor?
Thanks.

Personally I love my IOGEAR USB KVMP.
I own 2, both of them are 2 port units
Best part of IOGEAR is they come with all cables & power supply.
Worst part is most models dont have Audio support, so every machine needs their own speakers.
The IOGEAR USB KVMP Miniview #GCS102U http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS102U that I own has ports in front for USB keyboard & USB mouse, in back are 2 USB (A/B) ports with 2 male 15pin VGA ports to connect the 2 computers, also the main monitor port has female 15pin VGA port to connect the Monitor. Cool part is you can use a DVI-VGA adapter without problems which is nice if you LCD or CRT monitor.
2 other USB ports on the back let you share other devices like Printer and Scanner. I am able share my keyboard, trackball, monitor and printer with my newer MDD Dual G4 and an Intel Celeron 2GHz PC I have that runs Linux.
My other KVMP drives 2 other older Macs, a BWG3 and a USB upgraded PM7600.
The front has a button that you push there is less than 2 second delay for monitor and no software needed.
The USB ports are all USB1.1 if I recall so the style is fairly universal if out of date.
they also have a 4port version which I might get http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS634U
Although I have not used one, http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=255941 I love the look of the new Belkin Flip. Apple sells them on the AppleStore for $80 and are touted for PC & Mac mini, although I dont see why i cant be used for any Mac. Its cool feature is it does offer Audio Support too and far as I know it has its cables too. I think it is USB2.0 since its a new product. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6314001/wo/0I7xL JNdSeJb3Do7Faa1XvHguGA/1.0.19.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3
good luck.

Cheap KVM switch for Solaris 10 on US and Intel boxes?

Hi. Any one got some idea on which kind of KVM switch is supported on Solaris 10 on UltraSparc as well as Intel boxes? I can only find those expensive ones for enterprise users, but I am just a home user, unable to afford that. Thanks for your suggestion!!

From what I can tell, containers (zones) are supported just fine on the x86/64 systems with the exception of Solaris 8 and Solaris 9 branded zones. Oh, and Linux-branded zones only work on x86/64 systems. Solaris 10 though as a non-global zone works on any S10 host OS.

Home use KVM switch for Ultra60 , Blade 100& Intel Boxes

I have go a Ultra 60, a Blade100 and some Intel boxes at home. Tired of connecting and disconnecting the monitors and keep my desk full of mouses and keyboards. Any one know which type of KVM switch is suitable capable for these boxes and does not cost much? Thanks for your suggestion!

Hello,
<i>... Ultra 60 not easily support I still want to know if there is some option to support the Blade 100 in the KVM as well.</i>
The Ultra 60 and other systems with the single Mini-DIN connector for the keyboard with the mouse attached require a converter to be able to attach a PS/2-keyboard and -mouse. The keyboards are available for different countries with different layouts (mappings). There are DIP-switches at the keyboard, the settings are read by the system to detect the mapping of the keyboard. There are additional function keys (Help, Stop, ..., Compose, Power On/Off, ...).
A PS/2 keyboard lacks these switches and the additonal function keys. These features must be emulated by the adapter/emulator.
You can attach a PC USB keyboard (and mouse) to Suns with USB keyboard port, but these keyboards still lack the addtional function keys and the capability to "tell" the system the national mapping. If the system can't detect the locale, a standard mapping (US) is used.
The keyboard mapping can be forced when the operating system has been loaded. Review the posting by J.Keil on the Sun OS Forum about using a non-self-identifying keyboard.
<b>Finnish KB on Fujitsu-Siemens Sparc </b>
I hope this helps other people when they use the search function ...
Michael

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The best tablet for iMac and iPad....?

I prefer the Wacom Intuos Tablet but any reputalbe tablet will work with your Mac.

Best hosting plan for iMac and PC editing?

I've been using iWeb for the past year on my personal site. I love its ease of use, not to mention how great everything looks.
Now I want to start another site with a more commercial flavor. The big difference with this one, though, is that I need to be able to update my site on my iMac at home AND my PC at work. I've yet to find a hosting plan or program that will allow me to do this efficiently. I'm thinking a web-based file manager might be my best option, but maybe there is something else out there that would be better. Would FTP be better? I have some experience with file managers but absolutely no experience with FTP.
This new site will mostly be set up in a blog style (several updates each day, permalinks, etc.), and I also want to be as flexible as possible in posting ads on the site. It seems some blogging software is fairly restrictive when it comes to ad flexibility.
Anybody have suggestions as to what might work best for my circumstances? I would appreciate any help.
iMac Mac OS X (10.4.2)

I'm thinking a web-based file
manager might be my best option, but maybe there is
something else out there that would be better. Would
FTP be better? I have some experience with file
managers but absolutely no experience with FTP.
Of course you can't use iWeb for your project, because it doesn't run on PC's, and you can't update an iWeb-created site without the app and the appropriate Domain file. So you presumably need to look at a cross-platform app like Dreamweaver.
As far as uploading technology, web-based file managers provided by the host are usually very limited and not to be recommended. You should use a real ftp client to get the best results, and major apps like Dreamweaver have this built-in.
Here's a list of Mac web editors. You might check to see which other ones have Windows versions.
http://www.pure-mac.com/webed.html
The host is pretty irrelevant if you go that route.
Another option is to do everything on a site like Blogger, where you create your pages via a browser, rather than using a local web editor.

Best External HD for iMac

Hello Smart People~
I still consider myself a novice MAC user, so please pardon my ignorance. My iMac is starting to move quite slowly. I have a LOT (over 5700) of photos on iPhoto and thought that transferring them to an external HD might help.
What is the best external HD to store photos from iPhoto?
Is this the right step?
Thanks and happy holidays!!

+"What external HD do you suggest? Does it matter?"+
Just get get some advice from the geeks at your local electronics store, tell them it is for a MAC. You can get either USB or Firewire. With Firewire you can make it "Bootable" so that you could boot from it if something nasty were to happen to your internal HD.
For RAM go to a site like crucial.com and you can enter your Mac model and it will tell you what RAM should be used. And if you click on the Blue Apple in the top left corner of your screen and click "About this Mac" => More Info and let us know the Machine Model someone can tell you how much RAM your Mac will handle and also use this info when selecting RAM (eg. Crucial.com)
http://www.crucial.com/mac/index.aspx

Best anti virus for imac

Just got new iMac, looking for advice on best recommended anti-virus to use? Thanks

If you are a former Windows user, the first thing you must do is rid yourself of the assumption that a Mac needs the same daily maintenance that Windows PCs require just to keep them operating. The vast majority of Mac-related problems reported on this site are the direct result of installing ill-conceived "anti-virus" or "security" garbage. If you don't want to come back here wondering why your Mac is running like a sick dog then avoid all such junk.
Intego VirusBarrier in particular caused a brand new Mac containing nothing other than Mavericks and one minimally configured User account became practically unusable with frequent beachballs, intermittent unresponsiveness, and an occasional momentary black screen. No experienced Mac user would consider such behaviour acceptable.
Macs are designed to be used, not pampered and fussed over constantly. Installing extra "anti-virus" or "cleaning" apps is only likely to cause problems, despite what their developers claim. The most highly visible and aggressively marketed products are often nothing more than scams.
Just got new iMac, looking for advice on best recommended anti-virus to use?
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Best anti-malware for iMac

Is there a "best" anti-malware software for an iMac used in a business?

OS X in itself is the best anti-malware protection. If you run Software Update regularly and install all recommended updates that is by far the best that you can do. That an a small amount of precaution such as do not download apps from Torrent sites (theft!), do not download anything from an unsolicited email, do not respond to popups.
OS X is unlike MS Windows that relies on third party utilities to run well. OS X will normally work reliably for years if left alone and if the users use a little common sense. NEVER install any antivirus, performance enhancing, cleaning or any other "helpful" utilities, OS X has most everything it needs to operate well inside of it.

Best exteranl burner for imac ?

Hi,
I have an iMac 27" 3.4 processor - 2011. What is the best external burner to purchase. The prices range from $28 to $95 so I am confused as to which to purchase. Or should I just purchase a blu-ray burner? If so, which blu-ray burner ?
Thank you
VPH

In my opinion it does not make any difference. If you don't consider the DVD driver a priority device go for the cheapest.

Best TV Tuner for iMac

I'm curious on the fastest, most reliable, and best quality TV Tuner for the iMac available. I would like some feedback on a few you may have purchased or any information you've heard. Thanks for reading this I appreciate your time.

Check out any of the ElGato Tuners.
I use the Hybrid and have enjoyed its wonderful features.
All basic cable channels, DVR and conversion to iTunes to watch on the iPod.

Best 2nd monitor for iMac Intel 20"

A few months back I stumbled upon a great article comparing Apple and 3rd party monitors that could match up well with the iMac Intel 20".. of course I can't find it now that I'm using actually using this iMac. I'm curious to hear your experiences/views on 2nd monitors that match up well for this specific computer. Thanks

There is a MiniDVI output port on this iMac. Simply purchase one of the following adaptors and configure the dual display in Apple menu > System Preferences... > Displays. (The options appear when you connect the display):
Mini DVI - DVI
Mini DVI - VGA
Mini DVI - Composite/S-Video.
DVI will also certainly provide the best picture quality but the exact choice of display depends on your budget and intended usage. For example budget LCD displays are inappropriate for work that requires colour accuracy.
Your iMac will support displays with the following resolutions:
Digital resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.
Analogue resolutions up to 2045 x 1536
mrtotes

What is the Best antivirus software for imac

I am looking for an antivirus software download for my iMac. Apple won't give a recommendation, so what is the best out there?

None.
Helpful Links Regarding Flashback Trojan and Virus Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on malware.
A link to a great User Tip about the trojan: Flashback Trojan User Tip.
To check for the trojan: Anti Flashback Trojan 2.0.4.
A Google search can reveal a variety of alternatives on how the remove the trojan should your computer get infected. This can get you started. Or the preferred method is to use Apple's protection tool: Flashback Malware Removal Tool 1.0.
Or, open Software Update. If you do not have the Apple protection software installed it will download and install it via Software Update. If no update appears that means you either already have it installed or it isn't needed for your system. The software is only available for Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Lion versions of OS X.
Also see Apple's article About Flashback malware.
For general anti-virus protection I only recommend using ClamXav.

Best Battery Backup for iMac 27"?

Just received my new iMac 27" i7. I contacted Apple and they told me I don't really need a battery backup to protect the iMac but it's always a good idea. So I am looking for an inexpensive backup to just protect the iMac and give me a few minutes to shutdown. I have been reading about battery backups and from my understanding rating (va or watts) can be less than the iMac. The only real difference is that the time to successfully shut down will be shorter. Is this correct? The 27" has a 340 watt power supply so I could get a 240 watt backup and be fine if I only wanted to shut down wilthout damage the iMac?
Any suggestions on what to get? It's almost impossible to make an informed decision because of specifications like "pure sine wave output", "dirty backup power" and "constant voltage source". I am totally confused. Do I really need one at all?
Thank you
VPH

dthawk63 wrote:
Do you need to hook up the USB cable
You don't have to, but if you don't, when the battery runs out, your Mac will crash.
If you connect the cable and set the preferences to shut it down after a certain period of time, or when there's a certain percentage of the battery left, etc., per the pink box in the link provided earlier, it will do a controlled powerdown.
and install the APC shut down software?
No, do not install that. It's been incompatible with Macs for several years.
Your Mac has the software already built-in.

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I do not have the iMac G5.
My assumption is that your G5 has a hardware problem with video circuitry. I'd assume in safemode the software is doing the video rendering where as in a normal boot the hardware does the video rendering. In normal mode bad hardware means no workie.
You did a clean install, I assume. The software is good! Your machine worked before with this software. All points to a hardware problem.
It is quit clever of Apple to get your machine working using safemode drivers.
Software problems can be strange. Never hurts to try, but the chances of success are infinitely near zero.
Robert

Best KVM Switch for iMac & PC

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