Sharing monitor/ keyboard/ mouse/ ethernet connection

I have to use both a Windows and Mac laptop for work and I want to set up at home so I can use one set of peripherals. I've looked at some switch units but can't find one that will do all this:
VGA monitor
USB Printer/mouse/keyboard
Ethernet connection
Does anyone use this set up and could recommend one to me? It seems easy to get everything except the ethernet.
I use a Microsoft keyboard and mouse.
Thanks everyone!

I don't know about the monitor. With a router you could share the internet connection and with a print server you could share the printer.

Similar Messages

Using one monitor/keyboard/mouse with Mini

Good morning.
I'd like to have one of my minis connected to a monitor/keyboard and mouse that would be shared with a Windows systems.
What is the best device I can use to accomplish this? What type of connections should I look for, etc.
Thanks.

For best video performance you should look for a KVM that used DVI outputs although it's not important of you are using VGA display with no DVI support. BGreg's post gives you all the information you need on that score.
Now, another option if you don't already have a display or you are thinking of replacing your display is to go a model that has multiple video inputs (which are easily selectable) and has an in-built USB hub. By doing this you can connect your mini to one video input (hopefuly DVI) and the PC into another (probably VGA) and simply select between them. As for the keyboard and mouse, you plug them into a USB port on the display and all you them have to do is to swap the uplink to whichever computer you want to use.
While not quite as nice as an external KVM solution (having to swap cables whereas on a KVM you push a button) I think you will get better video performance as both computers are directly connected to the display and don't need to go through another device. Additionally it will more than likely be cheaper overall as good KVMs can get quite expensive and you can put that cost into getting a better display. My Dell 2405FPW will work (future tense as my mini still hasn't appeared out from the shipping ether - I think I've upset the shipping Gods in some way) perfectly in this way.

Virgin user here...Help! KVM monitor, keyboard, mouse switch

Hi,
I have a new mac mini that I currently have connected to a Gateway monitor. It works great, however, the pins on the cable are starting to bend. (from switching back and forth between PC and Mac) Found out I might be able to connect Mac mini, and PC to same Mac keyboard, mac mouse and PC monitor. I bought a 2 port KVM switch and tried to connect it.. blew my mac keyboard up. Was it a coincidence or is there a problem here.
I have a really small workspace, that's why I would like to connect everything to a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. I'm also on a very limited budget.
What can I do? Thanks for your help! : )

Thanks !
I realized I can just plug the keyboard, with the mouse attached to it, in and out of the mini USB port and the Apple 17" monitor built-in USB port. The only drawback is that the mini will wake up from sleep. The G4 doesn't even wake up, only upon hitting keys or clicking the mouse.
The only advantage of a switch would be if the mini doesn't wake up by switch operations...

Any Way to Use the Intel iMac Monitor/keyboard/mouse with a PC?

New Intel iMac arriving today, but I just realized that I might not be able to use its monitor with a second computer.
Kind of a deal killer, since I have to have the PC for QuickBooks (the Mac version looks better but doesn't have functionality)
The VNC route might not be feasible, since the PC is a cheap box running Windows XP Home (not Pro) and used ONLY for QuckBooks.
Anyone tried feeding video from a PC into the iMac through S-Video? What is the quality like? Or a VGA to USB/FireWire converter?
Stupid of Apple not to include Video in, since there are enough people who MUST use the odd Windows application, but don't want two monitors/keyboard/mice on their desk. I really don't want to send this thing back!

Is there a way for one to use firewire to get get the video (like remote desktop, that is) from the PC into the iMac, then the mouse/kb control can be accomplished through this:
http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/index.html
BTW, I just got the box. The iMac doesn't have S-Video input either:-(

Sharing Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse with two Mac's

I have a PowerPC and a MacBook Pro. I also have a bluetooth keyboard/mouse I use with the PowerPC. Is there a way I can also use them with the MacBook Pro and "hot swap" between computers? (By "hot swap" I mean thru some software or configuration switch to use the keyboard/mouse with one computer and then with the other without having to go thru disable/discover etc, etc). I'd really would like to avoid having to purchase another bluetooth keyboard/mouse (I have limited desk space). Thanks in advance for all replies.

This might not be exactly what you are after but I suggest you give it a try.
http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/
It uses TCP/IP connections for the 2 computers but allows you to access each computer's desktop on the primary conputer's screen and move the active use of keyboard and mouse from one to the other as well as having some other features.
Neville

Share one monitor/keyboard/mouse - Belkin Flip - does USB keyboard work?

I'm thinking about getting a Belkin Flip (http://www.belkin.com/flip)
to share my 22" (DVI) monitor between Mac and PC. The Flip can also
share mouse and keyboard. I know a USB mouse works on the Macbook, but
I don't know about the USB keyboard (what key would be the Apple-clover?)

Well, I went ahead and bought the Belkin flip - worked out-of-the-box!
The first thing I got working was the DVI display hookups, one for my PC
the other for my Mac.
Then I got the USB working for mouse+keyboard and then finally sound.
When I switch from the Mac back to my PC, it sometimes takes XP a few
seconds to recognize the mouse+keyboard, but it hasn't been longer
than say a minute.

File Sharing with AirPort or Ethernet - Both connected, what happens?

Here's the scenario. Two Macs are connected using AirPort to the local wireless network, with an AirPort Extreme Base Station as the router. The two Macs are also connected directly, to each other, using an Ethernet cable.
One Mac is set up to do +File Sharing+ (to be the file server). On the (other) "client" Mac, I want to connect to the "file server" Mac using the direct Ethernet connection (because it is much faster than even 802.11n wireless). For all other networking, including Internet access, I want both Macs to use the AirPort connection. Use Ethernet connection only for file sharing between the two Macs.
*Is there some way to force file sharing to use the Ethernet connection* (not AirPort), when both are available and connected?
I don't want to be too long-winded about what I have tried, but here is want I have observed. If I go to System Preferences Network pane and +Set Service Order+ (under the gear icon) so that AirPort appears first, both Internet access and file sharing use AirPort. If I set it so that Ethernet appears first in the sidebar, file sharing uses Ethernet and Internet access does not work (unless I also enable +Internet Sharing+ on file server Mac). If I switch the service order back to AirPort being first, Internet access goes back to using AirPort, but if I leave the file sharing over Ethernet connected, it continues to work over Ethernet (sometimes); it does not seem consistent. Sometimes it cuts off. Other times, the Internet access over AirPort become problematic.
Secondary question - *Is there some place I can look to see which connection is being used* at a particular moment, for file sharing?
The way I checked was by transferring a large folder and noting the estimated transfer time. A few hours is from AirPort being used; 20-30 minutes is Ethernet being used.
If it matters, the +file server+ Mac is a Power Mac G5 with Leopard and the client Mac is a Mac mini with Snow Leopard. I can make it happen, but the process is convoluted and it does not seem to work reliably or consistently, with either the file sharing or Internet access connection becoming inaccessible until I restart. I am willing to accept +UNIX command line magic+ as a solution; it just has to be a method that works consistently, and is understandable.

I don't understand what you just wrote. There is no category or forum in Apple Discussions that is generally about networking. There is a +Getting Online and Networking+ forum under Snow Leopard, and I suppose I could have posted it there. But if you have advice related to this topic question, I thinks it's OK for you to post a response in this topic, in this forum and category. If you don't know, that's fine. I don't know either. That's why I'm asking.
And this question is hardly +Networking 101+.

IPhoto Network Port Selection for Sharing - Wireless vs. Ethernet 1GB

I am sharing iPhoto 6.0.3 across the house between a Mac Mini Intel Duo (Media PC) and a Mac 20" Intel Duo (Desktop).
I initially had the sharing via wireless network, but with my large 8 megapixel files and 10,000 photos, sharing was impossibly slow to use. I use the wireless network to connect to the internet DSL router for all of my computers.
I recently installed a 1GB ethernet cable from one end of the house to the other (a six hour job!) and found that the speed problems were fixed nicely. However I have a problem:
PROBLEM:
When I boot my Mac 20", it seems to default to the wireless connection for sharing iPhoto - which is too slow to work. The only way I can get it to 'connect' via the 1GB ethernet after a reboot is to unplug and replug the ethernet cable, which seems to 'transfer' the iPhoto connection from wireless to ethernet 1GB. Can someone please tell me how to force iPhoto, iTunes, and File Sharing to use the 1GB ethernet, and to leave the Airport connection just for the internet? Thank you.

Grayner:
Have you gone into the Sharing Preference Pane's Internet section and looked at the options for internet sharing and the various ethernet connections available. I happened upon that section but don't know much about it.
Also what are the options in the Network Preference Pane?

Turning on Internet Sharing via Airport disrupts internet connection!

I have a very strange problem.
My iMac G5 (10.4.10) is connected to broadband via an Ethernet cable. Everything works perfectly, Google Earth works, emails come through, internet downloads are perfect...
BUT!!
When I turn on my Internet Sharing to share my Ethernet connection via my Airport connection (to let my husband surf the net on his PC) all **** breaks loose on my Mac.
Google Earth does not function properly, all internet downloads (.dmg) come up with "codec overrun errors", all images sent via email downloaded through Entourage are corrupted, the list is endless. I have to turn off my Internet Sharing, turn off Airport, and then everything returns to normal again.
Why is this, and can someone help stop the fights my Husband and I are having when it comes to sharing the Broadband connection through my Mac - I don't want to because my Mac goes crazy!
Ta muchly!!!

Sorry but an Ethernet hub will NOT properly share the ISP connection. The ISP only gives you a single IP address. If you use a hub (or Ethernet switch), the first computer you turn on will win and get the only IP address. The other computer will not be able to connect.
To properly share the connection, you need to get a router. The router uses the single public IP address provided by your ISP and creates multiple local IP addresses for your computers.

Is it possible to connect an older Power Mac (running OS 10.5.8) to an iMac running 10.9.5. I want to share the monitor, keyboard and mouse and switch between the two computers.

Is it possible to connect an older Power Mac (running OS 10.5.8) to an iMac running 10.9.5. I want to share the monitor, keyboard and mouse and switch between the two computers.

as far as I know then the target display mode is not an option with such an old mac

Sharing 1 monitor, keyboard and mouse

I have a brand new macbook (bought March 1, 2007). I additionally own a Dell tower running Windows XP. Is it possible to have the macbook and Dell PC share 1 monitor, keyboard and mouse via a KVM switch? How do I do it? What cables do I need?
MacBook MA700LL/A Mac OS X (10.4.8)

USB for the Keyboard/Mouse
Mini-DVI to DVI or VGA (whichever your KVM switch uses) adapter for the video.

No Signal to Monitor, Keyboard, or Mouse For HP Desktop 110-023w running 64-bit Windows 8.1

My computer (Product No. H5P41AA) crashed suddenly the other day. I tried to get as much information as I could when it went down, but everything happened so fast that all I could write were "Imminent Failure," "File: hiberfil.sys," and "Error Code: 0xc0000411."
I don't recall making any changes to the system within at least a week of its demise, but I can tell you this machine has had an odd sleep/hibernation pattern since the day I brought it home. If I didn't use it for about 10 minutes, it would turn itself off. After another 10 minutes or so, it would turn itself back on, and this behavior would continue as long as I didn't shut down the system. Since I had a habit of accessing the computer multiple times during the day, this didn't particularly bother me, so I never investigated it further.
Also, there was a strange situation in the defragmentation/optimization area, where Drives C and D were listed along with another drive that was something like 23% fragmented, but, try as I might, there was no way I could do anything with that third drive. Googling the issue provided me with a consensus opinion that the best thing to do was to leave it alone, which is what I did.
Measures I've taken to solve my problem have included, verifying that the monitor, cable, mouse and keyboard all work by trying them on my Windows Vista machine, which I had to resurrect in order to file this report and look for solutions to my dilemma. I've also tried a DVI cable, reseated the RAM, and attempted a hard reset, all to no avail, and the monitor from my Vista machine also does not work when connected to the 8.1 computer.
Without a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, I'm at a complete loss in trying to figure out what to do next. How can I determine if the problem is in the motherboard, the hard drive, the BIOS, or something else? And, since I will not have had this machine for a full year until October 18, how can I ascertain if all of this is because of something I may have inadvertently done or if it's something covered by my warranty?
Thanking you in advance for your willingness to help, I hope to soon be forever in your debt via your recommendations for a solution to this madness.
This question was solved.
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Hello @Unspindoc,
Welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience! To help you get the most out of the HP Forums I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide First Time Here? Learn How to Post and More.
I understand that you received an error and now your monitor, keyboard and mouse to not work on your HP 110-023w Desktop PC. Given that you are under warranty and close to it's end I think it would be best if you contact HP Technical Support for repair options. You want to ensure this is properly dealt with while it is still under warranty.
I would like to thank you for posting on the HP Forums. Have a great day!
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
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Connecting two monitors, keyboards etc to mac mini

I would like to keep the mac mini connected to my tv in the living room, and use a bluetooth keyboard/mouse.
At the same time, my wife would like the ability to use the macmini in the basement office (one level lower than the living room).
Therefore ideally, I would like to have a permanent monitor etc downstairs connected to the macmini - my wife (understandably) won't be willing to disconnect and reconnect the mac mini every time she needs to work downstairs!
Is there some bluetooth etc solution to this desire to run two monitors etc off of one mac mini. Obviously I am not suggesting we both try to use the computer at the same time.
Thanks for your help.

There is no inexpensive method for connecting a remote monitor wirelessly to a Mac mini. The range of Bluetooth probably won't allow reliable use of the keyboard and mouse downstairs. You would in all cases be better off just buying a second Mac mini for your wife's use, since you are already having to buy a second keyboard, mouse, and monitor anyway.

Solution for Apple TV 2, Xfinity router, Ethernet connection and Home Sharing

I have read over the past week the problems people have been having configuring their Apple TV and Home Sharing. I was experiencing the same issues as others....until tonight. I finally got it to work with an Ethernet connection. Previously, I was only able to get it to work via wifi and home sharing would drop after awhile.
1) Xfinity router settings. Like others I was suspicious if the Xfinity router was causing the issues because of the separation between wifi network and Ethernet network. It's not the router problem. I disabled the firewall. Enabled port forwarding. Gave a static IP address to the Apple TV. Added forwarding of ports
   123 TCP
    3689 UDP (all other support says this should be TCP but searched through and found a thread that suggested changing to UDP...this was the key)
    5353 UDP
    80 TCP
    443 TCP
    53 TCP
DMZ is off
Device discovery is disabled
Port triggering is disabled.
The wifi is setup and functional using DHCP. Lease time is 1 week.
RESET ROUTER AFTER ENTERING CONFIGURATION.
2) Mac computer. As of this posting the latest version of iTunes installed. Latest Safari version. All programs updated. Turned on Home Sharing. Turned off firewall. Gave Mac a static IP address. Set Mac for hard drive to never sleep. Set monitor to sleep after 15 minutes. Set date and time to automatically find based upon time zone. ( Apple TV needs to be set to the same time zone as computer and set to manual). Enabled file sharing amongst users on Mac.
3) Apple TV. Ethernet connection. Configured TCP/IP to static IP address I configured on router for the Apple TV. Turned on AirPlay. Set date and time to manual and set as the same time zone as the computer with iTunes. Turned on Home Sharing. Using latest version of Apple TV.
Once the router was reset ( not restored and not just resetting the wifi. A complete router reset), the Apple TV found my iTunes library. It's been running now for over an hour and no drop in the home sharing. Working beautifully. I will be testing in the next couple days allowing the Apple TV to sleep, turning the firewall on the router to a minimal setting to see if it changes anything.
Just tested the AirPlay from my iPad 2 to the Apple TV while the Apple TV is connected via ethernet connection and it works. At this point it appears that the setup is correct and complete with no errors.
As a side note, the Ethernet connection between my router and Mac is via commercial devices using the power outlets as the wiring.
Hope this helps many of you that were/ are struggling to get this to work like I was.

spma3,
Appreciate your further message. As you say "it's not fixed", but at least your solution appears to be a viable workaround!
My Cisco RVS4000 Router will permit me to forward ports for up to 15 applications. Of these, thirteen already have default entries added, although none of these are presently Enabled. For example, here's just 2 lines...
Application           HTTP        NTP
External Port          80           123
Internal Port           80            123
Protocol                TCP          UDP
IP Address            No entries at both
and the Enabled box for both is unchecked. In fact none of these 13 possibilities is Enabled.
To do what you are advising, I would need to...
1) Enable the above Port 123 entry, changing it from UDP-->TCP.
2) Add new entries for 3689 UDP & 5353 UDP... using the two free slots at the end of the table.
3) Select three of the default entries, and reconfigure them for 80 TCP; 443 TCP; 53 TCP, all as per your guidance. And Enable them.
Now, my present setup here has...
1) My PC is wired straight to Port 2 of the Router, and has a Static IP Address set.
My new ATV2 is hard-wired into the same subnet, albeit thru a series of switches, and again a Static IP is set. My understanding is that hard wiring an ATV automatically disables its WiFi.
3) My wife's iPad2 is set for DHCP, so it can pick up an IP Address when on the move. It connects into the LAN using one of two WAP4410N Wireless Access Points. Ch-1 & Ch-6, with same SSID and security stuff set up on both. The WAPs in turn are wired in, again with Static IPs set. So depending where she is in the property she can connect with excellent signal strength, reaching the ATV2 by WiFi+LAN.
On the Router DMZ is OFF, Port Range Triggering has no entries, nothing is Enabled, so is OFF. No idea about Device Discovery!
Home Sharing is ON for the PC, ATV2 and iPad2, with the same Apple ID/Password set for each. It does work, just not consistently as it should.
So to fully implement your idea, all I need to do is to enter these details. But I am unclear which IP Address I should put in at each new Single Port Forwarding entry field. Certainly not the iPad2, as its DHCP allocated value will change. Is it the ATV2 or the PC? Not sure, please clarify.
BTW, I have no plan to deactivate my AVG Firewall on this PC. It is happy to pass all traffic related to iTunes, so cannot see this as a factor. Time zone same on all equipment.
I tried with just 3689 UDP and 5353 UDP yesterday, and things were definitely better. I used 192.168.20.227, the IP Address for the ATV2.
Look forward to your answer.

HDTV as external monitor using ethernet connection

Hello,
I want to connect my HDTV to my iMac and use it as an external monitor.
My HDTV is about 25 ft away from my iMac.
A HDMI cable of that length cost over 200 $.
So, its not an option to me.
I just bought a smart rooter but my HDTV Panasonic Viera P50GT30 is not a smart TV.
It needs a DLNA server and I can't find one.
Question : Is there a way to use my HDTV as an external monitor using the Ethernet or Wifi connection?
Thank's,
Pierre.

This look's good.
http://www.startech.com/AV/Extenders/HDMI/HDMI-over-IP-Extender-with-Audio~IPUSB 2HD2
But its not.
OS Compatibility Windows® XP(32bit)/ Vista(32/64bit)/ 7(32/64bit) Aero themes supported

Sharing monitor/ keyboard/ mouse/ ethernet connection

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