[Herefordshire] Linux 'V' KVM

[Matt Rhys-Roberts]

Yes, we do... Inexpensive KVM switching is known to be problematic. 
Makes me wonder why these things are sold!!!

Mouse/keyboard outages in this case are caused whenever they lose power 
due to switching them between PCs, which will almost invariably happen 
when you use conventional mechanical switching.

The solution is to use an electronic KVM switch, which keeps the 
attached mouse & keyboard alive (and keeps the respective ports 
satisfied) while their data lines are switched between PCs. The 
electronic KVM switch derives power from one of the attached ports, 
and/or a separate PSU. You can get quite sophisticated with this stuff 
and potentially cascade many such devices.

At work we're happily using a Korega 4:1 KVM switch, cost about £40, 
between 4 Linux servers. However I dare say there are plenty of DIY ways 
to achieve the same effect, but it depends on how you price your time!

How about a project to improve a cheap KVM switch - ie. keep both mouse 
& keyboard powered by one and/or other attached PCs - so that there's no 
loss of service? I'll have a think while I'm slacking out at Glastonbury 
next week...

Best Regards,
Matt Rhys-Roberts



M.E.R.C wrote:

> Is any one in the LUG using Linux with a KVM, more to the point can 
> any one suggest why when using a KVM with Linux
> sometimes I switch over and all is fine, a few minutes later however I 
> switch over again and the keyboard fails to work. seems to be related 
> to the shift keys because sometimes when you push them a few times 
> (Bash them more like) it starts to go again, I have tested on 
> different keyboards as well but the hardware at the moment is as follows.
>  
> Keyboard is a micro$oft natural (Sorry)
> Mouse is a Microsoft optical
> KVM is a belkin 2 port, I also have a 4 port old rackmount KVM that 
> causes the same problems.
> can any one help ?
>
> PS www.lugradio.org <http://www.lugradio.org> <--- one I have found on 
> my LUG quest today, if you have not seen this site I highly recommend 
> it, download the recent episode and im sure you will love it ! one for 
> the links page on the web site maybe ?
> H
>
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