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Acrobat: Is It Changing Publishing as We Know It?

KVM Computer Switch:
Secret Weapon For Small Offices

by Ken Fermoyle

For some time I have been advising friends, relatives and my readers not to get rid of an old computer when they buy a new one. First, you can't get much for it, and second, it can still be a useful tool. Use the older machine for such tasks as word processing, simple spread sheets or the like, and save the new computer for applications (scanning, image editing, desktop publishing, complex games, etc.) that need more speed and memory.

I've also pointed out that if you install a simple, inexpensive network (often cheaper than a tape drive) you can easily back up data from one computer to the other.

Several readers have written to say they would like to do just that, but complain: "We don't have room for two computers!" What they usually mean is that they don't have enough desk space to accommodate two keyboards, monitors and mice.

I had a similar problem: squeezing two more computers into a small office that measures just 11x12.5 feet and already held two computers (both with 17-inch monitors), three printers, two scanners, a fax machine and a Mita copier, plus many shelves and bookcases. I wanted to add a new server, bring our #3 computer in from another room and combine everything in one peer-to-peer LAN (local area network). I could fit in the #3 computer and the server tower, but there just wasn't desk space for a fourth keyboard, monitor and mouse.

Knowing that various switches were available that allowed control of two (or more) computers from one keyboard, video display and mouse (KVM switches), I started checking the Web and catalogs from companies like Belkin and Cybex. Belkin has been my main source of switches since I bought my first A-B switch (to share a printer) in 1985. I have since used a variety of Belkin products, mostly switches and cables, and always found them to be well made and reliable. Several experienced computer pros recommended Cybex KVM switches. I tried KVM switches from both firms because they offered slightly different features.

I first installed the new 2-port PS/2 KVM OmniCube(tm) switch from Belkin; it proved to be an excellent choice!

The new server tower fit neatly under my desk. My minitower computer was on the desktop, next to my monitor, so it proved easy to run cables from both machines to the OmniCube and from the switch to the keyboard, video and mouse. I rigged a small shelf above my monitor to hold the OmniCube and the bass speaker of my QIC computer sound system.

I say "small shelf" advisedly because the tiny OmniCube switch (4.75"D x 4.5"W x 1.75"H without cables attached) takes up little space. Size aside, the switch is reasonably priced and offers features I find invaluable.

Belkin claims that OmniCube's full mouse and keyboard emulation "eliminates boot-up failures," and my experience verifies that. I also like the fact that it supports video resolutions of up to 1200x1600 dpi. That can be important in some of our graphics and desktop publishing work. Also, switching from one computer to the other requires just a touch of the "Select" button on the switch's front panel. You can also use hot-key or autoscan switching, but I prefer the simple pushbutton. A red light indicates which computer is active in any case.

Price of a 2-port PS/2 OmniCube (no AT version offered) is $99.95; a 4-port model is $129.995.

Next, I replaced the OmniCube with a Cybex SwitchView(tm) model because of two features it offers. First, although physically larger than the Belkin switch (5"D x 8.1"W x 2.7"H), all cables plug into the rear of the SwitchView, whereas two cables (to keyboard and mouse) plug into the front of the OmniCube. Either way works fine but one setup, and size, may be better than the other for a given desktop arrangement.

Second, the Cybex switch works with PC/AT and PS?2 systems, VGA and SVGA video, PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 and serial mice supported through the rear of the unit. This could be important if you have an older computer with a serial mouse and newer one with PS/2 mouse. Like the OmniCube, this switch supports Microsoft's Intellimouse and 1200x1600 video resolution. A 2-port SwitchView costs $149.99; a 4-porter is $199.99.

Another plus: you can work with one computer while booting up the other one with SwitchView. Using OmniCube, you have to switch to the second computer and wait until it boots up completely before you can use either machine.

Neither switch requires an external power supply, IRQs, drivers or other software. Installation is a simple matter of unplugging and plugging cables. Connecting cable kits run about $20 per set of three 6-foot cables for either switch. Each kit contains cables that run between the switch and the keyboard, video and monitor ports to the switch. You use existing cables to connect switch to keyboard, video and mouse.

Some manual KVM switches are available for less money (from about $40 to $65), but I didn't try one and don't recommend them. I wanted to be sure I had automatic mouse and keyboard emulation to eliminate boot-up and switching problems common to manual switches. I figured that not having to buy another monitor (especially a 17-inch model), keyboard and mouse saved more than enough to pay for either the Belkin or Cybex switch.

Running my workstation computer and our network server from one set of controls is a snap with the OmniCube or SwitchView products. I have no hesitation in recommending either one to others with limited office space and growing computer needs.

Ken

(Author's Note: I want to give credit to Earthlink Network, www.earthlink.net, source of much of the information contained above. Its site deserves regular visits because it contains a lot of useful Web-oriented information that is updated frequently.)


UG Network _/_ UG Library _/_ Fermoyle_/_ About Ken Fermoyle


Ken Fermoyle has written some 2,500 articles for publications ranging from Playboy, PC World and Popular Science to MacWeek & Microtimes. He was cohost/producer of a radio show on computers and a partner in a DTP service bureau during the '80s. Ken's Korner articles are available free to User Group newsletters and Websites. For permission to reprint this article, contact kfermoyle@earthlink.net.


EDITORS NOTE: Only UGNN Affiliate User Groups are granted a one-time reproduction license of this article so long as the unaltered credit/ID paragraph (above) is published with the article, and a copy of the printed article is mailed to
Fermoyle Publication
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364-3005.
Contact: kfermoyle@earthlink.net for further information



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