Chad is connecting more than one computer in his home office and asks the question: “Is there a way of connecting more than one computer to a single monitor?” Chad, you’re asking a common question that many people don’t know there’s a simple solution for. To sum up your problem, you’re asking how to conserve desk space by using one keyboard, mouse and monitor with multiple computers.
The answer is called a Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch. KVM switches allow many computers to connect to your existing keyboard, mouse and monitor. Most of the time KVM switches have a toggle button on them which allows you to switch easily between computers.
I use KVM switches at the repair store as well as at home. I think it goes without saying that at the shop I can reduce used desk space by implementing KVM switches. There are times when my technicians will have four or more computers attached on their desk. At home I have three computers attached to a KVM. One of them is a file server, the other is an old computer and the third is the one I’m currently typing on.
When choosing a KVM, it’s important to make sure it allows the user to power on the computer without losing a connection to either the keyboard or mouse. In other words, some KVM switches do not allow you to start a computer when it is not switched to that device.
A couple personal recommendations include the Belkin Flip and any of the StarTech line. The Belkin flip is only for two computers, versus the StarTech line which can handle many different computers. I will only purchase those two brands after owning many others. I would expect to shell out anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00 for a good switch.
Bonnie is having a hard time adding computers to her network and is curious about better routers: “Does anyone make an eight port router?” Bonnie, most routers have four ports which allow connection of four computers at any time plus wireless of you choose. There are companies that make routers with more than four ports; however, they’re fairly pricey.
The quick answer to your question is add in a switch which will give you as many as 24 additional ports to which you can add computers. Switches connect from one of the ports on the router to one of the ports on the switch.
A standard router is really two separate things: a router and a switch. The purpose of the router portion is to setup different addresses for each computer (or device) connected to your network. The switch portion is just a dumb device which allows you to connect multiple computers. In other words, your internet connection pumps out a different number than the router pumps out. Routers have the final say in how the addresses are handed out in your office or house.
In theory, a typical router can hand out more than 250 addresses before another needs to be added. I guess you could add a quantity of 10, 24 port switches to a standard router and be fine. In the real world with standard internet speeds and standard equipment I would say you don’t want to exceed 40 computers.
If you are ready to spend some money than I would suggest setting up a gigabit network with wireless N. You’ll need a gigabit router and switch and wireless N access point. If you need some direction you can stop into either of my stores and ask to see the network panel. Good luck.
Tech-Tip of the week: To prevent identity theft and to preserve your privacy, you should change your bank and e-mail passwords weekly. Remember, don’t use the same passwords for both.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)