Hello,

I have noticed some uncertainty about this question and since I have
used a number of solutions to this problem I will add a few words about
it:

A simple mechanical switch box between two or more computers and a
single monitor can be used without causing damage to computers or
monitor. The limitation is the video quality. Anything much beyond
standard VGA will either look bad because of shadows in the image, or
will result in loss of sync. If you are only going to look at two
servers occasionally, in case a reboot is necessary or for system
administration at 640x480@60Hz, this is a perfectly useable solution. It
goes without saying that you need two keyboards (and mice if used).
These boxes can be had with standard SVGA monitor connectors for about
$20 and up.

Belkin, Cybex, Omni, Adder, Lehmann and a number of other manufacturers
make special switching stations with video amplifiers and high-grade
shielding that allow electronic switching between 2-64 computers (by
cascading) and one monitor, one keyboard and one mouse. Any catalog of
commercial PC equipment (Misco, Comp. Warehouse) will offer these for
about $100 - >$2000 according to the number of PCs you want to control
from your monitor, keyboard and mouse. These are guaranteed to work at
resolutions up to 1600x1280@75Hz and even higher, at video bandwidths of
200MHZ and higher. Switching is almost instantaneous and some devices
are capable of automatically switching between computers at preset
intervals and preset sequences. Some of these can switch between PCs,
Apples, Unix workstations and various terminal interfaces.

We use these devices for monitoring many communication servers or
dedicated computers in arrays used to monitor and control scientific and
medical equipment.

I also have a 4 to 1 box to switch between my OS/2 and NT desktop
computers and keep 2 inputs free for computers that I am servicing. It
attaches to my 21" EIZO monitor and cost about $200. It is not always
handy, however, to have to switch back and forth between computers
rather than just look at a different monitor. Your specialized use will
dictate what is best.

Hope this is of use to someone.

Best regards,

Bruce

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Bruce Boschek - Giessen, Germany

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