[OT] USB KVM switches

From: Doc Shipley <doc_at_mdrconsult.com>
Date: Tue Feb 1 16:09:48 2005

Eric Smith wrote:

> I wrote:
>
>>And I sure wish I could find some *reliable* USB KVM switches. Ideally
>>without spending an arm and a leg, but given that the inexpensive ones
>>are terrible, maybe I'd be willing to spend real money for one that
>>actually works.
>>Given that USB and the HID class have much more well-defined
>>specifications
>>than the PS/2 keyboard port, it astonishes me that USB KVM switches are
>>so bad.
>
>
> Doc Shipley wrote:
>
>> Most of them - maybe all - assume Windows. Don't ask me how a KVM
>>that works with PCs running Windows WON'T work correctly with the same
>>PCs running Linux or *BSD, but it's common.
>
>
> The Belkin specifically claims to support Linux and MacOS X, and
> exhibits the same defect with both. I have not tried it with Windows.

   Belkin is generally good mid-range gear, but about their KVMs, Belkin
lies.

>> I had an 8-port Aten KVM that works reliably and perfectly with PCs,
>
> [...]
>
>> I recently spent the arm & leg on a Raritan 16-port MasterConsole II,
>
>
> Thanks, I'll look into both of those.

   Very welcome. The Aten will be for sale soon, too.


        Doc
Received on Tue Feb 01 2005 - 16:09:48 GMT