Question 1

Does this work with Win8?

Accepted Answer

Works great with Win 8.1.

After while I changed my keyboard to a small one that doesn’t have Print Screen button so the KVM switch allowed me to change the way I move between computers. I changed it from using Print Screen button to using Control button. The only problem I have now is when I go from computer 1 to computer 2 I need to press Control button once again but this is not a problem for me at all.

My set up is two laptops or laptop and Desktop. I have wired USB keyboard and wireless Logitech mouse.

I would by this product again.

Question 2

I'm trying to use 1 TV as monitor with 2 laptops. One laptop that is a "closed system, not allowed any installation of sofeware" and the other personal use. The close system does not have HDMI port so trying to get from that computer to TV with monitor or USB port. Will this device work?

Accepted Answer

I don't see a KVM as being the right approach, this particular version or otherwise, since a KVM would allow one keyboard, one mouse, and one monitor to manipulate two computers, that each have inputs and output for external mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Sure, laptops have VGA output and external mouse input, but external keyboard?

An approach I'd recommend is a VGA "AB switch box", such as Newegg's "Cable Wholesale AB 2 Way Switch Box, HD15 (VGA) Female"

Make sure you also have a couple male-male VGA cables to connect each laptop to the Box, such as Newegg's "PPA Model 7543D 6 ft. Male to Male VGA Cable M-M"

Question 3

If I am playing music from 1 computer and games on the other computer can I hear sound from both machines at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No.  By definition:  It is a switch.  What you desire is a mixer.  Consider this:  You can have different devices intercede in each circuit:  Audio, video, keyboard, mouse, and even incoming phone line.  It just depends on how many boxes you wish to stack, and how much complexity you want when customizing the output.

Question 4

One of the laptops I'd like to connect to the KVM Switch has two usb plugs.  I understand that the switch only requires one.  Therefore, can I still effectively use the second usb plug on my laptop for a device I don't want to share with the second laptop?

Accepted Answer

The second (and others if you have them) usb receptacle on your pc is available as it always has  been.  Using one usb receptacle for the KVM switch has no effect on any of the other usb receptacle on your pc.

Question 5

I have a Logitech wireless KB and mouse, will they work with this device?

Accepted Answer

I have been using basic Microsoft keyboards.   It operates off of the scroll lock key(upper right corner of keyboard) Logitech has that key. Mine says ScrLk on it.  You press it twice and the kvm switches machines.  I don't have my documentation anymore but there are other Key options as well.  It is a great solution.

Some other kvms have a separate button and they turn out to be buggy, software wise.  I had to just through those kvms away.  They were the same cost but troublesome.

Question 6

can control 2 monitors from 1 pc?

Accepted Answer

This controls two PC's alternately from a single keyboard and mouse, and sends the VGA from whichever PC to is selected to a single monitor. Those PC's may at the same time display on additional monitors if they have multiple monitor outputs, or with the addition of a VGA one in/two out "splitter" or distribution amplifier. With this product, it's two PC's to set of keyboard, mouse and monitor, or "KVM."

Question 7

How long are the cables?

Accepted Answer

Each cable from the switch is 70 inches long.  The secondary little cables (with the plug-ins) are each 19 inches long.

Question 8

Which key sequence do you have to use to switch from A to B. Is there a driver I need to download?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as others mentioned it is 'Scroll Lock' key.  But if it does not work, it happened to me, check mouse and keyboard if they are plugged in into right USP hub.  By mistake I plugged keyboard into mouse usb hub, the 'Scroll Lock' did not work.

Question 9

is there a remote button to switch between computers? how is the switch made from one computer to another?

Accepted Answer

I never looked for a button so I don't know if one is there  To switch between computers I press the scroll lock key twice in a row.  The process works well and it takes a second or two for the transition. The documentation the KVM came with is clear and the device is very convenient.

Question 10

Does this KVM switch work with one computer windows 7, 32 bit and the 2nd computer Windows XP?  If not can you recommend one?

Accepted Answer

Charles,
 
You shouldn't have any problem with that setup. These devices are a modern day A-B switch, basically. The difference being that it uses USB instead of AT/PS2. Other than that it's pretty much the same, and just passes the functionality through to whatever machine you have selected. I hope this helps in your decision making process. I've copied the requirements from the site here in case you missed them. Have a great day!

Requirements

Computers with a USB connection and HDDB15 VGA connection
    Windows XP
    Windows Vista (32-bit/64-bit)
    Windows 7
    Mac OS 8.6 or greater
    Sun Solaris work station
    Linux, UNIX and other USB supported systems2
    Audio: Only support 2-piece, powered speakers systems

Questions & Answers