1 monitor, 2 computers.. help!!1

[Tegasaurus]

k... i have desk space for 1 monitor, its a nice 19" flat panel/screen monitor. but i have 2 computers. I'd like to find a way to be able to switch back and forth between the two, but only use this 1 monitor. unplugging and plugging in will probably hurt my moniutor over time so i don't really want to do that unless i have to.

anyone have any suggestions?

[joeyl]

do a search on newegg for KVM switch: keyboard video mouse

[cryogen97]

or if you have winxp on both computers, you could do remote desktop. That's what I use so I can still run 1600x1200 resolution...cheap KVMs don't like resolution that high.

[Tegasaurus]

how do you go about running a remote desktop?

[IntegraTypeRS]

you will need windows xp PRO
right click on my computer and click on properties.
click on the remote tab
then click on "allow user to connect remotely to this computer"

Next, disable Windows Firewall -
click on Start>Settings>Network Connection> and right click on whatever connection you're using.
Click on Properties.
Click on the Advanced Tab.
Click on Settings and click OFF.

Do this to both computers. Imma assume that you're connecting both computers to a router. you should apply an static IP to both computer. for example, it would be something like 192.168.1.XXX. The XXX depends on what your router specify to start from.

to apply a static IP:
click on Start>Settings>Network Connection> and right click on whatever connection you're using.
Click on Properties.
click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list.
Click on "Use THe following IP Address"
IP address - should be in the format 192.168.1.XXX depending on your router. just choose a number for XXX.

Subnet mask - should be automatic

Default gateway - should be the IP address of your router. usually 192.168.1.1 for linksys and 192.168.0.1 for dlink.

The preffered DNS server can be found on your router. So just log in and find the info.

Do this again for your other computer but having the IP address different.


Next you will need to setup user accounts for both computers.

Click on Start>Settings>control Panel>User accounts

Whatever account you're using, you will need to add a password.

THat's it. You're done.

To start the remote deskop click Start>Programs>accessories>Communication>Remote Desktop Connection

CLick on the Option Button.

In the field "Computer" you should enter your IP address of the 2nd computer. So whatever you specify it to be, enter it in.

Username should be the windows account you're on. To quickly find this out, just click on Start view the Log Off XXXXX option. the XXXXXXX is your username.

Password is the password of the windows user account. Once you enter those information in click on Connect.


It should connect to your 2nd computer.

If it does not work go back to your router and OPEN the port 3389. not sure if that matters when you're connecting within your own network but yea.

let me know if anything needs clearing up.. i'm just typing this on the fly.

[Tegasaurus]

fuckin awesome dude... thanks!

[AEgeus]

Originally Posted by IntegraTypeRS

you will need windows xp PRO
right click on my computer and click on properties.
click on the re......ng needs clearing up.. i'm just typing this on the fly.

You are a better man than I, I would have told him to Google it.