When purchasing a switch box for computers, there are a wide range of options and prices. The specific task you need your switch for will most often dictate the price range. The cost will increase when you add in the extra cables needed. What you get for your money is the convenience of an easier computing experience.

Some switch boxes cost as little as $5 and some are over $1000. Variables that affect the pricing and costs of computer switch boxes include:

1. The type and number of connections and ports on the device;

2. The type of switch on switch boxes, which might be manual or “intelligent;”

3. And other features a device might have, including a built-in keyboard or a remote control.

Action Steps
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Share peripherals with a simple, low-cost computer AB switch

AB switches that are simple and mostly mechanical devices have a switch and connectors which you can use for sharing printers or serial port devices. You can also find them for USB and VGA as well. Expect to pay between $5 and $30 for the device itself, not including any necessary cables. Beware that devices meant to switch a video signal can cause a degradation of image quality, so check into the return policy before buying.

I recommend: Read about how an A/B switch works at PatentStorm. Browse the selection of manual printer, serial and VGA switch boxes at CableWholesale.com.

Switch between two computers with the same mouse, keyboard and monitor with a KVM PC switch

A KVM switch is a device that connects a keyboard, video monitor and mouse to more than one computer. Ones with a manual switch generally cost less than those that make the switch automatically. Expect to pay from $30 to around $300, depending on the features, the number and the type of connections you need.

I recommend: Obtain KVM splitters in a variety of prices from Computer Gate. Learn more about KVM switches from Computer Hope, which offers information about various brands and definitions of terms.

Switch between various monitors and other video equipment with a VGA A/B switch

You can use these devices to connect computers to video equipment and to share such devices between computers. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for the unit itself, not including the necessary cables. Your device audio equipment may come with the necessary cables, or you can get them from the switch box vendor.

I recommend: Find out how to connect a VGA switch box at RM. Choose from a variety of audio video switches at Cables N Mor.

Access multiple computers from the same keyboard, monitor and mouse with a KVM computer switch

Console KVM boxes are one of the most expensive types of computer switch boxes. You can use them to work on multiple computers or to fix and upgrade computers. The devices simplify things when a user has to access multiple computers for testing or monitoring purposes. Expect to pay from several hundred dollars up to over a thousand for one of these boxes.

I recommend: Read an explanation of the features of KVM switches at Lindy. Check out a selection of KVM switches, including console models, at Directron.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you consider the cost of any kind of computer switcher, take into account the fact that you might need to buy extra cables, unless you have some on hand.

Tight on desk space? You can use two or more computers with one printer or a more sophisticated switch box to share monitors, keyboards and mice between PCs by attaching your devices to a computer switch box.

The simplest of these devices have an AB switch on the front allowing you to select which computer you want to use with your printer. More advanced CPU switches are known as KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch boxes that allow you to use multiple computers with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.

There are many good reasons to use these computer switches, including:

1. You can save valuable space using a box with an A/B switch.
2. You can access data stored on a second computer without having to set up a network.
3. You can access computers running different operating systems from a single keyboard—Microsoft Windows, OSX, and Linux.

Action Steps
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Use one printer with two PCs using a PC switch box

A simple AB switch can link two computers with one printer, eliminating the need to attach printers to both PCs. This saves desk space and money.

I recommend: Check out all of the different types of computer switchers that can fit your needs by visiting such websites as Action Electric, TigerDirect, L-Com and Cables to Go.

Use a KVM computer switch to access several computers

KVM computer switch boxes are the ultimate space savers for a small office, linking several computers to one keyboard, monitor and mouse.

I recommend: Although it's more expensive than a simple AB switch box, a KVM computer switcher can give you access to every PC or Mac in your office using only one keyboard, monitor and mouse. A few of the better known manufacturers of KVM switches include ATEN, Belkin, Rose Electronics and Avocent.

Use a KVM switch box to share audio

A few of the newer KVM switches have stereo audio ports so you can have several computers access one set of speakers.

I recommend: Companies such as IOGear, Belkin, and ATEN manufacture audio KVM switch boxes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you get the proper cables to link the computer switcher to your computers. For example some boxes my require USB or DVI to connect to mice and monitors.
• •  KVM switches and A/B switch boxes can handle multiple configurations. Plan for the future, and purchase a switch box that will allow you to add more computers at a later date.

Computer switch boxes are devices that connect to different kinds of computer cables. You get to decide which cable receives the appropriate computer signal. There are two basic types of switch boxes. Auto switch boxes work automatically, and manual switches have an actual switch or button to push to determine where the signal goes.

Different kinds of switch boxes exist for different uses. The most common ways of using computer switch boxes include:

1. Sharing a peripheral such as a speaker or a printer between two computers using an AB switch;

2. Sharing a network or broadband connection between multiple computers;

3. And switching between various monitors, keyboards and mice attached to the same computer.

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Share speakers and other audio/video equipment with switch boxes

Computer switch boxes can allow you to share audio and video components between two or more computers. Share access to a video projector or sound system. High definition (HD) technology requires the use of more types of connectors, and many of HD devices are able to interface with computers as well as other entertainment equipment.

I recommend: Find a good selection of audio and video A/B switch boxes at Audio Showcase. Learn how to use an inexpensive computer AB switch to share one set of speakers between two computers at ElectronicsUSA.com.

Expand your network with a network computer switch box

A small home office might need an Internet hub with only four ports, while a large office or workgroup can use a large switch box with up to 48 ports. These larger devices come with network management software that helps you prioritize traffic and monitor the switch performance.

I recommend: Read seven steps to take in choosing the right network switch for your situation at AhTim.com. Browse the huge selection of network switches at VoIP Supply or sort through the list by price, best value or brand name.

Share USB devices between computers with USB switch boxes for computers

USB hubs let you hook several USB devices to one computer, but if you want to share a USB device between two computers, you can use USB computer switcher devices. There are manual and auto versions with up to seven ports. Share a printer or scanner with your office mate or the person in the next cubicle.

I recommend: Browse through a wide selection of USB switches and sharing devices at USBGear.com. Watch a video on how to set use a USB switch box with your computers at USB Switches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Of all of the kinds of computer switch devices, the network switch is the most complicated and requires the most expertise to set up.
• •  You can use an A/B switch to hook two printers to the same computer. This will require extra cables, but then you can switch back and forth with a flip of a switch instead of unhooking cables.

Computer switch boxes are any of a number of different devices that allow a computer to connect to two or more devices using the same port. The term can also refer to a device that allows a computer the ability to connect to one or more devices.

In order to make sense of computer switch boxes, you need to know the difference between the various kinds, such as A/B switch boxes and KVM switches. It's also helpful to know the various kinds of connectors and what they connect, including parallel, serial, USB and VGA connectors.

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A/B switch box

Also known as a manual switch box, an A/B switch box lets you switch between two devices, one connected to the 'A' side of the box and the other connected to the 'B' side. Most of these devices share parallel or serial devices, since USB hubs can connect many USB devices and share them automatically.

I recommend: Find a definition of an A/B switch box and other computer terms at Skeeterbytes.

KVM switch box

The letters KVM stand for keyboard, video and mouse. Thus, a KVM switch box is a device that lets you use one keyboard, mouse and monitor to control more than one computer.

I recommend: Find an explanation of a KVM switch box at Acnodes.com.

VGA cables

VGA, short for video graphics array, is a type of cable that connects a computer to a monitor. This type of connector generally has 15 pins or holes, depending on which end you are looking at.

I recommend: Check out a glossary of technical terms, including VGA connector, at PlayTool by Mark Allen.

Ports

There are several connectors,often called ports, for computer switch boxes including parallel and serial cables. Parallel cables are bulky cables that you can use to connect a computer to many older style printers. You can use serial cables to connect to many types of devices, including printers, modems, digital cameras and external drives. Newer USB technology is replacing both of these types of cables, but if you have an older device, you may see these types of connectors.

I recommend: Find a list of types of connections for computers and home audio/visual systems, with their definitions and photos, at Crutchfield New Media.

PS/2 connectors

PS/2 is one of the most confusing connectors because of its name, which is similar to that of an old-fashioned line of computers and also to a type of video game console. This type of connector, however, was standard for keyboards and mice until recently, so if you have an older keyboard or mouse, they probably connect to the computer with one of these.

I recommend: See a description of a PS/2 connector, including a diagram, at Obsessable.

USB connector

USB stands for universal serial bus, but it looks nothing like the old-fashioned serial cable. One thing this technology has in common with its bulkier predecessor is the ability for two-way communication. You can use USB connectors of various sizes to connect many modern devices, from digital cameras and printers to newer keyboards and mice.

I recommend: Get a definition of USB connector at PCTechGuide.