Many different models of KVM switch boxes are available to help you set up a single monitor, mouse and keyboard to control more than one computer. Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch boxes education and training is all about learning about the various types of connections your computer uses and finding out what you need to know to choose the right one.

There are many things to learn before you can choose the right KVM switch. These things include the following system information:

1. The number of computers you will be sharing, which will tell you the number port KVM switch you need;

2. The type of mouse and keyboard connections you have, usually PS/2 for older computers and USB for newer ones;

3. The type of video connection you need for the monitor you plan to use;

4. And the accessories you may want to share, like speakers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basics regarding keyboard video mouse switch boxes

Maybe a technician told you that you need a KVM switch box to solve your particular problem, but you're not sure what these products do. You need to know more about the various types and how they work. Learn how such a product can help increase your productivity and what types of cables you'll need to connect it all together.

I recommend: Read a detailed explanation of what a KVM switch box does, including discussions of the different types and how they work, at Directron.com. See an explanation of how four computers can share a single monitor, keyboard and mouse at Tom's Hardware. View a chart with pictures of different kinds of computer connectors, their names and their uses at CableWholesale.com.

Find out how to use various models of computer switch boxes

Online videos and product information can help you understand what type of KVM switch is right for you. You will also need to know what kinds of extra cables you will need. The model you choose needs to be compatible with your system components.

I recommend: Watch a video explaining how to use a D-Link KVM switch at AOL Video. Click on one of the various product families of KVM switches at the TRENDnet website and get access to information about individual models, such as specifications and networking diagrams. Use the KVM Wizard at ATEN to input information about your computer setup and choose the best KVM model for your situation.

Get support for your keyboard video mouse switch

The product support section of a manufacturer's website is always a good place to get information, both before and after you purchase a product. Use it to evaluate the level of information you can access, so you aren't surprised after you buy. Get help using the product or download a manual or driver update, once you own the product.

I recommend: Use the menu at D-Link Systems to help you find information on how to use, setup and troubleshoot the D-Link DKVM-16 model. Choose from several methods of product support at IOGEAR, including life help, quick answers, downloads or product return help.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy a KVM switch box, or even a simple keyboard switcher device, make sure you find out whether the box comes with cables. If you need to buy the cables, most KVM switch vendors will sell them.

A keyboard, video, mouse switch box, better known as a KVM switch box lets you use one keyboard, monitor and mouse with several computers, which can be the ideal solution for offices that are tight on space.

KVM switch boxes have come a long way since their inception, offering tons of new features making it easy for so-called "power users" to adapt them to their needs. A few of the key features available on today's breed of computer switch boxes are:

1. You can choose between DVI and VGA video.

2. Many of the newer KVM switches allow you to interface with USB ports for keyboards and mice.

3. You can get a simple keyboard, video, mouse switch box for two computers or expand to a whole office full of machines.

4. Most KVM switch boxes have a very small footprint, so they take up very little space on your desk.

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Develop a game plan for keyboard, video, mouse switch boxes

Since keyboard, video, mouse switch boxes come in so many variations, it's a good idea to plan out where you want to set them up, what they'll be used for and how many computers they'll be connected to.

I recommend: Companies such as Tron and Lindy can guide you as to what type of KVM switch to purchase, whether it's to accommodate a roomful of servers or just a couple of desktop computers.

Get the right port-KVM switch match

All of the options, from USB and firewire to standard mouse and keyboard ports can be confusing. Knowing the configuration you need for keyboard switchers, and mice and video connections can save a lot of headaches when setting up your KVM boxes.

I recommend: To get an idea of what configurations are available for keyboard switchers and other devices, check out Avocent and Rose Electronics.

Know what cables you need for computer switch boxes

Whether it be CAT-5 cables for a sophisticated network or simple DVI, VGA, USB or other video mouse and keyboard cables, make sure the KVM boxes you buy have the correct ports to work with your system.

I recommend: Make sure you have plenty of extra cables of various lengths to hook up your computer systems to the KVM boxes. A few good sources for all types of CAT, video and other cables include Rose Electronics, TigerDirect and Cables to Go, which custom-builds cables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose electronic switching over manual switches. Although most of the newer keyboard switcher models use electronic switching, there are still a few bargain boxes out there that use manual A-B switches.
• •  Have the right configuration of cables and boxes. There's nothing worse than discovering after you've purchased boxes set up with VGA video and standard keyboard and mouse ports that your monitors and PCs are set up for DVI (high resolution) video and your mouse and keyboard are USB.
• •  Test the keyboard switcher before you buy. Since these are electronic devices, the chances of them not working without a hitch are slim to none. Work with a consultant that lets you hook them up and test them before you buy or a retailer with a decent return policy.

A KVM (or Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch box allows users to set up and handle multiple computers or servers using one of each of these control elements. KVM can make a business a lot more efficient as "rack-stored" servers or other hardware can have a "central command workstation." Businesses that want to profit from the efficient control that KVM provides can learn a lot about the most common terms and technology for KVM switch boxes and discover how to implement this kind of technology.

Action Steps
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USB or Universal Serial Bus

USB is a new kind of universal connection for peripherals. Almost all new computers have these small, rectangular ports for attaching all kinds of printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, cameras and more. Lots of KVM switch boxes have USB included to make connectivity easier.

I recommend: Find out more about USB connectivity at the product advocacy site at USB.org.

DVI or Digital Visual Interface

DVI is also sometimes called a 'digital video interface'-this kind of graphical setup is used to optimize the visual quality of flat screens. The new DVI technology is one option for using KVM switch boxes.

I recommend: Learn about DVI systems, cabling and more at WiseGeek.

VGA or Video Graphics Array

VGA is another visual option for using KVM switches to work monitors: VGA was originally made for use with traditional tube monitors.

I recommend: Find definitions and links to more on VGA at Mimi.hu.

Firewire

Another kind of connectivity KVM switch boxes use is called firewire. This high-speed, serial bus design leads to faster connectivity for multiple peripherals. Some see firewire as a 'bulked-up' USB design.

I recommend: Check out more on firewire connectivity at this Tech FAQ.

CAT 5

The cable type called Category 5 is a leaner, more versatile component that has replaced bulkier cabling for most KVM switch boxes and other hardware. CAT 5 is now an ethernet standard, and is often used with KVM boxes.

I recommend: Find a definition of CAT 5 KVM as well as links to detailed product specs at 42U.

On screen display

This feature allows the KVM switch box to be handled with a screen display control.

I recommend: Find definition resources for on-screen display and lots of other common KVM switch box terminology at Lindy Computer Connection Technology, where the page walks readers through what's used with KVM switch boxes.

Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch boxes pricing and costs vary widely, depending on the KVM's design and technology. KVMs connect multiple computers or servers to a single keyboard and mouse to save space in server rooms and on desks. While the standard two-port PS/2 KVM computer switch boxes are still useful and low-cost devices, KVM technology has evolved to technology that eases the burden of IT staff and saves space.

Modern KVMs include USB and Cat 5 technology. Networked KVMs allow hundreds of servers, computers and other devices to share a single keyboard, mouse and monitor over a network. These products are priced significantly higher than standard PS2 keyboard switcher devices. To get an idea of pricing and costs of keyboard video mouse switch boxes:

1. Browse prices of standard multiple port KVM switch providers;

2. Check out the costs of networked KVMs;

3. Find prices for KVM switches that handle USB devices;

4. Remember to include the costs of cabling.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check the prices of basic devices from keyboard video mouse switch vendors

Basic KVMs connect to multiple computers and allow them to share a serial keyboard, PS2 mouse and VGA monitor. They vary in price from lower-end two-port units to more durable KVMs with multiple connections.

I recommend: Find a basic two-port KVM with integrated cables at vendors like CDW for $18.99. MonitorMart carries metal KVM boxes with 8-to-16 ports for $150.

Browse prices of networked KVM switch vendors

Networked KVMs connect to multiple servers or computers over network cables, allowing for remote access. Many have a built-in monitor for on-screen display. The monitor is on sliding rails so it can be folded into a rack. Up to 256 servers can be connected to some units.

I recommend: Tripp Lite remote KVMs handle connections from 64 to 256 servers. Prices range from $1,200 to $4,000. KVM Switches Online carries remote KVMs from several manufacturers. Prices start at $500 for a KVM that controls a single server remotely. KVMs that control 32 servers range in price from $3,500 to $5,000. They allow access for one local user plus multiple remote users, with the ability to control serial devices in addition to servers.

Find the price of a USB KVM switch

As USB ports become standard on computers, it's more difficult to use basic PS2 KVMs to control multiple computers. USB KVMs solve this problem by sharing USB ports for keyboards and mice along with VGA connections.

I recommend: USBGear provides several types of KVMs and USB sharing devices. Devices that allow a user to share USB devices among multiple computers cost less than $20. KVMs to control two computers cost approximately $50. Four-port units are just under $100. The MiniView from IOGear. shares audio, monitors, USB mice and keyboards on two computers and costs $49.95.

Include the cost of cables for a KVM switch box

Cables for KVMs are generally low priced, but some heavy duty specialty cables can cost more than $100. Universal KVM cables for PS/2 and USB range in price based on length, video resolution and design.

I recommend: Cables from Tiger Direct range in price from less than $10 to $25 for two-port PS2 cable kits. USB cables from StarTech USA range in price from $15 to $30 depending on length. The company also carries specialty Cat 5 dongles to connect a PS/2 server to an IP KVM for approximately $130.