Purchasing Resources for KVM Switches

KVM Switches

Find KVM switch solutions for your multiple computers
By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN KVM switches are part of a growing array of tools for networking. If you have an extensive computer network, or any network that needs configuration, you might be tasked with finding a KVM switch for linking up desktops or other computer models. What is KVM switch? KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse: a KVM switch lets you control multiple computers with one "desktop setup" which is traditionally a keyboard, monitor and mouse (hence the name KVM switch).
 

These kinds of KVM switch box hardware solutions can come in handy in many situations. Here are some ways to use KVM switch box systems:

1. For a setup where you want one user to control a variety of computers to get various data from each one.

2. For a "reverse KVM" situation where some KVM switch models let you link one computer to multiple KVM control stations (this is good for retail where multiple sellers should be working with the same data).

3. For a diversity of remote networking situations where USB KVM switch technology lets users plug in from far-off locales.

Find your basic mechanical KVM switch technology

The original KVM switch is a mechanical one. These simple structures use toggling technology to route between different computers. Many of them only support less than a dozen hook-ups. A problem with mechanical models is that they may not support re-booting for your various stations, where a desktop model may panic if it does not detect a keyboard or mouse connection at reboot. However, for some operations, a simple mechanical KVM switch is sufficient.
Try: Nowadays, you can find mouse/keyboard emulation for even the most basic KVM switch models. Check out the simple, cheap 2-port or 4-port KVM switch models (and mini KVM switch products)  available at a reasonable cost at KVMs.com. Some of the KVM models at MonitorMart.com are examples of units with unspecified reboot controls, in case you really don't need to emulate peripherals if a machine gets restarted.

Get newer electric KVM switch models

As KVM switch technology leaps forward, newer models include more features for helping out with reboot situations and streamlining the device management that KVM switches do. Large KVM switch distributors have diverse collections of these USB KVM models for easy hook-up.
Try: Check out a lot of KVM switch models at Tripp Lite and browse product features to find what's right for you. A wide array of USB KVM switch products are arranged by port capacity and other features at APC.

Use remote KVM switch technology

Other KVM switch vendors can get you products that control your machines remotely. These are perfect for a real "traveling" situation, the kind of thing there is more and more of in today's business world. Users can control machines while teleconferencing or otherwise AFK (away from keyboard).
Try: Use StarTech port KVM switch products to manage computers from anywhere in the world. Check out Raritan's new remote KVM switch technology for remote control solutions.

• Don't skip the brainstorm session. While buying KVM switches online, you'll want to think about how many ports you need, how they will be connected, and where they will be accessed from, just to name a few key considerations. These pesky questions will actually stand you in good stead when the hardware arrives.