Sharing PC peripherals

[tell-me-more]

I'd like to share my modem, printer, keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers between two machines.

One is an old machine running Windows Me, the other running Windows XP.

I have a keyboard and mouse using old style connectors at the moment, but I'm thinking of getting wireless ones with USB connectors.

Is it possible to share all these things with something like a KVM switch, and if so, is it possible to switch from one machine to the other with a mechanical switch on the device, rather than having to have both machines on all the time?

Also, are wireless keybaords and mice secure - e.g. would anyone be able to find out my PIN or other details if they're transmitted wirelessly?

[ChuckFickens]

A KVM switch with audio support will share everything you say, except the modem and let your swap between the computers with either a button on the front of the KVM or using a combination of keys on your keyboard.

if you have broadband then you will need to buy a router as well to share your internet connection between the computers.

and wireless keyboards are pretty secure mainly due to the very limited range they have, somebody would have to be standing in the same room as you to eavesdrop, and you might notice that :)

[tell-me-more]

Thanks Chuck.

I've seen a switch that allows me to swap using a key combination, but I'd like to be able to swap without having to have both machines on.

Couldn't I just plug the modem into the other machine's usb port? I don't mind doing one device, it's just doing 6 every time that hacks me off. Especially the monitor.

[ChuckFickens]

yeah you can just swap the modem every time if you want, and the key combinations to operate the switch will still work even if one machine is turned off

[rojash]

If it's a USB modem, many KVM switches will also switch one or two USB ports.

Mine switches two monitors, USB keyboard and mouse, two other USB ports, plus Audio in and Out, and it has buttons on the front, so I don't need to remember key-combinations. It's made by Belkin.

[tell-me-more]

That sounds brilliant Rojash. Have you got a link to somewhere I can buy it from?

The best I've found is this:

http://www.belkin.com/uk/switch2/

I definitely want a mechanical switch rather than key combination, and seeing as it sounds like it's possible I'd like to be able to plug a few extra usb devices in, like the modem, printer, digital camera etc. Not necessarily all at the same time, but 2 have two spare spaces like yours would be nice.