How to connect two computers to one monitor? Is it possible to connect two system units to one monitor? Connecting a monitor to two computers How to connect a second system unit to the first.
Hello! Today I propose to discuss an interesting and useful topic. I touched on it not by chance, but due to the fact that I am building a home server.
For those interested, here it is part one- http://site/vybiraem-domashnij-server-chast-1.html and part two- http://site/sborka-domashnego-servera-chast-2.html
Accordingly, I needed to quickly switch between workstations. One of possible solutions I propose to sort it out today.
Let's go! Sometimes there is a need to work on several computers at once, or quite often connect/disconnect other computers for setup or repair. In this case, constantly switching the keyboard, monitor and mouse from one computer to another is not the most suitable option. Of course, you can put 2 monitors, 2 keyboards and 2 mice on the table, but this is quite expensive and eats up a lot of work space.
There is a fairly simple and convenient solution to this problem - this is KVM-Switch. Let's figure out what it is and how to work with it.
KVM-Switch or KVM switch is a special device designed to connect one set of input/output devices to several computers. Speaking in simple words A KVM switch allows you to connect one keyboard, mouse and one monitor to multiple system units, and then switch to control any computer with the press of a button.
This is what a typical representative of the KVM family looks like:
In the photo above we see 1 VGA connector for connecting to a monitor and two connectors for connecting a mouse and keyboard. WITH reverse side There are 2 VGA connectors for connecting to two system units via special cables. This is what they look like:
There is a wide variety of KVM switches and they have different characteristics, the key one being the number of connected computers. There are two-, four-, and more port switches. Also, they may differ in the types of outputs usb or ps/2, vga or dvi, which allows you to choose the desired option. Some KVMs have the ability to switch audio.
Almost all modern KVMs do not require separate power, but receive it through PS/2 or USB connectors, which saves us from unnecessary wires.
This is what the diagram for connecting computers via KVM switch looks like:
Switching between computers occurs by pressing one button on the device itself. It is also often possible to switch programmatically by double-clicking the Scroll Lock key.
Some might argue that there are special programs remote access, for example, TeamViewer, which allow you to control another computer without any extra devices. However, these programs are designed for other purposes. Considering that KVM switches do not depend on the operating system at all and switch at the circuit level, they allow you to perform absolutely any actions with connected computers, for example, setting up the BIOS.
Thus, we can connect two computers, on one of which we will work in the operating system, and on the other, we will run tests or install the OS. Another example - you can run a complex task on one of the computers, for example, video processing or copying a large amount of data, and then switch to another computer and continue surfing the Internet)). Convenience, and that’s it!
Such devices can often be seen in server rooms, where there are usually several servers installed and only one monitor, one keyboard and mouse.
In this way, you can organize comfortable work at several stations at once.
The need to use two PCs may arise in situations where the power of the first is fully involved in the work - rendering or compiling a project. The second computer in this case performs normal everyday functions such as web surfing or preparing new material. In this article we will talk about how to connect two or more computers to one monitor.
As mentioned earlier, the second computer helps to work fully, while the first one deals with high-resource tasks. It is not always convenient to switch to another monitor, especially since there may simply not be room in your room to install a second system. A second monitor may also not be at hand for a number of reasons, including financial ones. This is where special equipment comes to the rescue - a KVM switch or “switch”, as well as programs for remote access.
Method 1: KVM switch
A switch is a device capable of sending signals from several PCs to the monitor screen at once. In addition, it allows you to connect one set of peripheral devices - a keyboard and mouse - and use them to control all computers. Many switches allow you to use speaker system(mostly stereo) or headphones. When choosing a switch, you should pay attention to the set of ports. In this case, you need to be guided by the connectors on your peripherals - PS/2 or USB for the mouse and keyboard and VGA or DVI for the monitor.
The switches can be assembled either using a housing (box) or without it.
Switch connection
There is nothing complicated about assembling such a system. Just connect the supplied cables and perform a few more steps. Let's look at the connection using the example of the D-Link KVM-221 switch.
Please note that when performing the steps described above, both computers must be turned off, otherwise various errors may appear in the KVM operation.
- We connect VGA and audio cables to each computer. The first one is connected to the corresponding connector on motherboard or video card.
If it is not there (this happens, especially in modern systems), you need to use an adapter depending on the type of output - DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort.
The audio cord is plugged into line output on a built-in or discrete audio card.
Don't forget to also connect USB to power the device.
- Next, we connect the same cables to the switch.
- We connect the monitor, acoustics and mouse with keyboard to the corresponding connectors on the opposite side of the switch. After this, you can turn on your computers and start working.
Switching between computers is carried out using a button on the switch body or hot keys, which can be set to different devices may vary, so read the manuals.
Method 2: Programs for remote access
To view and manage events on another computer, you can also use special programs, for example, TeamViewer. The disadvantage of this method is that it depends on the operating system, which significantly reduces the number of functions available in hardware control tools. For example, using the software you cannot configure the BIOS and perform various actions when booting, including from removable media.
Conclusion
Today we learned how to connect two or more computers to a monitor using a KVM switch. This approach allows you to simultaneously service several machines at once, as well as rationally use their resources for work and solving everyday problems.
In science fiction films that vaguely resemble reality, and various films about hackers, the theme often appears when one user uses several displays for different tasks. This form of communication between a person and a computer is familiar to almost everyone and is quite common in real world. But there is another side to the “coin” - connected one monitor to two system units. Why do this? What will this give? And most importantly, how to connect two system units to one monitor? We will consider the answers to these and other questions.
To connect or not to connect, or the Modern Serpent-Gorynych
Without understanding the goals and objectives of this type of connection, there is no point in even thinking about figuring it out with just one monitor. And even more so to start doing something. Simultaneously connecting two computers to one monitor to display graphic, text and other useful and useless information makes sense if you have a server and, of course, another computer.
What is a server and what is it used for?
Server is a well-known concept. Usually it is presented as big, powerful computer, looking like a cabinet with light bulbs. And only large companies, corporations, banks, factories and other large structures use it.
In fact, this is not entirely true. In common parlance, a server is a maintenance staff. A service computer provides services to other machines connected to it. Such collective activity relieves computers connected to the server and increases overall productivity. Data processing speed also increases, and this useful option saves users’ nerves. There are several types of servers, each of which performs a specific type of task.
There are many uses for the server, if only you could use your imagination...
By installing a server at home, an ordinary user can conduct many interesting experiments, for example, with programming. From his personal server very convenient to receive feedback, see the intermediate result without thinking about connecting to the hosting. You can check the performance directly on your server; for this you install special software
And in general, if you have it at hand additional computer you can feel many pleasant bonuses: store unnecessary or educational information, books, films on it, use it for storage, enable torrent downloading, game server, mail server,perform parallel computations for complex problems. There are many applications, just use your imagination. One monitor is also better value for money. It is more convenient for perception and switching from one station to another. The eyes and nervous system are less stressed.
Best option
One way to figure out how to connect two computers to one monitor is to use KVM. This strange abbreviation in English means keyboard-video-mouse. And in Russian - an object that connects input devices (mouse and keyboard) and output devices (display) between several computers. That is, control is carried out with one keyboard and mouse. Convenient enough. There are KVM and up to 12 objects, but this is not what we are talking about. In principle, it is possible to connect a workstation and a server in other ways, but this one has some advantages that offset the rest. KVM allows you to perform almost any operation with the server, including BIOS, without being distracted by operating system, and as a result, through the device it is possible to install any programs and OS on a second computer. Very convenient one button control. Click and go.
Divide and conquer
Having dealt with the goals and objectives, let’s proceed to a step-by-step consideration of the question of how to connect two computers to one monitor.
On a KVM device, there are ports for a video card, keyboard and mouse. There are inputs for both incoming and outgoing signals. We connect the monitor, mouse and keyboard to the sockets with the OUT sign. The OUT sign is located on one side of the switch only. In principle, it is difficult to make a mistake. There is KVM for PS/2 ports (standard), and there is one for USB. Nowadays, USB outputs are the most common, but if you wish, you can find models with old inputs or buy additional adapters.
The KVM switch has one more side for incoming signals. On this half of the device there are ports for the first and second system units. We first connect to them a keyboard, mouse and video card from one workstation, and then a similar operation is performed for the server. Or vice versa. Changing the places of the terms does not change the sum.
Checking the correct connection
We carefully check: the output cable for the keyboard should stick out in the keyboard port. The input ports must contain cables from the output ports - from the monitor - and nothing else, if you do not want to repeat the entire procedure again, but, most likely, with new equipment. A couple of minutes to check will save effort, money, and time.
Starting the system
So, everything is ready, checked, rechecked. We connect the KVM device. Of course, don’t forget to turn on both computers in advance. And now, to move from one station to another, it is enough double click NumLock buttons and numbers 1 or 2. The number of the digit indicates the position of the computer in the system. If the computer number, in the user’s opinion, does not correspond to a key on the keyboard, then this misunderstanding can be corrected. To set up switching that is convenient for us, KVM manufacturers took care of software, using which we can and should program the buttons we need for the corresponding block. So, the main goal - how to connect two computers to one monitor - has been achieved!
We're working!
Well, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to connect two computers to one monitor has been given. Now it has become clear how to do this, and why such a “double” connection is needed, as well as what benefits it can bring to the average user. The proposed method is not the only one for connecting two workstations to a monitor. There are also alternative methods. We looked at the KVM switch method because it is simple and intuitive. And both an advanced user and a novice user can cope with it.
Connecting two monitors to one computer is quite possible! And what’s most interesting is that you can connect more monitors, for example, three, four or even five. In this tutorial I will tell you how to connect a second monitor in a minimal amount of time. At the end we will summarize, and I will tell you for what purposes you can use several monitors connected to one computer.
How is the first monitor connected?
First, all beginners need to understand how the first monitor is connected? Unfold your monitor and inspect the cables that are connected to it. Usually there are two! The first cable is power, and the second is VGA, HDMI or DVI. That's what we need. One end of the cable is connected to the monitor, and the other to the computer system unit. Here's an example:
How to connect a second monitor?
First of all, place the second monitor on the table and inspect the connectors on the back:
In addition to the power connector, there will be one or more connectors. It could be VGA, HDMI or DVI port. In my case it is VGA, and it looks like this:
DVI looks like this:
And HDMI is like this:
We need to insert the appropriate cable into this port; it is usually included when purchasing a monitor. Find this cable and insert either end into the monitor connector.
Its second end needs to be connected to the computer system unit, next to the first cable, which we already talked about at the beginning of the lesson.
But if you have, say, a VGA cable, but there is no corresponding connector on the system unit, or it is occupied by the first monitor, then you need to use a special adapter to connect. I bought one for myself and inserted a cable into it. It turned out like this:
Now we insert this cable with an adapter into the DVI port on the system unit. It turns out like this:
Fine! We figured out how to connect the second monitor, now all that remains is to turn it on so that it works together with the first. For this we will use the first monitor. On the desktop we need to click right click mouse and select .
In the window that opens, first click the Find button and the computer will find the second monitor in a couple of seconds.
It will be displayed next to the first one and will remain in the section Multiple displays select item.
After saving the changes, you will see two working monitors. Of course, for the second monitor to work, you need to remember to connect it to a power outlet and press the power button on the monitor itself.
This is what I ended up with:
How to connect a second monitor to a laptop?
You can connect a second monitor to a laptop in the same way as to a system unit. Look for the cable connector on the side, where USB ports. Follow the steps described above and you will succeed.
It’s also worth mentioning that you can also connect the TV to a computer or laptop using these instructions. That's how things are :)
Why connect 2 monitors?
Before I connected multiple monitors to my computer, I didn't know how convenient it could be. Let me give you a few examples:
If you like to have fun on the computer, then you can turn on a movie on one monitor, and play Minecraft, Tanks, Dota, Contra or any other game on the second.
If you like to communicate on the computer, then you can open a browser on one monitor with social network Odnoklassniki, and on the second launch Skype or VKontakte.
If you are editing a video, it is very convenient to place the editing table and all the tools on one monitor, and move the video preview window to the second
If you work on a computer, then you can open and write an article on one monitor, and run some important graphs or something similar on the second.
In general, if you decide to connect two monitors to one computer, then you probably already have a lot of ideas for what purposes you can use them. Be sure to write in the comments for what purposes you will use two, or maybe three monitors connected to one computer.
P.S. If something didn’t work out for you during the connection process, then I advise you to watch the video that I posted at the beginning of the lesson.
