The Linksys ProConnect® Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch lets you take instant command over two PCs—all from a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor! For your convenience, it even comes with built-in cables to meet all your connection needs. Switch between PCs with a quick, two-key action, or use the automatic scan feature to easily monitor both computers.The KVM Switch eliminates those pesky, cable swapping duties while saving you desktop space and hardware costs. Because it doesn’t use software, the KVM Switch is compatible with all major desktop and notebook computers. It’s the perfect choice for the home, office, or anywhere else you work with two PCs at the same time.
--Linksys's website
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=36&scid=45&prid=502
Enough with Linksys's drivel... what do we here at the IT department think of it? We have two different computers - one as a server, and one serving as a voice mail system. Both are pretty mission critical and need to stay on pretty much 24/7. The server room is just a small room about 10x10 feet. We only have one monitor, one keyboard, and a mouse. The voice mail tech says that it is not wise to leave the voice mail server without any keyboard, mouse, or a monitor. The server, however, is our own, so we were able to supply such luxury. But now, we do not have the space for such dualities. What is an IT team to do with such cramped space, and tight budget? A KVM switch was the obvious answer, but which one?
The Linksys KVM2KIT sounds like a good bet, coming from a known peripheral (mostly networking) company, and the fact that it uses soft key switching instead of a passive hard switch that can leave a PC lost and confused about the keyboard and mouse status. So it was purchased for the above purpose.
In the package
The KVM2KIT comes in a plastic package that is hard to open. It is definitely child proof, as you need scissors to gnaw through the plastic to get to the goods. Once open though, the KVM2KIT shows itself as a small unit about the size of a hockey puck with 2 set of cables coming out of it at about 2.5 feet long. Each set contains a connector for a monitor, a PS/2 keyboard, and a PS/2 mouse. These set of connectors connect to each respective PCs (PC1 and PC2).
There is also a set of jacks that accepts a PS/2 keyboard and mouse, as well as a VGA monitor. This is where you connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. On the unit itself, there are 2 LEDs, which indicate which PC is active - PC1 or PC2.
It is as simple as that!
Installation
Linksys does ask that you turn off your computers before you install the KVM switch. We figured that this might be true, since we tried it without turning off our mission-critical servers to install the KVM2KIT.
Also, stated in the quick guide, Linksys also recommend removing power to the PC by unplugging it. The reason for this is because some motherboard manufacturer (or PC manufacturer) still has power going through the PS/2 port for features such as wake from sleep, soft power on, or other things of that nature where the keyboard should remain active even when the PC is off.
First step is to plug in your monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the KVM2KIT unit first. Then connect the rest of the cables to each PCs you want to switch to and from. Then power up the machines. You (should be) done. :)
In Use
As stated before, there is no physical switch on the KVM unit itself. To switch between the two PCs, you have to hit the Scroll Lock key on the keyboard twice in succession.
The KVM2KIT model also have a auto scan mode, where the KVM will cycle between both computers so you can monitor their activity without manually switching between the two. The default scan interval is three seconds, and can be activated by hitting Left Shift and then Right Shift in succession (not simultaneously). This is useful in the same way as closed circuit TVs (security cameras) would switch between each camera at a set interval so you can glimpse at each area and not fixed on one at all times.
You can also change the scan intervals as well. To do this, you hit these keys in succession: Left Shift, Right Shift, S, #n (except where #n is a numerical number).
For #n, 1 = 3 seconds, 2 = 5 seconds, 3 = 10 seconds, 4 = 20 seconds.
Having the user guide by the unit would be helpful, should you forget the key combos, or many users use it. There is nothing on the unit itself to clue you in on any key combos.
2nd Chance
Our first unit did not seem to make it out of the factory in working order. Once we installed it, only one PC came through. Even so, the PC complained that there was no keyboard present. Trying to switch over using Scroll Lock x2 did not do anything. Neither of the LEDs on the unit lit up. We tried the "Linksys" way of installing it, and still no go.
Thankfully, our replacement unit worked in the manner we expected it to. Since we were working with mission-critical servers, it was not easy on our nerves when we had our first experience.
Good to Go
If you are looking for a KVM switch that tells both of your computers that a keyboard and mouse is present (active KVM), then this is a good piece to get. Being able to switch between the two PCs without getting down and dirty back there to hit a mechanical switch is a great convenience. However, it'd be nice to have such a switch as a backup (not mechanical, but at least a soft switch). A minor gripe, but something to consider.
Other KVM switches reviewed
D-Link DKVM-2K 2-port KVM switch
Tripp Lite B022-004-R 4-port KVM switch
Nu-Image Corporation
