KVM Switch
A KVM switch is a keyboard, video and mouse switch. KVM switches are extremely useful when controlling one or more computers or servers. With a KVM switch you can easily connect one keyboard, video monitor and mouse to a multitude of computers or servers. Usually KVM switches can control up to 64 computers at one time and you can even daisy chain your servers for your KVM switch to control more than that if need be.
KVM switches are great for technicians who work at a data center or are in control of many computers which they must access independently. You can imagine the waste of space and money if you had to purchase a separate keyboard, video monitor and mouse for every computer or server you operated in a data center. KVM switches are extremely practical and relatively affordable devices.
Usually the technician will use a control on the KVM switch to switch from one computer or server to another computer or server. In addition, many KVM switches can be accessed by hot keys. You as the technician can input a quick command to access a specific computer or server fast and easily.
In addition, a KVM can also emulate peripherals. In order for most computers or servers to work effectively, they require signals that a peripheral such as keyboard or monitor is connected. If the server or computer senses that a peripheral is not connected, it might cause the computer to run certain programs that can drain resources and slow down processing. Most KVM switches include emulators so that computers and servers think they are connected to a keyboard, monitor and mouse at all times.
Besides using a KVM switch, there are also software alternatives. For instance, Kavoom, Virtual Networking Computer and MaxiVista allow a technician to control many computers at once with only the help of software through standard network connections. This is great for technicians that don't want to run lots of wires to the many computers or servers that they need to control.
With software KVM switch alternatives, you can actually control many computers from remote stations. Using certain software, you can now control computers via the Internet or a telephone line.
KVM switches are usually simple to install and cost between about $150 to $500+ for new professional grade switches.
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