managing two computers as if extended desktop is used

Question

I need to control two computers each connected to its own screen, using one mouse & KB. switching between them by mouse moving to the side-end of the screen (as in extended desktop supporting graphics cards).

regular KVM which forces some aware user input to choose the computer in work is not optimal.

the computers have obviously a network between them.

any ideas ?

thanks.

Answer 1

Computer 1 runs both screens and remote desktop session to computer 2, running full screen.

Answer 2

You should check out Synergy.

It allows you to use one keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers. You can mix Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, too.

I use Synergy to control my desktop and laptop computers.

Here is a short screencast to show how it works.

Answer 3

Have a look at InputDirector, I find it to be a tad more stable than synergy:

http://www.inputdirector.com/

Answer 4

For X Windows there is X2X.

Answer 5

Another vote for Synergy. Sounds like it will fit in with exactly what you want to do.

Answer 6

Here is a guide on how to set up and use Synergy.

Answer 7

You didn't say what operating system(s) you are looking at using.

To do this cross platform, I've had good success with VNC running on one of the machines and either win2vnc (for Windows) or x2vnc (for various Unices).

The *2vnc programs create a 1 pixel window on whichever side of the monitor you specify. Once your mouse hits it, it "magically" appears on the machine running the VNC server. Once configured, this can be pretty much seamless. You can even copy & paste text between the machines.

I've had a Linux box, a Mac, and a Windows box set up using a single keyboard and mouse (controlled by the Linux box), each with their own monitor side-by-side. To someone casually walking by, it first looks like a three-monitor setup. Until they realize that there are three separate operating systems in play!

Answer 8

Another user of synergy here who recommends it.

Easy to set up, works like a charm and best of all - it's free!

Answer 9

Synergy is great thanks for the tip

Answer 10

For Windows only: http://www.maxivista.com.

Answer 11

Anything that works when your second computer is a Server 2008 64 bit?

Answer 12

Synergy hasn't been updated since 2006 so you might try Synergy Plus which is undergoing much more development including an x64 installer.