[OT] USB KVM switches

[Doc Shipley]

Eric Smith wrote:

> I wrote:
> 
>>And I sure wish I could find some *reliable* USB KVM switches.  Ideally
>>without spending an arm and a leg, but given that the inexpensive ones
>>are terrible, maybe I'd be willing to spend real money for one that
>>actually works.
>>Given that USB and the HID class have much more well-defined
>>specifications
>>than the PS/2 keyboard port, it astonishes me that USB KVM switches are
>>so bad.
> 
> 
> Doc Shipley wrote:
> 
>>   Most of them - maybe all - assume Windows.  Don't ask me how a KVM
>>that works with PCs running Windows WON'T work correctly with the same
>>PCs running Linux or *BSD, but it's common.
> 
> 
> The Belkin specifically claims to support Linux and MacOS X, and
> exhibits the same defect with both.  I have not tried it with Windows.

   Belkin is generally good mid-range gear, but about their KVMs, Belkin 
lies.

>>   I had an 8-port Aten KVM that works reliably and perfectly with PCs,
> 
> [...]
> 
>>   I recently spent the arm & leg on a Raritan 16-port MasterConsole II,
> 
> 
> Thanks, I'll look into both of those.

   Very welcome.  The Aten will be for sale soon, too.


	Doc