2 hard drives 1 monitor

Hi
Is it possible to get a cable that will connect one monitor to two hard drive so that you dont have to keep swapping them about. I am building a new hard drive but want to plug in a monitor that is already on the childrens computer. They will never be switched on at the same time but I realy dont want to buy another monitor if i can help it or have to keep pulling out the leads every time I want to do any work.
Stitch

 

I think you require a KVM Switch (keyboard, video, mouse switch)
They are much easier than swopping cables back and forth.

Try this link for ideas, click on switches at the top of the screen. Look under "one console controlling two computers.


KVM Switches

There are two types;

Active- Does not require a reboot when switching between computers. (expensive)

Passive-Requires a reboot when switching or the mouse/keyboard will not be detected on switching (cheap) These would be fine as you say you will not have both Pc's on at the same time anyway.

I suspect you will require cables as well.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for that, had a quick look at the site and saved the page for a more indeph look later
Much appreciated
Stitch

 

Kiwicolin
Just a quick update, found a switch with cables supplied on the Dabs web site, not a bad price either. I looked this particular switch up on a few sites and prices were about the same give or take a few pennies. So thanks for the help.
Edimax EK-PS2C 2Port KMV Switch compact with two cables.
£17.50
Stitch

 

Glad to hear that I was able to help and you have found a bargain.

 

Hey stitch...

I've been using this KVM switch (came with 2 cable sets) from Avocent for the last 1 1/2 years and am quite happy with it. But if I do get another one it will have USB support on it.

 

Stitch ...

If all you want is to share a single monitor between two computers, a simple video A-B switch is all you need.

A KVM switch, on the other hand, will allow you to use two computers with a single, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I found that the monitor and keyboard were no problem but that a reboot was necessary (under Win9x) to get the mouse to work. I found it easier to use a second mouse.

The Edimax sounds like a good deal. It's about £4 more in the UK than here in the US ($24), but it's still one of the least expensive available.