looking for some KVM info

[shocky123]

So I'm getting somewhat lazy in my old-age.. And would like to use a KVM to run my one mouse/keyboard/monitor between my Windows and Unix boxes...

In general, at least to my knowledge, KVM's appear as a standard ps/2 port device to the OS. Which is fine for my Unix box because I dont need more than 3 mouse buttons really, and I certainly dont need any of my media buttons on my keyboard.

So the question is.. Are there any 2-port KVM's out there that support these non-standard devices ( I want all 7 buttons for my Win box, and dont care about the one's I'd be missing by just plugging in the mouse to the Unix box..) -- so will Windows be able to detect all 7 buttons?

TIA
~Kyle

[Markel]

As long as you're plugging into the PS2 ports, I think Windows will see the mouse the same as if it were plugged directly into the Windows box.

[Jeffbx]

When you say 'UNIX box', do you mean an actual UNIX workstation (Sun, AIX, etc) or are you talking about UNIX running on a PC? I only ask because most UNIX mfrs use slightly different inputs, and you would need a KVM specific to that MFR. If it's a PC, then you're fine.

However, to answer your original question, like Markel says the KVM just passes through the signal it gets on the PS2 or USB port. My 5 button mouse works with no problem on a cheapo Linksys 2 port KVM.

[MikeD]

My KVM works fine at work on my Red Hat, Centos, and XP boxes. You should be good to go with your setup...

[shocky123]

Awesome! Thanks for the help guys!

By Unix Box I meant that it has standard ports :)
It's an old dual-xeon PC that I'm converting into a toy, and eventually going to use it for some filesystem testing and stuff.

Glad to see the responses here have been cheap as opposed to suggesting that I may have to buy a fancy-shmancy KVM.. wOOt!

thanks again,

~Kyle