What exactly is a virtual KVM switch? Essentially it is just remote access software that is used over a local network connection instead of remotely over the Internet. In the examples we provide in this how-to guide, we utilize two different types of remote connections. For our first scenario we use a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application. For our second we actually use Windows’ own built-in Remote Desktop Connection conduit. If you are already familiar with remotely connecting to another computer, you should feel right at home with a virtual KVM switch.
Before you start, however, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Unlike a physical KVM switch, which gives equal billing to its connected systems, you have to make a conscious decision about which of your computers will be the primary system and which will operate as the “headless” computer (a power cord and an Ethernet cable are connected to it, but there’s no display). This also means that the headless system’s responsiveness will be limited by the speed of your Ethernet connection. Even with a Gigabit Ethernet connection—which we highly recommend (and don’t even think of trying this with Wi-Fi unless you have Zen-like patience)—you’re not going to get the same snappy response you’d get if you actually had a monitor connected directly to the system. Forget any hopes you may have had about video playback or any other sort of high-bandwidth streaming.
What software switcher (KVM) do you use for multi platform development? I have a normal PC and a mac mini, and I want to be able to use a single keyboard. What is Virtual KVM? Secure Desktop Tunneling is a free open source software tool. So a desktop running on a Linux machine may be displayed on a Windows PC, on.
Also note that if you’re used to letting your computers sleep, hibernate, or power down when they sit idle, you might need to change your habits (and perhaps adjust the budget for your electric bill). As a virtual KVM relies on a network connection, you are going to be limited by your equipment and network infrastructure’s capabilities to execute Wake-on-LAN (WOL) functionality. Unfortunately, WOL can be unreliable even when everything is supposed to work, so don’t bet the bank on that it will work for you. You’ll have better luck if you don’t let you systems go any deeper than “sleep” mode, and if you set static IP addresses for all the systems that will be using the virtual KVM switch (we explain how to do this later).
If we haven’t scared you off yet, then get comfy and settle in for a detailed walkthough of how to set up a virtual KVM switch between a Mac and Windows PC. We first explain how to set your Windows computer as the primary system, with the Mac as the headless system. We then switch it up and show you to make your Mac the primary system, with the Windows computer as the headless PC.
All of our examples were done with a Mac running OS X 10.6.3 (Snow Leopard) and a PC running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. Our instructions are specific to Snow Leopard and Windows 7; but with only a few minor differences everything here should apply to any Mac running OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or later, and any PC running Windows XP or later (32-bit and otherwise).
We also make a few assumptions about your user accounts and your network setup. We assume that all of the user accounts you will be using have administrator privileges. We also take for granted that your local network operates on a single subnet (which should be the case for the vast majority of home and SMB networks). You can still get a virtual KVM switch going even if neither of these are the case; but doing so is outside the scope of this guide.
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For many, the Windows-versus-Mac debate is a moot point. An increasing number of users who previously found themselves in one camp or the other now are firmly straddling the fence. For some it’s purely a personal choice, having been swayed towards the Mac because of the iPhone Halo Effect, or perhaps enticed by an inexpensive Windows netbook. For others, their work demands that they use both platforms. The commonality between these users is that many of them try to cram two systems onto a desk that’s barely big enough for one.
For those who simply don’t have the space for two systems—or even those who just don’t want to clutter their workspaces—there are a number of solutions. One is to eschew a separate Windows system altogether and run Windows on the Mac in a Boot Camp partition. The primary disadvantage with this is that you can’t run Windows and the Mac OS at the same time—you have to restart the system and boot into the other OS every time you need to switch.
Another option is to run Windows using virtualization software on the Mac, such as Parallels Desktop for Mac ($79.99 direct), VMWare Fusion ($79.99 direct), or VirtualBox (free). Virtualization is a rather elegant solution, but in order for it to work effectively, you need an Intel-based Mac, with a relatively powerful processor, lots of RAM, and plenty of hard drive space to spare.
Perhaps the simplest solution—and one that doesn’t require ditching your Windows system—is to invest in a hardware-based KVM switch. As its name suggests, you can plug in the keyboard, display, and mouse connections of several computers, which it then routes to a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. You simply push a button or a keyboard hotkey to switch from one connected computer to another. But KVM switches are not ideal for everyone: Some involve a lot of bulky cables; a decent model, such as the Iogear GCS1762, can easily cost around $150; and they’re not much good if one of your systems has a built-in display.
But why bother with a pricey hardware-based KVM switch when you can use a virtual KVM switch for free? Not only does a virtual KVM switch not add any more cables, it actually reduces the number of cables you already use. Another advantage a virtual KVM switch has over a physical one is that you can easily use a virtual KVM switch with a system that has a built-in display. So if you are a multiplatform user who might benefit from the space-saving abilities of a virtual KVM switch, read on for a detailed guide for how to set one up between your Mac and Windows systems.
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