Multiple computers, one keyboard? : Synergy

Synergy has been around a while and is a very nice software keyboard mouse switch. It can be set up between any computers on a local network, and I believe it works on any operating system, including Mac OSX and Linux. I Used this for quite some time to control both my dual-monitored Windows XP/Vista and my Ubuntu server. It is extremely smooth and lag-free, causing all of your machines to act as a single unit.




Usage:
If you have ever used a multi-monitor setup, you will understand how to operate this software "km switch." Properties are set so your computer knows where each monitor is, and to use your keyboard/mouse inputs on a certain computer, all you do is move your mouse cursor to that screen. That's about as simple as it gets. Of course some users will be bothered by their mouse occasionally moving past an edge of their screen they're aiming for and would want this to be different. Well, you can change the settings so it's a key combination to change which screen you're using also.

Installation and Setup:
Synergy uses a standard client/server networking setup. One machine will be installed with the server software, and all the settings and preferences for all of the computers will be made there. The location of each computer's monitor needs to be specified by designating which part of a screen "touches" the next. For instance, ScreenA is left of ScreenB: Since this is the case you will need to make a property in the configuration utility that either says ScreenA is left of ScreenB, or ScreenB is right of ScreenA. However, it could be much more complicated than this -- as much as you want or need it to be. Another example is how I had mine set up. ComputerA had two monitors, both same size and resolution, and ComputerB had one monitor that was above ComputerA's right monitor. So to set this up, I made a property that said ComputerB is above 50-100% of ComputerA. This means that of my total 2048 pixel width between both of ComputerA's monitors, it will only allow my mouse to switch to ComputerB by going up between pixel 1025 and 2048, which is the right monitor.

Now that the server is set up and working, any other computer you want to share this keyboard and mouse needs to have the client software isntalled. Upon starting up the client, you should be asked to input the server's IP address or hostname. Once this is entered, just give it a moment to establish a connection with the server and you're good to go.

Of course this is just a brief outline and summary of what the program is and does. To get more information or to download this utility, go here.