Multiple Computer Setup

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If you are a computer nut like me, one computer is not enough for you. I have several systems at home and even a couple at the office. What starts to be come an issue is how to deal with multiple systems while stull maintaining a place to work with (gasp!) pen an paper!

I thought that I would share with you how I have set up my system and give you a bit of insight into the tricks that I have used. Now, I think that there is room for improvement with this system since there are a lot of different things that I have not incorporated (such as audio, etc.) but I think that this is a really good starting point for many people.

Configuration Overview

My system consists of two tower computers (Computer 1 and Computer 2), each with two 17″ flat panel monitors (Monitors 1-A & 1-B and Monitors 2-A & 2-B) with built in USB hubs. Computer 1 is my primary system for daily work and Computer 2 I use for testing and monitoring. These computers are part of a TCP/IP based network.

Overview

On Computer 1, I also have an external IEEE 1394 (FireWire) DVD±RW drive, an external USB media reader, and a bluetooth (wireless) keyboard and mouse.

I also use a program called Synergy to share the keyboard and mouse between the two systems so that I do not have to clutter my desk with multiple keyboards and mice.

If you found this post useful, why don't you buy me a cup of coffee to show your gratitude?

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Tim Fehlman

7 Responses to “Multiple Computer Setup”

  1. ChamPro Says:

    So my question is how well does Synergy work with Beryl and AIGLX? My desktops are Windows XP and Ubuntu… so I haven’t tried Synergy yet.

  2. runpcrun Says:

    ChamPro: It should work fine at Synergy works independent of the desktop interface and hooks into the mouse, keyboard and clipboard. I have two Synergy setups, one at home and one at work.
    My home is Ubuntu Edgy with Beryl/Nvidia/OpenGL(Desktop) with Ubuntu Feisty (laptop) and it works lovely.

  3. step Says:

    I’ve used synergy with ubuntu (but not beryl) I would expect it to work as faultlessly as described in this article.

  4. Leandro Ardissone Says:

    If you use Windows in the main computer you can also use WIN2VNC. It’s a VNC client that works like Synergy but you can connect to whatever other machine that has a VNC server installed. Ideal if your other machines already have VNC server running. Everything works fine, any OS is ok, because it only needs a VNC install.
    Anyway, Synergy is superior, IMHO.

  5. Ken Savage Says:

    That’s real cool. I assume each computer needs a dedicated local IP?

  6. Bryan W. Says:

    This is very interesting. Pardon my ignorance, but what type of connection cable is needed between the pc’s then?

    And once its hooked up, its just a matter of using the synergy software?

    Thanks.

  7. Mark Anderson Says:

    Thank you so much. If I set up USA operations, you´ll be someone I have to look up. I´ve seldom seen such an intelligent and thought through description with added information and exactly what I was looking for (I have several KVM´s). Great job! Since I´m in Germany it´s hard for me to buy you a cup of coffee. If I have a project in the USA I´ll be happy to ask you to join in.

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