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- #Video switch for mac and pc with dual monitors how to#
- #Video switch for mac and pc with dual monitors free#
You don’t even have to be in the same country as the second computer – however, there are some issues with this type of connection as well.
#Video switch for mac and pc with dual monitors free#
This can be a free and simple solution, allowing you to remotely control one or more other computers from your main device. Programs like RDP and TeamViewer allow you to remotely control another computer, passing through keystrokes and mouse movements.
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Remote desktop connections are also an option. There usually isn’t a lot of spare cable, so you’ll have to have both machines fairly close together. Price and functionality can vary dramatically from less than $20 for a simple two device switch to more than $100 for high-end devices supporting multiple 4k connections – the right device depends on your usage requirements. This option is the most space and user friendly the only downsides are having to get the new piece of hardware, and the fact that the computers must be close enough together to be cabled into the same KVM. You will also have to have your KVM switch somewhere you can easily get to it. The actual switching usually takes only a few seconds – until your monitor has switched to its new input. In order to work, both computers need to be switched on. The switch can be flipped at any time to change which device is being controlled. The KVM will have a switch or button to choose which computer is supposed to have access to the peripherals. You will, however, have to buy an additional piece of tech. This saves you the trouble of having to have two sets or having to unplug and replug constantly.
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A KVM switch is a device that can control multiple computers through a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. KVM stands for “Keyboard, Video, and Mouse”. Hardware KVM switchĪnother option is to use a hardware device called a KVM switch. Neither option is ideal, especially if you need to change device regularly. This is a cheap way to connect two computers to one monitor but doesn’t solve the problem of other peripherals, such as mice and keyboards – you will still need two sets of each or constantly unplug and replug them.
#Video switch for mac and pc with dual monitors how to#
Google your exact monitor model for instructions on how to do so. If you have a monitor like that though, you can set it up to permanently display both computer’s output on one screen. This feature is not available on all monitors though and is generally exclusive to modern, high-end, ultrawide monitors. Tip: Some ultrawide monitors offer the ability to display two computers at once, side by side. You can connect one via DVA or VGA port for example, and the other via HDMI – it depends on the hardware you have available. This only works for monitors that have multiple ports though – and you may have to pick different cables for the two computers. Then, using the monitor’s input selection, via the control buttons on the back or side (or remote control if it has one), you can choose which computer’s output you see. You can connect both computers to your monitor at the same time using different cables. Most monitors have multiple input ports in the back.
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