Hi want to use the same keyboard , mouse and monitor on my windows xp machine and my linux server. Is it possible to do this with a regular KVM switch or do I require a special switch if this is even possible ?

1. No, it's perfectly possible.

   I'm not so sure on USB, but if you're using PS/2 devices, there's no driver to speak of for them, so the switch should work fine - as far as either computer's concerned they just go long periods without hearing from the mouse or keyboard, as if you weren't at the desk.

   Actually, with USB should be fine, thinking about it. You'll need to have hotplug installed on the linux box to make them work in the first place, so it'll find them anyway.

2. Sorry, don't know, but I just wanted to say that you're a hero for using Linux. I just started Linux and it's stunningly brilliant - makes Windows look LAME and PATHETIC.

   Be sure to convert all your friends to Linux, if you haven't already…

   Great job!

   DC

3. A KVM switch works just fine.

   I have Windows and Linux on the SAME computer. If you don't need both at the same time, and your HD is big enough, it is easy to do it that way also.

   You just need to get a partitioning program so you can "shrink" the existing partitions, leaving room to add the Linux.
   When you add Linux,(MOST versions), it will "see" the windows and with your approval set up a "dual-boot" system, giving you BOTH on one system.

4. KVM switch should work fine.

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