Saving space with a KVM switch

If you have more than two or three servers together in one location, you should consider getting a device called a KVM switch to save space. A KVM switch lets you connect several server computers to a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. (KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse.) Then, you can control any of the servers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse by turning a dial or by pressing a button on the KVM switch.

Simple KVM switches are mechanical affairs that let you choose from among 2 to 16 or more computers. More elaborate KVM switches can control more computers, using a pop-up menu or a special keyboard combination to switch among computers. Some advanced KVMs can even control a mix of PCs and Macintosh computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

To find more information about KVM switches, go to a Web search engine such as Google and search for "KVM."

Warning Even though couplers work similarly to telephone-extension devices, do not use a telephone coupler for your computer cable.