Belkin KVM buyers guide – your guide to buying a KVM switch

Eliminate desktop clutter and share your keyboard, monitor and mouse!

Have you ever wanted to have 2 or more PCs operating at the same time, and be able to switch simply between the 2 without having to disconnect and reconnect you keyboard, mouse and display? With Belkin there's a simple and economical solution to switching between PCs' .... the Belkin KVM switch.

KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. The most popular use of a KVM switch is simply to share the same monitor, keyboard and mouse between 2 PC's, some examples of how KVM could work for you are

• Upgrading to a new PC - keep all of your old applications on your old PC without the hassle of trying to reinstall them on your new PC.
• Storage - Use your old PC to store pictures, music, videos, files and backup.
• Mac/PC - Use 2 different systems with your favourite keyboard, monitor and mouse.
• Security - Safely separate work files and information on one PC, use your other PC for browsing the web and playing games.
• Mobility - When your not on the road use your laptop with your home or office keyboard, monitor and mouse.

So, why would you want to share a single keyboard, mouse and display?

If you choose to "upgrade" your PC but are concerned about letting the old PC go, then you'd appreciate the benefits of sharing your peripherals. Instead of going through the long winded process of shutting down your "old" PC, disconnecting the keyboard, mouse and display, then laboriously connecting them to the "New" PC and booting up the new PC, you can simply connect up the Belkin KVM switch to each of the PC's. To make life simple use the Switch2 or SOHO series KVM's where all the cables and connectors are included, as well as easy to follow instructions. Then you can quickly and easily switch between PC's at the touch of a button - until you're happy to "cut the cord" and stop using you're "old" PC. And if you still need access to the old PC you can still connect at the touch of a button. This is a much better solution for someone who wants to use 2 PC's, rather than have 2 displays, keyboards and mice!

Another reason to consider KVM is if, like many people these days, you have both a desktop PC and a laptop and want to use the same keyboard, mouse and monitor with both, the Belkin KVM switches can easily be used to let you do this. Simply connect a KVM switch to the correct ports on each machine and you can start sharing your peripherals.

Using a Belkin KVM switch can be extended to allow access of up to 4 PC's at the same time. Again simply by connecting a Belkin SOHO KVM switch to all 4 PC's. This will allow you to have access to all 4 PC's whenever you need it, so you can access your files and applications instantly.