How to Connect Two Computers to a Single Monitor

Sometimes in an Office setup or even for personal use, you may need to connect two or more computers to a single monitor. This kind of setup is usually preferable if both the computers are to be used alternately or if purchasing an additional monitor is not feasible.
In such a case you can use a KVM switch to connect two or more computers to a single monitor and control both of them using a single interface.

To create such a setup, you will need
1. A KVM Switch
2. A Monitor, a Keyboard and a Mouse.
3. Two complete Computers with everything in place other than the Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse.

The KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch has Monitor (VGA / DVI), Keyboard and Mouse inputs from both the Computers. The output from a KVM switch are single Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse outputs which connect to your Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse respectively. To switch between the active computer you just need to change a setting on the KVM switch. This will be specified on the KVM switch manual.

You also get Local remote KVM switches which give you a larger range of control. In these type of KVM switches, CAT5 cables are used to transmit the Input and Output signals. THe KVM switch provides the interface to convert the Video and Input signals to a format suitable for transmission over CAT5 cables.

Reverse KVM switches are also available to connect a single Computer to many monitors.

Recommended Vendors:
D-Link and IOGear.
KVM switches are available for as low as $30.

Note: If your monitor supports dual VGA / DVI input, you can directly connect both the PCs to the inputs of the monitor and switch the active workspace using Monitor controls. Check your Monitor manual for more info.