two computers displaying through same monitor without a KVM

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Ianski · #1 Post by **Ianski** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:43 am

I have a thinkpad T60 and a regular desktop computer. The desktop computer has a Samsung LCD monitor (173P PLUS) with both VGA and DVI connections on it. The desktop computer is using the DVI connection. Can I connect the thinkpad to it using the VGA connection, and switch between the two as needed (digital vs. analog) without damaging the monitor? In other words, can both cables have a signal going to the monitor at the same time, but the monitor only displays the one I want it to? Has anyone on this forum tried something like that?

the reason I want to do this is because I have limited desk space, and the T60 will be used in "dual view" mode - displaying windows on both its own screen and the external LCD. The desktop computer will be used mainly as a file server as it has about 850 GB of hard drive space on it.

#2 Post by **tomh009** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 1:33 pm

If your monitor has switchable inputs, then, yes, you should be able to do that. Have never used a Samsung 173P though so I can't verify that.

Ianski · #3 Post by **Ianski** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:54 am

I decided to take a chance and try it out. It worked!!

smugiri · #4 Post by **smugiri** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:04 am

How about installing VNC on the server and opening up its desktop as needed in a window on the Thinkpad.

deforest · #5 Post by **deforest** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:37 pm

have 2 monitors connected to one machine. Then use remote desktop to connect to the 2nd machine. Sometimes the 2nd machine I use full screen or as a window, depending on how I want to use my display real estate. I find it easier to use, since I can have part of the 2nd machine window visible if I need to track it's progress (like install), rather than switching monitor input back and forth between 2 machines.

Then for back up, I have the 2nd machine connected to the 2nd monitor as well, and switch the monitor input. I find that to run 32 bit graphics (or 3d graphics) that I can't use remote desktop, so in that case I use the 2nd monitor 2nd input and view the 2nd machine directly.

So for playing games, I switch the monitor input between machines, while for work/maintenance I use remote desktop.

two computers displaying through same monitor without a KVM

two computers displaying through same monitor without a KVM

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