www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I have a new PC that is now sitting on a shelf next to the old PC (Got the old one working after reluctantly formatting the HD)

I still have lots of cables all over the place, most are too long, but as they have molded on plugs not much I can do about that. I now have more room on my desk top (The top of the desk, not the computer)
All I am waiting for now is a KVM switch to arrive (Ebay) so I can then put the 2nd monitor back where it came from.

First of all I wanted to say thanks to Kellys_Eye for the "cupboard and KVM switch" suggestion

kellys_eye wrote:............S-E consider putting the second (both?) PC in a cupboard and running a KVM switch.

Secondly, does everyone have as many cables as I have?




Above is the old and new PC sitting on a shelf.
Oh and before anyone says anything, the old pc has lost a foot, so it leans over.

Have forensics finished dusting for prints SE?

DWD

Nice to see you're sorted

I've moved to a laptop for all my PC-ing now and even then I'm encumbered by headphone, PSU and mouse cables (some lappy operations are just a pain on a touch-pad). The PC-proper is relegated to my workshop where a mass of cables go unnoticed (I'd post a pic of my workshop but embarrassment prevents me )

The KVM idea isn't new but I first employed it when I installed a data acquisition system on a marine research ship that had a rack full of PCs, servers, satellite TV receivers and various other PC-related cr@p that would have been impossible with a screen-per..... I used a KVM on my own PCs years ago when I dedicated them to various workshop/design/programming tasks but I've scaled back to a single PC now.

Anyway I trust you're happy - for at least a few months if my experience is typical

My KVM switch arrived today, can't install it yet as I need to turn both PCs off.



The silver object above the centre black box is a 20p coin to demonstrate perspective.

Could never move to a laptop, got 2 22" monitors and I'm debating adding a third (possibly a 30" or 27").
Nothing better than a massive desk and loads of screen space. Got a second desk for writing, books etc. as well, must be compensating for all those years I was cramped up with a laptop.

I use a virtual KVM wirelessly for my laptop, though to be honest it never gets turned on these days.

someone-else wrote:My KVM switch arrived today, can't install it yet as I need to turn both PCs off.



The silver object above the centre black box is a 20p coin to demonstrate perspective.

Just swap them - no bother. It's USB, so won't have a problem when it's all on.

It's the PS2 ones you should shut down, can damage the boards hot swapping them.

BG

Megaross wrote:Could never move to a laptop, got 2 22" monitors and I'm debating adding a third (possibly a 30" or 27").
Nothing better than a massive desk and loads of screen space. Got a second desk for writing, books etc. as well, must be compensating for all those years I was cramped up with a laptop.

Love multi-screen setups myself. I run an old 18-inch LCD in portrait mode purely to view pdf datasheets in my workshop alongside the normal user screen and have a 32" monitor (HD TV screen) ready to plumb in. That's all in the workshop though - our place is too small for me to run a fulltime multi-screen setup indoors. Much prefer to sit in front of the TV with the lappy and 'play' on the forums!

One of the reasons I love my Plymouth house is the ridiculous size of the room.
Got 2 large desks and a freestanding whiteboard, a 50" tv, kingsize bed, all my tools, drum kit, 2 large amp setups, all my guitars, an electric organ, 2 sizable bookcases, a beer drinking chair, a wardrobe and a set of drawers.
And you could still swing a cat in the centre of the room! Lovely high ceilings.

Not bad for £355 a month, dirt cheap living, being a student has it's perks.
I can spend my wages on gadgetry and guitars instead of rent for one.

I was going to try it tomorrow, but thought if it does all go wrong, i will have less time, so.........

Here it is. Took a few minutes for both pc's to figure out what it was, (USB hub is what they say) seems to work ok, not turned either pc off yet, but the button works as it should. Only problem, as you can see, lots more spaghetti,...... er cables.

Nothing a 'closed door' can't hide

It's the PC geeks equivalent of your wife 'sweeping it under the carpet'....

I don't even "sweep it under the carpet" I embrace it, it's like living in geek squallor and not really caring

KVM Switches "hot key" from your keyboard., look in the instructions to see which key sequence does it. Some use <scroll lock> pressed twice some use alt + other key. Then you don't need to have your cables and kvm on show to get at the manual button...

I have binned the destructions.

someone-else wrote:I have binned the destructions.

a true PC geek