What is the lightest weight solution for controlling 2 machines from the same monitor(s)

What is the lightest weight solution for controlling 2 machines from the same monitor(s)

I have 2 desktops at the office. I use the main one in dual monitor mode and I tend to max out its meager reasources between web browsers (for code testing) a music or other media player and all of my developer tools. I want to be able to use the second machine for non-developement tasks but I do not want to have to toggle my monitor back and forth and/or switch keyboards and mice to do that.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 425

Total answers/comments: 2

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Guest [Entry]

"This doesn't answer your exact question, but if you had an additional monitor for your other computer, you could use Synergy-plus to control both systems with a single keyboard and mouse. It will also synchronize the clipboards between systems.

It is a lot more usable than keeping a remote desktop session open, but of course, it does require an additional monitor."

Guest [Entry]

"When you mean 'toggle' your monitor - your not excluding a KVM Switch are you?

A KVM Switch is the lightest weight solution as it is a hardware only soltuion. Note that a KVM is only going to be practical if the secondary machine is physically close to your primary machine as cables from the switch need to be run.

A Remote Desktop solution, as mentioned in other answers has no limitations on physical machine location, although being on the LAN would be preferred for performance reasons. For this case, I would go with Windows Remote Desktop. It's free, built into Windows, and I've never ever had an issue with it. I use it for all of my remote system administration within my office and at home."