Member Avatar for Citrus_Crow

I stumbled upon this peice of software called "Input Director" and thought it could be useful because i have two desktops and dont have enough room for two keyboards and mice.

My problem is that these computers are not connected in any way at all and was wondering if any of you guys may have used this or have any advice on how to connect them.

I have a Lap Link cable but i dont know if that can be used to connect them

Thanks

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Dani AI

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As noted, there are two practical ways to share one keyboard/mouse between two desktops: a hardware KVM switch or a software solution like Input Director. and pointed toward a KVM; correctly flagged that Input Director needs the two machines to be networked to share the clipboard and offer a seamless cursor transition.

A hardware KVM (2‑port) physically switches the keyboard, mouse and display signals between machines. It works without any networking, lets a single console access BIOS/boot screens, and is generally plug‑and‑play. Check that the KVM supports the correct keyboard/mouse interfaces (USB vs PS/2) and the monitor connector in use (VGA/DVI/HDMI/DP). The tradeoffs: no built‑in clipboard/file drag‑drop between machines and some cheap KVMs can introduce quirks with hotkeys or modern high‑res displays.

A software controller like Input Director requires both PCs on the same local network (wired or wireless). For a simple setup, connect each PC to the same router/switch with Ethernet cables; if no router is available, a direct Ethernet link between the NICs will work (many modern NICs auto‑configure; older NICs may need a crossover cable). Configure Input Director on the "master" machine, allow it through each PC’s firewall, and prefer wired Ethernet for lowest latency when moving the cursor and sharing the clipboard. Only run such software on trusted/private networks.

A LapLink/USB file‑transfer cable is intended for moving files and typically will not act as the LAN connection that Input Director needs, so it is not a substitute for networking. For the original goal of one keyboard/mouse and simple monitor switching, a small 2‑port KVM is the simplest hardware purchase; for seamless multi‑machine control and clipboard sharing, network the PCs and use Input Director or a similar networked utility.

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Member Avatar for DimaYasny

you need a KVM switch

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

A KVM switch works very well, I've used it to control four computers with one keyboard, one monitor and one mouse. But don't expect them to last forever -- they wear out eventually and you will have to buy another one.

Member Avatar for Citrus_Crow

What should i be looking for because on sites such as amazon they all look different.

Member Avatar for caperjack

like this one is all you need for 2 computers .,i have one and have been using it for 2 yrs or more now .actually mine is from before they had sound plug

also if you plan to use software you have in your first post the 2 towers will have to be networked together also ..I like that the software allow for clipboard sharing between the 2 towers ,with just the kvm and without networking this isn't possible

Member Avatar for Citrus_Crow

So would the cheapest option to add the other computer to my home network?

Member Avatar for caperjack

So would the cheapest option to add the other computer to my home network?

I guess so,not sure what you mean .i use a kvm switch ,i have a router ,i plug 2 cat5 cables from router ,one to each of the towers , i don't network them because the other tower belongs to customers of mine therefor i don't need to actually network them .

Member Avatar for Citrus_Crow

Thanks

You've been a good help.

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