Hi Curtis... check out RealVNC - http://www.realvnc.com/index.html. We use it on the Windows side, and it works without a hitch. They do have Unix versions so you might want to give them a try.

-anthony

Anthony Almanzor System Administrator Gnomon School of Visual Effects anthony@gnomonschool.com 323-466-6663

-----Original Message----- From: studiosysadmins-all-bounces@studiosysadmins.com [mailto:studiosysadmins-all-bounces@studiosysadmins.com] On Behalf Of Curtis Linstead Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 3:09 PM To: studiosysadmins-all@studiosysadmins.com Subject: RE: KVM

Sorry typo in my last Message...

In short we have 4 Linux systems, which are stored in our server room, these systems are each hooked up to a video extender and a USB extender which then run out to 2 work stations on the floor

Should read

In short we have 4 Linux systems, which are stored in our server room, these systems are each hooked up to a video extender and a USB extender which then run out to 4 work stations on the floor.

(4 workstations not 2)

Curtis Linstead Rodeo FX System Administrator Vox: 514.397.9999 ext.405 Mobile: 514.570.4345

-----Original Message----- From: studiosysadmins-all-bounces@studiosysadmins.com [mailto:studiosysadmins-all-bounces@studiosysadmins.com] On Behalf Of Curtis Linstead Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 6:08 PM To: studiosysadmins-all@studiosysadmins.com Subject: KVM

Hi all! Was wondering if I could maybe hear some potential solutions from you guys on a setup we are looking to do.

In short we have 4 Linux systems, which are stored in our server room, these systems are each hooked up to a video extender and a USB extender which then run out to 2 work stations on the floor each station consists of 1 DVI Monitor(resolution 12920x1200), 1 x USB Keyboard, 1 x USB Mouse and 1 x Intuos 3 wacom tablet.

So currently the setup is

Linux 1 connects to Workstation 1 Linux 2 connects to Workstation 2 Linux 3 connects to Workstation 3 Linux 4 connects to Workstation 4

We are looking for a way to easily interchange the connection between the Linux Machines and the workstations without having to unplug the wires from one system and move them to another system.

From what I've been researching, the only solution for that seems to be a

KVM over IP Matrix. Which is a fairly expensive solution and may be a bit over kill for our needs.

Are any of you aware of a more cost effective/simpler solution aside from a KVM Matrix?

Basically we want to be able to allow a user at any workstation to be able to have access to any of the 4 Linux stations(Not all at the same time), now the ability to switch does not have to be at the workstation level, that ability can remain in the server room.

Or am I just better off with swapping the wires directly at the linux system?

There are a couple of hitches I have found while looking into this solution;

1)Because we are using the wacom tablet we need a KVM that is compatible with it, some KVMs when we switch between systems with a wacom connected causes the wacom to stop responding on the Linux systems.

2)The display resolution we are using apparently requires a bit more advanced hardware that essentially pushes the cost of the solution up.

Any feedback, ideas or questions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Curtis Linstead Rodeo FX System Administrator Vox: 514.397.9999 ext.405 Mobile: 514.570.4345

---

Studiosysadmins-all mailing list Studiosysadmins-all@studiosysadmins.com http://mailman.studiosysadmins.com/mailman/listinfo/studiosysadmins-all

---

Studiosysadmins-all mailing list Studiosysadmins-all@studiosysadmins.com http://mailman.studiosysadmins.com/mailman/listinfo/studiosysadmins-all

---

Studiosysadmins-all mailing list Studiosysadmins-all@studiosysadmins.com http://mailman.studiosysadmins.com/mailman/listinfo/studiosysadmins-all