Is a KVM switch what I need?

[hush404]

A friend asked me about KVM switches for his business, I'm wondering if thats exactly what he needs. He's got an HP all in one PC for general use, a standard tower PC that acts as a hub/brain for his cash terminals/system and a small unit/monitor (with mouse support) for a security camera system. He was wondering if a KVM switch would allow him to connect all of these units and be rather user friendly for employees whom aren't too computer savvy. We'd need keyboard and mouse on the 2 PCs and mouse on the monitoring unit, along with a monitor of course.

Was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as to what exactly we need. Also curious if the all in one PC would have any issue outputting a monitor signal needed. My friend wondered about using it as the monitor, but I told him it was very unlikely.... just from what I know 😛 Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[RealBeast]

A KVM switch will allow multiple computers to use a single monitor, mouse and keyboard. I use a 4 port switch on three of my spare rigs and a network storage server and it works well, you just push the button on the switch for which machine you want to use at the time.

Just be sure that the switch you get will make the number of connections that you need (4 is a common type) and that the monitor, mouse and keyboard connectors are compatible -- for example some switches have only PS2 or USB connectors for the mouse and KB and the video connector type also varies. If the all-in-one has a video output port (VGA or DVI) that should not be an issue to set up.