kvm switch question

[i_eat_staples]

the setup:
machine #1 is a 1 ghz t-bird, a7v133 running win 2k, machine #2 is a 2.4c p4, p4p800-d running linux mandrake 9.1, 2 sets of keyboard video mouse (kvm) cables go from each machine into a d-link 2-port kvm switch, keyboard is a ps2 microsoft standard, mouse is a usb(using a ps2 adapter) logitech optical wheel mouse, monitor is a sceptre d98 19"

the problem:
my mouse is rendered inactive in linux if i switch over to 2k then back again. 2k everything works fine. If i boot into linux it works up until i switch to 2k and back again

i have a feeling it might be that my mouse is a usb using a ps2 adapter so later today i'm going to run to the store and pick up the same mouse but in ps2 version

however that might not be the problem and i was wondering if anyone had any similar experiences with kvm switches and linux

[pummer]

I have experience with the exact same setup you're using, even with the adapter and the Linux (but I was using Red Hat 8), and I've had no problems with it. I'm stumped.

[Gravity Man]

Originally posted by pummer
I have experience with the exact same setup you're using, even with the adapter and the Linux (but I was using Red Hat 8), and I've had no problems with it. I'm stumped.
Same here. Only thing I can think of is that it's a problem with the switch itself. The OS and the switch aren't even aware of each other, so the fact that you're running Linux shouldn't matter.

[Bobby]

Some os's will have problems when it doesn't sense a mouse, like when it's unplugged or using a cheap KVM switch. Check to make sure the D-Link is sending the mouse signal to the computer when it's being switched to comp#2.

Also, try enabling Legacy USB in your bios.

Try using a regular ps2 mouse and see if you get the same results.

If all else fails, use 2 seperate mice.

-Bobby

[i_eat_staples]

Enabled legacy USB that didnt work. Used a regular ps2 mouse without an adapter, that didnt work.

However, when i ctrl+alt+del and put an end to a session, i would get the message i always get:

"
No Signal
>Video Cable Connected
>Power Saving
Monitor OK!
"

...and my mouse would be working again at the mandrake login screen.

Using 2 mice works...i dunno, it might just be the switch itself.

[Bobby]

The problem with the cheaper KVM switches is that when you switch, some computers/OS's aren't happy because it doesn't get a signal from the mouse so it is disabled. Kinda like unplugging a mouse and trying to plug it back in while the computer is on.

I've seen a lot of cheaper KVM switches on the market but I've never used them. Most of the KVM switches I've used were the 8 and 16 ports used in web farms/server rooms. They send out the right signals to the keyboard and mouse ports so it doesn't get disabled. Monitors aren't as sensitive.

-Bobby

[i_eat_staples]

hmm well i thought i got one of the better quality 2-port ones, i've used d-link before (never their kvm's mind you) and havent heard bad things about them in general...it was $30 and the only one more expensive included the cable..maybe i just got a bad one, or maybe d-link makes crap kvm switches lol i dunno

[Bobby]

I first saw them at Fry's when I was out in CA a few months ago and I was curious as to how they worked. Usually, quality KVM switches cost over $100. The 8 and 16 port KVM's that I've used were over $300 for just the switch and then $50 for each cable set.

It might be that you got a defective KVM switch. I would call or e-mail D-Link about your problem and see if that's normal.

-Bobby