narrowgauge
92 year oldTrainz veteran
It is probable that many of us have computer lash-ups that help with creation and route building. It is also probable that newcomers don't necessarily know why and what to look for. I suggest that questions and answers could be posted here. Tell us what you do with more than just a computer/keyboard/mouse/monitor setup.
Here is what I work with. I must explain that I do not want both my computers to be networked, only one is connected to the Net
My setup is two monitors that are connected to two computers and I can switch keyboard and mouse between them with two separate programs running. This is controlled by one little clicker switch that I have fixed to my keyboard with Blu-Tack. Very handy, I can work on one computer while reading instructions on the other.
I have an Aten Monitor, Mouse and Keyboard 'KVM' unit with only mouse and keyboard connected. Search for ATEN.
I haven't tried this but I think that it would be possible to connect another similar KVM one leg to connect a third monitor. Another thing I haven't tried is to use this to connect to my laptop, no video connection to the laptop,just uses two USB connections
There is an alternative that will allow for 4 monitors connected to one computer. The setup is different, the mouse and keyboard USB connection are through the video cables. This may be a problem. Search for EDIMAX.
For data transfer there is an alternative to swapping a USB drive between machines that does not need a network connection. I use a Data Cable that plugs into USP ports and allows transfers to be controlled from either computer. search for DATA CABLE. This should also work with a laptop. I haven't tried this.
Backups.
There is a wide choice, too many to list. I have used WD 'MY PASSPORT's that plug into USB 3.0 ports and can hold about 1.8 TB. (maybe 0.8 TB, I don't remember). I also use these for data transfer when I don't want to bother with using the data cable. Search for My Passport.
When I remember, I also back up to a Seagate 4TB USB drive. Actual capacity seems to be about 3.7 TB. Search for SEAGATE
Another USB plugin I use is a Simplecom USB 3.0 Docking Station into which I can plug two normal hard drives. Most of my older backups exit on hard drives so not having to install them to read them saves a lot of time. Search for SIMPLECOM
One final gimmick. I use a Logitech G500s gaming mouse that allows me to change the mouse speed on the screen.
OK, that is how my system is set up. I don't claim that these are the only way to do what I wanted but they work for me. I know from my experience, knowing that something exists is half the battle. There are probably many alternatives, especially KVMs that require Ethernet connection, I wanted to keep my construction computer off the Internet so that would not work for me.
I hope at least one person finds it useful. I also hope that we will learn for others with alternatives.
Peter
Here is what I work with. I must explain that I do not want both my computers to be networked, only one is connected to the Net
My setup is two monitors that are connected to two computers and I can switch keyboard and mouse between them with two separate programs running. This is controlled by one little clicker switch that I have fixed to my keyboard with Blu-Tack. Very handy, I can work on one computer while reading instructions on the other.
I have an Aten Monitor, Mouse and Keyboard 'KVM' unit with only mouse and keyboard connected. Search for ATEN.
I haven't tried this but I think that it would be possible to connect another similar KVM one leg to connect a third monitor. Another thing I haven't tried is to use this to connect to my laptop, no video connection to the laptop,just uses two USB connections
There is an alternative that will allow for 4 monitors connected to one computer. The setup is different, the mouse and keyboard USB connection are through the video cables. This may be a problem. Search for EDIMAX.
For data transfer there is an alternative to swapping a USB drive between machines that does not need a network connection. I use a Data Cable that plugs into USP ports and allows transfers to be controlled from either computer. search for DATA CABLE. This should also work with a laptop. I haven't tried this.
Backups.
There is a wide choice, too many to list. I have used WD 'MY PASSPORT's that plug into USB 3.0 ports and can hold about 1.8 TB. (maybe 0.8 TB, I don't remember). I also use these for data transfer when I don't want to bother with using the data cable. Search for My Passport.
When I remember, I also back up to a Seagate 4TB USB drive. Actual capacity seems to be about 3.7 TB. Search for SEAGATE
Another USB plugin I use is a Simplecom USB 3.0 Docking Station into which I can plug two normal hard drives. Most of my older backups exit on hard drives so not having to install them to read them saves a lot of time. Search for SIMPLECOM
One final gimmick. I use a Logitech G500s gaming mouse that allows me to change the mouse speed on the screen.
OK, that is how my system is set up. I don't claim that these are the only way to do what I wanted but they work for me. I know from my experience, knowing that something exists is half the battle. There are probably many alternatives, especially KVMs that require Ethernet connection, I wanted to keep my construction computer off the Internet so that would not work for me.
I hope at least one person finds it useful. I also hope that we will learn for others with alternatives.
Peter
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