KVM and printer sharing

Thank you.  I'll go search for the IOGear.

 

On the 802.11b...the word networking jumped out at me...will I require that my computer have ethernet or anything special?  So that you can better answer this for me ...all I'm trying to do is let my son finish out the remainder of this school year with the old computer (his homeschool stuff is on that computer)...so only need to print final reports, etc.  Do you think I'd be better off just to switch the printer cable as needed?

I have used a two machine and a four machine IOGear KVMs to switch monitor, keyboard and mouse. Simple installation (no power or software required). Toggle two machines with a simple keyboard click. Toggle the four machine with a keyboard click and then a number of the machine and enter.

My switches used PS2 devices (although converting usb also worked). They have those that will also switch sound. I have speakers on all machines.

The printer is best handled with a network arrangement. Where you will ge increased security (NAT firewall), and file sharing (if desired). An 802.11b router is very inexpensive today. Not difficult to set up and lots of help available on various forums and websites if needed.

I think people are just confusing the situation for you, All you need are a simple 2 port kvm switch and if your printer has USB and a parallel port, you can hook one computer to the USB port and one to the printer port. Easy as 1,2,3.

Hello-I use the Iogear MiniView CS-102U two port USB KVM. Works great, cables came with it, easy to install, no software. It has two USB ports where you can plug in a scanner, printer or other USB devices(no joysticks or gamepads). If I had to buy another one, I would also look to have your speakers plug into the KVM so you don't have to keep switching the speaker plug back and forth between computers.
While it may work sometimes, you may lose some device functions if you use a PS2-USB adapter with a USB KVM.