KVM
KVM is an acronym for Keyboard, Video and Mouse and is a method by which a single keyboard, video monitor (screen) and mouse can be used to control multiple computers. In practice, KVM switches usually only control one user at a time, but some do support four users. In order to support multiple users, a KVM switch as well as a KVM cable is required. Some KVM switches come with cables already attached however.
A KVM switch functions by making an individual computer think that it is connected to, and controlled, by a separate keyboard, monitor and mouse. When in fact the keyboard, mouse and monitor may be controlling several computers. Which computer accepts the input from the keyboard and mouse and displays it on its monitor is decided by a special function on the KVM switch. This means that if the mouse is moved, only the active computer registers this movement (via the KVM switch) and not all the computers. Each computer is connected to the switch with a KVM cable while the keyboard, monitor and mouse use their own connections.
The amount of KVM cables required is dependent upon the number of computers being used. KVM cables can support two to sixteen computers and one to four users and are between 1m and 25m in length. A KVM cable splits into three or more wires and connectors at one end and has a connector at the other end that connects to the KVM switch.
A KVM switch can also enable more than one computer to use the same set of speakers. In order to do this, it must be the type of KVM switch that can accept audio input. Increasingly, KVM cables are available with USB support. This allows users to cut down on the amount of devices purchased for each computer, this saving space and money.
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