How to Connect Two Computer Towers to One Monitor

A KVM switch shares a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

The tower is where all the action takes place in a computer, but you still need the monitor and other peripherals, such as a keyboard and mouse, to use it. If you have more than one tower, however, desktop real estate can become a problem. Installing two monitors, along with two of every other peripheral, is not always possible based on the desk's design. Instead, you can share one monitor between two towers by using an adapter or switch.

Things You'll Need

• KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch or cable

Instructions

1. Buy a KVM switch from a local or online electronics retailer.

2. Turn off the power to the both the two computer towers and the monitor.

3. 

   LCD monitors use less desktop space than CRT monitors.

   Screw the blue VGA (video graphics array) cable connector extending from the back of the monitor to the blue VGA connection on KVM switch. Consider connecting the mouse and keyboard later.

4. 

   The KVM switch is equipped with two VGA cables.

   Screw the two VGA cable connectors extending from the KVM switch to the VGA connectors on the back of the two computer towers.

5. Power on the two computer towers.

6. Press the button on the KVM switch to change the computer tower display back and forth on the monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• Some KVM switches also have "hotkey" functionality, which allows you to press a key on the keyboard to switch between displays. Read the manufacturer's manual for details.

References

• Smart Computing: Article--DIY Project: Use A KVM Switch
• Microsoft: Setting Up a Home Office
• IOGear: 2-Port USB KVM Switch with Cables and Remote--Manual (PDF Document)

Resources

• Belkin: KVM Wizard