How to Connect Two Computers to One Monitor

Video Preview

Introduction

If you need to connect two computers to one monitor you will first have to get a switch box. After that you will be able to connect the two computers to the monitor through the switch box. You can connect one monitor for two PCs, two Macs, or a PC and a Mac.

By: eHow Computers Editor

Length: 1:23

Comments: 4

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

Instructions

Text Size: +
Difficulty: Moderate

Tips & Warnings:

  • If you're going to be using one monitor for a PC and a Mac, make sure that your monitor is compatible with both computers. Multiple sync monitors should work.
Step1
Buy a switch box. Use a search engine like Google or Yahoo to find to switch-box manufacturers. Think about buying a box with extra ports in case you might want to hook up any extra machines later on down the line.
Step2
Buy a pair of SVGA cables if they aren't included with the switch box you buy (kits including a box and cables are a more practical value for most setups).
Step3
Buy any necessary adapters if you plan to connect a PC and a Mac to one monitor.
Step4
Shut down both computers.
Step5
Connect the monitor to the switch box (probably to the center socket on most boxes).
Step6
Connect both computers to the switch box (probably to the center socket on most boxes).
Step7
Connect both computers to the switch box.
Step8
Tighten all hand-screws on monitor plugs.
Step9
Turn on monitor.
Step10
Reboot both computers.
Step11
Turn the switch box from A to B (or whatever designation the box uses) to make your different computers appear on the monitor.

Comments

| View All Comments
1Gary

1Gary said

Flag This Comment

on 10/17/2008 Advisory for the comment I left below: when using the adapter arrangement with the Macs, the display is a little darkened, i.e. not as bright as it could be. But with the PCs, it works well.

1Gary

1Gary said

Flag This Comment

on 10/10/2008 Another way to do this is to just use a VGA Signal Splitter and reverse it using gender changers. That way you don't have to switch from computer to computer. If you happen to forget and turn on both computers at once, no damage will be done; you will just get a distorted display, in which case you will be able to see well enough to turn off the last computer that was turned on and then the first computer's display will be clear. This works with both Win PCs and Macs, or with pairing both kinds together. Out of ten eMacs and iMacs, and eleven Win PCs, this worked for all except one: a Dell Optiplex 260, the slimmest and smallest type (there are three types). But the other PCs were Dell Optiplex 240s and 260s, both the tower and the slim types. - Gary Hal Graff, Technician

allanct

allanct said

Flag This Comment

on 12/19/2007 Would the KVM switch box work with a wireless keyboard & mouse as I notice they state USB in the advert???

gorilla

gorilla said

Flag This Comment

on 7/21/2007 There is a cheaper option to do this. Just go to www.ebay.co.uk and search for 2 Port KVM Switch Box. It only costs £7.99 and its very easy to use.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Video Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Connect Two Computers to One Monitor

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads