| A Console switch, or KVM switch, are devices | | | | through optical media. Although an administrator |
| that allow a single mouse, video monitor, and | | | | can use the CD drive from the computer they |
| keyboard to have control of multiple computers. | | | | are using, booting another computer with a |
| Users should be aware of the common features | | | | remote drive is generally not supported. |
| and compatibility options before purchasing a KVM. | | | | A KVM that supports a USB mouse and |
| Simple two port devices are usually meant for | | | | keyboards can often be powered from the USB |
| home use, these models are relatively cheap, | | | | port of a computer. This is a convenient feature |
| costing between 20 to 100 dollars. | | | | because a separate power source is not required. |
| Four port KVMs can cost from a few hundred to | | | | However, certain computer ports do not have |
| a few thousand dollars, and they are usually used | | | | the power requires to properly run a KVM. Other |
| for corporate data centers and IT departments. | | | | computers may need to be tuned on in a special |
| There are many different manufacturers who | | | | sequence, because the KVM is only drawing |
| create switching consoles, but some models are | | | | power from a single computer. |
| better quality than others. Some popular brands | | | | KVM switches over IP combines the worldwide |
| are Iogear, Belkin, Raritanm Aovcent, Startech, | | | | reach of the internet with remote controlling |
| Linksys, Switchview, and Aten. These brands are | | | | software. These devices are able to edit BIOS |
| known for their high quality switching devices and | | | | settings, perform dual boots, and turn a computer |
| will guarantee an efficient product. | | | | on and off simply by using an IP connection. The |
| Remote controlling software like VNC will only | | | | links are password protected and connect by |
| work after the computer has been booted up. | | | | using a protocol encryption like 128bit SSL. Some |
| However, a KVM works at all times, allowing the | | | | console switch services will need specialized |
| administrator to remotely change BIOS settings | | | | software for the client computer, which can |
| and configure controlling for dual boot computers. | | | | usually be downloaded from the KVM |
| A highly sophisticated console switch may have | | | | manufacturer. Although IP KVM can be secure for |
| the ability to remotely start up and shut down | | | | common use, it will never be as safe as hardware |
| computers, as well as reset crashed or frozen | | | | KVM systems so they should not be used for |
| machines. This can be very useful for a KVM | | | | installations that require high security protocols. All |
| which connects over IPs, when physical access to | | | | contents from the graphics screen also need to |
| the server or computer is not available. Other | | | | be sent over the network, which makes screen |
| KVMs are able to remotely mount USB DVD/CD | | | | updates slower than real-time use. |
| drives, providing remote software installation | | | | |