Question : Problem: Switching between two computers with special needs

Hello All,

I have a special needs situation.

I have two computers which are networked using the Belkin Pre-N wireless router by connecting to the Ethernet ports on the back of the router, so it is a wired connection.

Computer 1 is running Windows 98SE because Windows XP does not have distinctive ring capabilities.  Computer 2 is running Windows XP Pro SP2.

I have an MS Office Keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006D2LG/103-4035909-2429401?v=glance&n=172282), which I love and wish to use with both computers.  I also have an MS Trackball Explorer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B78UB8/sr=1-5/qid=1142032358/ref=sr_1_5/103-4035909-2429401?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=electronics) which I love and wish to use with both computers.  Both the mouse and keyboard have PS/2 adapters and are naturally USB compliant.

I also need to have audio from both computers and have an Altec Lansing AVS300 speaker system:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005QIPU/103-4035909-2429401?v=glance&n=172282

I recently purchased a KVMP switch from Iogear (http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1734), but the sound does not work and it does not allow for the use of the extra keys on the keyboard and the extra buttons on the mouse.  I tried using the USB connectors on the KVMP switch so that I might be able to use the mouse & keyboard as simply USB peripheral devices, but that did not work.

I have two VGA monitors but will be upgrading within the next 6-12 months to a flat panel display with one VGA monitor.  (Go here to find which monitors I currently have:  http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Desktops/Q_21768034.html)

This is what I need:  to be able to control two computers with one mouse & keyboard and to be able to hear sound from both computers.  I would prefer to use only one monitor for the two computers so that I can have a dual monitor display extending my desktop, but I am quite open to using both monitors with each one connected to each computer separately.  I am also open to purchasing a 2nd set of speakers to connect to the other computer.

I am looking for creative solutions to my needs described above.

Thanks,
edsager

Answer : Problem: Switching between two computers with special needs

Hi,

I actually have a free scenario for you.

Scenario 1:

If using the XP SP2 computer as primary workstation, install TightVNC on the Win98 box and connect to it via VNCviewer...you will have full control over the pc and only need one monitor really.

Scenario 2:  

If using the Windows 98 PC as the primary  PC, you can download the remote desktop client for Windows 98 and connect to the remote desktop service via the client.

Would either of these be acceptable?

If so, let me know, and I can give you the details of hos to get going and what to download.

Cheers,

Andy