OT: Anyone else tried Synergy?

i am erikd wrote on 1/30/2012, 1:08 AM

http://synergy-foss.org/

I've been using this freeware product for the last couple of weeks and it is pretty exciting. No more KVM switch boxes with thick VGA cables running to multiple computers.

I have one keyboard and one mouse on my Windows XP 32 bit box that work simultaneously with Windows7 64bit box via the software from Synergy only. I just slide my mouse over to the monitor on the left and now the mouse and keyboard operate that computer. It really is pretty slick. Really makes it totally viable to have one computer for email, internet, word processing etc and another dedicated to production. Even the clipboard works between computers.

I actually recommend the 1.4.5 Beta release as the config setup is 100 times easier and very intuitive.

Erik

Comments

Grazie wrote on 1/30/2012, 1:12 AM

Woah! Now that sounds great.

I've got 2 pc:

1] Video Edit

2] Internet and office

They share:

MAIN 32" Monitor + Keyboard + Laser Mouse

Would that be do-able?

I've got the KVM nailed, but that sharing between PCs is quite alluring . .

TIA

G

i am erikd wrote on 1/30/2012, 1:16 AM

Ahh, Grazie good point you made. Synergy is actually not KVM but only KM. It is a setup for multiple monitors. Each computer will need a monitor connected to it but after that you are good to go.

I have a three monitor setup and use only one keyboard and mouse.

Erik

[r]Evolution wrote on 1/30/2012, 4:04 AM

This seems like it would render your other monitors useless though.

2 monitors for 2 computers, right?
Although I do not have the need for it now, I used to use a Dual Monitor KVM similar to this one:
Dual Monitor KVM which would allow me Dual Monitors on both systems.

Does Synergy allow for you to use all attached monitors on 1 system or is it just 1 monitor per system?

i am erikd wrote on 1/30/2012, 4:32 AM

Yes, my edit workstation is a dual monitor setup.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/israelitetv/6021500219/in/photostream

The two monitors on the right are actually a dual monitor setup for my editing workstation.

The third monitor on the far left is on a completely separate computer.

(The other keyboard that can be seen on the far left actually is a hardware KVM switch for 3 older editing computer workstations still running on W2000 and NT.

Erik

megabit wrote on 1/30/2012, 8:53 AM

Erik, your recommendation of this utility couldn't have come in a more timely fashion - having a very limited space in my edit bay, I have been fighting with 2 keyboards/mice and thinking of spending $$$ on some hardware solution....

The Synergy software is simple, elegant, free, and it just plain works (OK, haven't tried all combinations yet - like testing it with both my machines using 2 monitors, etc. ) - but so far so good :)

Thanks again,

Piotr

i am erikd wrote on 1/30/2012, 1:38 PM

Nice Piotr! I'm diggin Synergy too. The only hiccup for me has been the "autostart" service function doesn't seem to work for me on the server side. Not a huge deal since the client does autostart. If you reboot both of your computers does Synergy auto-connect between them?

Erik