Connect Mac mini and PC to the same monitor tips

Solved
a19th -  
 Anonymous user -
Hello,

I have two monitors connected to a PC.
I would like to add a MacMini to it.

How can I switch between the two without having to unplug everything? Is there a switch capable of managing this?

Basically, it should handle the Mac Mini, the PC, the two monitors (in dual), a mouse, and a keyboard useful for both systems.

The Mac Mini only has one video output; if I connect it to the second monitor, can I simply use it without the switch by disabling the dual setup?

I already know I need a mini-DVI to DVI or VGA cable to connect the Mac to the monitor, but is there a way to have dual as well?

I hope it's not too complicated :p

(P.S.: I clarify that this is not for me)

Thank you for your help :)

Configuration: Windows 7 / Firefox 3.6.3

3 answers

  1. Anonymous user
     
    Hi

    It's called a KVM switch...

    It allows you to connect 2 PCs to the same screen and control them with the same keyboard and mouse.

    You still need to make sure that the keyboard and mouse are compatible with both machines since there is a Mac and a PC.
    --
    Before asking a question: 1° Turn on your brain, your PC doesn't think for you!
    2° Google is your friend, as is the search engine on CCM, do a search!
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  2. a19th
     
    Thank you for the response.

    Yes, I did know that it was a KVM switch; what I don't know is about the compatibility.

    Does connecting a Mac and a PC to the switch cause any issues?

    Additionally, are there switches capable of supporting two screens and two PCs?

    I've done some research, but I admit I had trouble understanding everything :(

    Which brand should I consider?

    For the keyboard and mouse, that's not a problem, and in the worst case, I would buy compatible ones if necessary :)
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    1. Anonymous user
       
      2 screens, I don't know about that... But anyway, on the Mac, you only have one video output, you can't connect 2 screens, right?

      On my main PC, I have 2 screens, a 2-port KVM, 1 keyboard, 1 mouse and the 2nd PC is only connected to the 2nd screen with the keyboard and mouse.

      When I switch, I keep the display of the main PC on the 1st screen and the 2nd PC displays on the other monitor.
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  3. a19th
     
    Here is what I would like to do.

    Since the Mac indeed has only one video output, I wanted to connect it to the second screen.

    So do I need the switch to use it, or will it work by simply disabling the dual setup?

    (And in that case, of course I would have a second mouse and keyboard)
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    1. Anonymous user
       
      The problem is that you can't connect the same monitor to 2 PCs at the same time, unless you use a switch...

      I use this one: Belkin Switch2 - 2-Port KVM Switch (USB + VGA + Jack) but I can’t find any indications of Mac/PC compatibility anywhere... Maybe on the manufacturer's website.
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    2. a19th
       
      Okay, so I definitely need a switch.
      Otherwise, the dual setup won't work anymore. (I think that fits :p).

      I did see this KVM as well since it had good reviews, but it seems to only have VGA while I need DVI and VGA. Plus, you can only connect one monitor to it, so I don't think it's good for me, right?
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    3. Anonymous user
       
      DVI and VGA? What are your monitors connected to? What is the Mac output?
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    4. a19th
       
      The monitors are in DVI.
      The output at the back of the Mac is in mini-DVI.

      On the PC, both screens are connected via DVI and I wanted to connect the Mac Mini to the second port in VGA on the second screen, using a mini-DVI/VGA adapter sold by Apple.
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    5. Anonymous user
       
      Ah, you need a DVI switch then... Do you have 2 inputs on the second monitor? And can you select which one you want to use?
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