A: "KVM" stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse. The term KVM was coined in the late 80's to describe the then emerging technologies that allow a single workstation consisting of a single keyboard, monitor and mouse to control more than one computer.

KVM switches have changed greatly over the last decade, but the original concept remains. Reduce the equipment you need to control multiple computers.

The most common KVM switches allow one user to control two or more computers with one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Although there are multiple user versions of KVM Switches and the latest technologies are KVM over IP and Wireless KVM.

A: A Daxten KVM switch will save you space, reduce clutter, save you money and increase productivity. After using one for just a short time, the question will be "How did I get along without my Daxten switch?"

Save space: Even if you have just 2 computers, that means you have 2 monitors, two keyboards and usually two mice. Now imagine your desk/server rack without 50% of those peripherals. The clear space starts adding up fast. Reduce clutter: Forget about grappling with tangled cables as you try to extract that keyboard that slipped behind the monitor or server rack. One set of peripherals does it.

Save money: If you can avoid purchasing just one more monitor, you have saved enough money to make your KVM switch worth it. Often overlooked, however, is the ongoing savings of lowered peripheral power consumption and reduced air conditioning that is required to cool them.

Increase productivity: Rather than spending your time wrestling with cables and keyboards or rebooting every time you swap your keyboard to the other computer, you can flip to any attached computer via a quick keyboard shortcut and be on your way. The cumulative effect of fast, reliable switching and having a clean, efficient workspace equals hundreds of productive hours over time.

A: Nearly every computer has a keyboard, monitor and mouse. When using a Daxten KVM switch, a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse is used to switch between several attached computers. Your keyboard, monitor and mouse are connected to the Daxten switch, which is connected via a cable(s) to each computer. Daxen KVM switches will fully emulate the mouse and keyboard connections for each computer, even when that computer is not selected. Consequently, switching is seamless and trouble-free.

A: Emulation is a term that is used to describe the advaced technology that KVM switches use to make switching a trouble free operation. Most computers need to have a keyboard and mouse directly attached in order to boot-up and operate properly. Your KVM switch "emulates" the responses that a computer expects when looking for a a keyboard and mouse. Without emulation, your computer would not recognize that a keyboard and mouse are attached through the KVM switch. Emulation also prevents your computer from locking up when it looks for the keyboard and mouse during normal operation. Emulation is just like having your keyboard and mouse connected directly to your computer.

A: The most common application of a Daxten KVM switch is in server rooms. By connecting servers to a KVM switch, all of the servers can be monitored and controlled from a central location, reducing the time it might take to walk through rows and rows of equipment to get to the right keyboard. Other applications include help desk, assembly lines, software developers and multicomputer desktops. One of the fastest growing areas of use for KVM switches is in the home and home office. More and more people are finding ways of becoming extremely productive in a small office/ home office (SOHO) environment. Efficiency and flexibility are necessary in such a workspace, and Daxten switches are designed and priced in that spirit.

A: All Daxten automatic KVM switches have keyboard hot-key sequences for selecting channels, as well as front panel push-buttons on most models. Some units have an on-screen display (OSD) menu that allows the user to assign friendly names to each computer and select the desired computer from a menu appearing on your monitor.

A: None. Daxten KVM switches hardware solutions that interact only with your peripherals and the computer ports that they connect to. Some of our remote management products do require the use of a Java enabled browser, however, you likely already have this on your system.

A: It depends on the model you have. Some Daxten KVM switches are designed for use with one platform type, while others can be used on a variety of platforms simultaneously. Be sure to contact your customer support representative or check your product documentation.

A: Many of our KVM switches take advantage of the power that your computer sends to your keyboard. Modern keyboards only use a fraction of the 5 Volts that are supplied to it. These 5V on the keyboard connection power the critical emulation functions of many of our switches. This means that even if the switch is unplugged, your computers will not lock up. Many of our solutions do not require external power at all!

A: Daxten prides itself on personalized pre- and post-sales support to our customers. We can recommend a system to meet your needs, provide you with layout drawings, parts lists and quotes. You can even send us a configuration of your own and our technicians will be glad to review it and make recommendations.

A: No. KVM switches cannot process or store information from the computers they are connected to. Daxten switches are often used to switch between secure and non-secure networks without fear of data leakage.

A: No problem. Daxten has a variety of switches that allow multiple users to control several computers. These muli-user switches are called Matrix switches. Some Matrix switches allow dozens of users to controls literally thousands of machines!

A: KVM extender allows the user to locate their keyboard, monitor and mouse up to 1,000 feet from the computer. Daxten KVM extension products can be combined with our switching products to provide flexible access to multiple computers.

A: Daxten extenders consist of a local transmitting unit and a remote receiving unit that are connected by an extension cable (Usually Cat. 5 UTP). The transmitter attaches to the computer side and the keyboard, monitor and mouse attach to the receiver unit. The transmitter and receiver units can be up to 1000ft feet apart.

A: Daxten KVM extension products allow you to place a computer in a safe, clean, and secure location, away from dirt, dust, clutter, and harm. When used with a KVM switch, extension and expansion products allow access to computers from a location outside the computer room.

A: PC Sharing (sometimes called KVM Expansion) products allow multiple sets of keyboard, monitor and mice to be connected to a single computer. Access with this type of product is given on a shared or one-at-a-time basis. KVM Expansion products can also be combined with switching products for expanded access to your computers. Some Daxten KVM extenders have expansion features included. Look for extenders marked as "Dual Access" for this feature.

A: The default setting for all ports on the multiplatform models is PC-PS/2. If you have a Mac or Sun that is attached to the system, you need to tell the ServeView what kind of computer is there. Use the Mode commands detailed in the manual. You will need to configure each port with the mode command that is specific to the attached computer. For example, to configure Port 3 to support a Sun computer, do the following:
1. Switch to port 3
2. Press: Left Control, m, 5, Enter
3. Follow each valid command with: Left Control, k
Note that each keystroke in the keyboard commands is pressed and released before moving to the next keystroke. Do not hold down the left control key while executing a keyboard command.

A: That is a firmware upgrade cable. You can use it to keep your ServeView or UltraView updated with the latest updates which are posted regularly to our website.

A: Make sure your ServeView is properly connected. Double-check your cable connections. Try switching ports with your keyboard commands (found in your manual). If the keyboard is working, execute the following keyboard sequence for each Sun port (releasing each key before pressing the next): ctrl, m, 5, enter (without the commas). Follow up with ctrl, k to save the settings. Be sure to use the numbers at the top of the keyboard instead of the numpad.