KVM - what is it and what do I need it for?
KVM is used a lot in times of parallel computer usage. We explain exactly what that is and what you need it for here.
KVM: What is it and what does it do?
You will come across the abbreviation KVM if you want to operate several computers without connecting each of your own peripheral devices. Below we explain what KVM means. In the following picture gallery we give you more information about KVM switches.
- KVM stands for "Keyboard - Video - Mouse", ie the typical peripheral devices keyboard, monitor and mouse.
- KVM can also stand for "kernel-based virtual machine".
- Using a KVM switch, you can operate multiple computers with the same keyboard or mouse, for example. Once removed, a PS / 2 mouse is often no longer recognized by the PC after being plugged in again. The switch pretends to the PC that the mouse remains permanently connected, even if you use it temporarily on another PC.
- You can find KVM switches in our price comparison or on Amazon, for example.
- KVM switches typically have PS-2 ports for keyboard and mouse and VGA or DVI for video. Newer devices also have USB ports.
- Most of the time, you can use a button on the switch or a key combination to determine which device you want to address.
- With KVM over IP you can even control a PC or projector via another PC in the network.
- With so-called "KVM splitters", several keyboards or mice can be connected to the same PC, for example to be able to control it remotely from different workplaces.
Information about network switches, computer mouse and keyboard and tips for preventing a mouse arm can be found in other articles.
Latest videos
KVM switches are not the same as [[//praxistipps.chip.de/hub-switch-router-das-sind-die-iffere_37562|LAN-Switches]] (see photo). However, KVM-over-IP switches have RJ-45 network connections.
Like HDMI switches (photo), newer KVM switches also have HDMI connections to connect several computers to one monitor.
VGA switches also work according to the same principle (photo). With this you can [[//praxistipps.chip.de/zwei-computer-an-einen-monitor-anschliessen-so-gehts_29618| connect two devices to one monitor]].
