Mouse problems

Forum: HD Install
Topic: Mouse problems
started by: Shades

Posted by Shades on Nov. 17 2005,15:00

Disclaimer: Not sure if this belongs in this forum or not. Excuse me if not.

I'm someone that plays with pc's all the time. I have four working pc's at my desk connected with one keyboard and one mouse through a KVM switchbox.

My problem is that if I'm using DSL and then switch over to one of my other pc's and switch back I lose my mouse capabilities. I still have keyboard controls but no mouse.

Is there anything I can do to prevent the loss of my mouse capabilities?

Thank you!

:cool:

Posted by SaidinUnleashed on Nov. 17 2005,15:47

In order to use a KVM switch with DSL (or any Linux, really), your KVM switch has to have mouse emulation. This makes the OS see a mouse, even when switched to another box.

Most 4+ port KVMs have this, but odds are, if you are using a 2 or 3 port switch, it does not support this. If you using one of those cable-only style ones that does not need a power plug, it definately does not have mouse emulation.

I have a Airlink+ cheapo one that we got from Fry's for like $40 that supports mouse emulation and works fine, but I have used more expensive ones from companies like Belkin that do not have mouse emulation and do not work.

You might be able to kill X and start it again and get mouse support back, but I dunno.

-J.P.