why KVM switch

Hi all,

can anybody explain me the trade off between a KVM switch and the use of a Desktop sharing software such as VNC viewer ?

slug slug

VNC / RDP are OK for Windows servers.. but what if your using Windows / Linux / BSD
then a KVM is needed / preferred -- it's a lot easier to switch between servers using a KVM

Also what if you needed to boot from CD or change BIOS settings..

ubusr

Some KVMs can also switch audio. I don't think VNC or other linux remote desktop software will handle audio. On the other hand, if the computers you want to switch between are far from where you are working, remote desktop software may be your only choice otherwise you run into issues with cable lengths. One convenient thing about software solutions is the possibility to cut/paste from one window/machine to the other.

ray

For one thing, it's going to take a lot of bandwidth to display the remote desktop on your current one - and it will be relatively slow because of that. A KVM switch physically changes your connections from one machine to the other so you are always operating 'locally' - no additional overhead.

chris davies

Unless you've got an enterprise grade server, desktop sharing software won't allow you to watch the BIOS level boot process.

lusotec

KVM is limited to connecting local (as in same desk/room) machines but has no performance overhead. VNC has performance penalties but can connect any machines on the internet.