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Input Director?
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I'm very surprised no one has mentioned Input Director. It's the only Synergy-like software that supports fullscreen games seamlessly and works with software like AlwaysMouseWheel.
It also sends mouse events at the full USB polling rate of the mouse, with no perceptible latency whatsoever. I've happily used it to play FPS games and osu. (The latter being a very twitchy rhythm game where figuring out your mouse/keyboard latency is critical, and I didn't have to adjust it by even 1ms between native and input director.)
If you use Windows only then you might want to consider InputDirector, it comes with a bunch of extras like AES encryption of network data, it is generally easier to set up than synergy and has a cleaner UI with more options. It is free, but its closed source.
Synergy is cross-platform with versions for Windows, Linux and Mac OSX. It is open source and looking at their site development has started again. Encryption is in the road-map for v2.0 which is due 6 months from now.
I personally have used hardware KVMs, synergy and InputDirector. All have their own merits, but if I'm running a Windows only network i go with InputDirector.
Edit: I haven't used synergy since v3.1, it has merged with Synergy+ which I'm aware has a better UI than the original Synergy.
Synergy is really only okay if you're:
- Not using any applications with DirectInput
- Going cross-OS
I find that even if I'm connected by a 1000Mbps Physical LAN, Synergy is laggy and has lots of problems connecting, and doesn't work properly when playing pretty much any game.
I prefer InputDirector, which is windows only, but is significantly more responsive. Using ID feels like the keyboard/mouse is plugged directly into the slave system. It has a good amount of shortcut features, supports multiple systems, and is easier to set up monitor configurations than Synergy, though it is a little less customizable (you can only virtually place monitors side by side, without offsets).
I support ID so much that I actually no longer use a standalone keyboard, but my laptop keyboard linked to my desktop. When playing a FPS, I'll connect my mouse directly to my desktop because it does get a little laggy, but for an RTS, web browsing, or other general use, it's absolutely perfect.
Sidenote: modern PC video cards have HDMI capability, so it is a snap to connect a gaming PC to an HDTV if you so desire. Add a wireless KB/Mouse and some sort of tray/board to hold them in your lap, and you can game comfortably from your favorite couch/chair.
I am going a step further and running a ~30 foot HDMI cable from my TV on the 1st floor to my gaming PC in the basement. Add a program like InputDirector and with a laptop (plugged into a wired KB/mouse) in your living room you can suddenly get the best of a dedicated gaming PC in your man cave and being able to enjoy certain games on an HDTV in another room without investing in 2 gaming PCs, compromising with a console, OR having to tolerate a PC taking up room next to your entertainment center. Does that special someone want to watch TV while you want to game? Head to the man cave to play on your normal PC monitor. Home all alone? Crank the surround sound and conquer your enemies on the 60in in 1080p Glory!
I sometimes use two computers and I use a small application called Input Director. It looks old as balls but it's easy to set up and runs flawlessly. I absolutely love it. It makes it so you can share a keyboard and mouse between two computers and the screens act just like extended displays. REALLY nice. No latency that I ever noticed since it works over the local network.
After years of experience with Synergy2, I found Input Director to be far superior personally. Synergy suffered severely from lack of updates and a long list of pesky bugs ranging from dropped clients, cursor stuck on one system, not working right when no user is logged in, capslock misbehavior, stuck modifier keys...
Now that they're charging for it, I would definitely say to try other free alternatives, and possibly buy something a little more polished if you're spending your money.
BEWARE - the "Super secret free download page" mentioned in this posting is only to a previous version of Synergy, not the latest.
I don't know if this helps, but we have been using Input Director http://www.inputdirector.com/ for a long time at work, where we use 4-5 computers and 4-8 monitors per typical workstation. It allows users to use a single keyboard and mouse combo to work on all boxes.
Very easy to set up, just ype in an IP address and voila...
no, I think the two computers he wants to use Synergy on are on his LAN, but they can't communicate with each other when he connects one (or both) to the VPN(s).
/u/bitcycle, how are these computers connecting to the Internet? are they not on the same LAN before connecting to the VPN? they should be able to reach each other if they are part of the same LAN. if they aren't on the same subnet but still routable between each other, you may need to have the tunneling policy of the VPN edited to exclude your local subnets if possible.
also, not necessarily related to your problem, but I would suggest using Input Director over Synergy as you can set up encryption between master and slave. I find Input Director functions better than Synergy in general as I recall having to kill/restart Synergy from time to time.
Just FYI (for anyone who may be interested), I used Synergy for a few months but the bugs just bugged me too much. I kept looking for an alternative and tried a few different programs, and finally I found myself on the mythical second page of a Google search and came across Input Director. Haven't looked back.
If you only need to use windows computers i prefer input director to synergy (have tried both) it seems to be easier to setup, and have less issues with clipboard and losing/gaining connections.
Window pad for arranging more than just 2 windows: http://www.autohotkey.com/board/topic/19990-windowpad-window-moving-tool/
Input director for sharing keystrokes and mouse (and even copy paste) over network. Effectively allowing you to use a laptop as another display: http://www.inputdirector.com If you're cross platform you can use synergy
If you're only running Windows machines I'd recommend checking out Input Director. Works in a similar manner to Synergy, but in my experience tends to be a bit easier to stand up and more robust when there's problems. The only downside is that it's Windows only.
It might be not what you want to hear, upgrade to windows 7. It's worth it.
> Which reliable/free multi-desktop software would you recommend?
Not sure if this is what you mean but: http://www.inputdirector.com/
You should look into Input Director if you're on Windows or Synergy if you're on anything else. Sharing a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers is amazing.
Or if they both are running windows you could try Input Director or Mouse without Borders. But Synergy works on multiple operating systems so it might be just what you need.
Also consider Input Director if all machines are running some flavor of Windows. I find it to be a better experience than Synergy, but of course the lack of cross-platform support is a huge deal breaker in a lot of situations.
You'd need two systems (or use a VM as others have suggested), but maybe InputDirector can help: http://www.inputdirector.com/index.html
From the feature list: "Mirror input - Broadcast mouse gestures and/or keyboard input to all computers simultaneously." I could see this potentially working with a VM if you are willing to go down that route. For example, if you install ID on your main machine as the master, and on the VM as the slave, then mirror input through ID. You could even record video from the application on your master machine and VM simultaneously, since technically everything is running all on one desktop.
Additionally, here's a section of the documentation that outlines a compelling-sounding feature but I'm not sure what it means: http://www.inputdirector.com/faq.html#2_9
clearlock?
http://clearlock.en.uptodown.com/
I actually have 2 desktops running input director with clearlock on the second auxillary machine.
so my screen setup is:
http://i.imgur.com/hLq3Yuf.png
I have the lock command on desktop 1 (win+L) mapped to run clearlock on the desktop 2 when entered, then again enter the password to unlock clearlock on desktop 2 when I log back into desktop 1.
Try Input Director
It's a software KVM system. Its interface isn't fancy and it's not terribly intuitive, but it works GREAT for using your Surface (or any windows PC) to control another PC. You install the software on both machines, designate one as master and one as slave, and then the mouse and keyboard of the master system can be used to control the slave. I use it on my Surface 3 as a controller on a gaming PC when running a flight simulator and the like so I can have maps or utilities on the S3, then when I press a control key on the surface the mouse and keyboard jump to the game's screen for input. It works flawlessly.
Give it a shot - it's freeware, and it might give you exactly what you're looking for.
I use Input Director, a free program that lets me share my mouse and keyboard with any computer on my network. I use it to put my work laptop and home computer next to each other and use only one mouse. That way I can work from home and play music, or browse on my personal machine instead of running my laptop. There's lots of applications.
ya it's definitely a bit crazy. There's been a few minor changes since that pic but that pretty much sums it up. I control the multiple PC's (including laptop and tablet) with InputDirector
This may, or may not, help you. If these are just chat programs, and you have access to a second computer with it's own screen, you might be able to use fullscreen and still use said chat programs.
Two different programs, both basically do the same thing.
Synergy works with Win/Linux/MacOS, but Input Director is Windows only.
What it does is allow you to use your main computer's(you choose whcih one in setup) Mouse and Keyboard on other computers, JUST LIKE they were secondary monitors. ie you move your mouse off the side of your screen(you choose the side, etc) and it's on the other computer's monitor, Keyboard and such will work there too.
The BIG reason I mention this, is normally in fullscreen with multiple monitors, you can't move the mouse outside of the monitor with the fullscreen app. With this, you can still move it off to the other computer, even in fullscreen.
So, not an ideal solution, especially since it requires a second computer, but a possibility. The programs are very nice for other reasons even if it doesn't help.
oh no, thats not what synergy does, sorry. i had workstations with 5 separate computers controlled by km. it was awesome, but i dont know if its configurable to "mirror" rather than "extend"
i also found this just now: http://www.inputdirector.com/downloads.html
I use Input Director. It's windows only. Allows for shared clipboard, multiple machines, various screen configs, etc. I've been using for at least a year for 2 systems, 4 monitors and I have been pretty happy with it.
Input Director is a software KVM. When I dock my laptop next to my desktop, the desktop notices and shares my keyboard and mouse with the laptop. So my mouse can move to the laptop as if it were another display. I can use my regular keyboard to type things on my laptop. It's awesome.
Synergy is only useful cross-platform.
If you're on windows, I highly recommend Input Director. It's windows only, but outperforms synergy by a mile, and is much easier to set up, unlike synergy which would stop working randomly, and make troubleshooting a huge pain in the ass.
And windows lock works 100% :)
I am beta testing my own setup for Skyrim that you may be interested in. HD TV in my living room, gaming PC in the basement, 40' HDMI cable connecting the two. Control of the gaming PC is handled with a Laptop in the living room that uses InputDirector to connect a nice wired Mouse & KB as virtual devices on the gaming PC over wifi. It works very well, no discernible input lag that I can find.
This 2nd bit is theoretical, as I don't have a PS3 or a need to run a joystick device across the house. If your wireless KB/Mouse are working, you might be able to skip InputDirector and just look into getting the PS3 controllers working. If you are connecting your PS3 controllers via USB, you might be able to use something like USB/IP to emulate them over wifi from a laptop in the TV room to the gaming PC. To make it even more complicated, you might be able to use the USB/IP software to emulate a USB bluetooth dongle over the network allowing you to keep the PS3 controllers wireless. I have no idea if this USB-to-network stuff will actually work for you, but it would mean the only cable you would need to run would be HDMI.
if you only have windows computers i would recomend
it's easier to setup and i generally had less trouble with it (i used synergy first for about a year) synergy kept randomly losing the connection when the net was in heavy use (copying files etc)
Lots of talk about Synergy, but it kind of sucks. If you don't need cross platform support, you can use Input Director or Multiplicity. Multiplicity can do file copying.
Install Input Director when decrypted. Configure it so it starts on boot, (it will load before login, ie as a service) as a slave device. You'll need another computer to be the master. Basically, the master computer keyb/mouse should seamlessly be controlling your slave. Both computers need to be on the same network.
Do your 'crypting (on the slave)
When it boots, it should reconnect, and you can use the keyb/mouse from the master. If it doesnt reconnect, choose 'rescan slaves' from the master and it should pick up.
You should have direct control of your encrypted PC and you can then work on the mouse/keyb issue, no RDP or anything.
If it doesnt work, dont worry, I'll still let you fuck me.
heh, i have one about that spec running in a cardboard box, typing on it right now. fucking atx cases cost an arm and a leg, i do have a better computer, but having 2 screens? nothing beats using http://www.inputdirector.com/ and 2 screens. Need to get it an actual box for it soon... it just sits there in its cardboard box and downloads my movies. acts as a seedbox for me, poor cardboard computer.
heh, rest of my setup is equally mad, psu heating box? put psu outside box, problem solved.
and don't go for the "thats what i call" joke
http://www.inputdirector.com i use it to control multiple pcs in my house via one keyboard/mouse. Im sure there is some sort of setting in there where multiple keyboards can control one pc. (Also its free iirc)
Sounds like you're looking for a wireless KVM. (Although a regular KVM may be suitable) This is a tool that allows you to remotely switch back and forth between two computers. It has USB ports and video ports.
Another solution you may wish to use.
Here is a software solution.
Try something like Input Director. You can also have a look at different tools like ISBoxer, HotKeyNet, Keyclone, MaxiVista, Multibox, Synergy, GameCommanderPro, AutoHotKey. I personally never did that and can't give you any specific directions on how to do so. You might want to google some multi boxing tutorials, if you have problems with your setup.
Pro just gets you access to run it over an encrytped SSL connection and more support options if you have problems. I donated a couple bucks a long time ago so I have access to pro but I have never used SSL (more secure connection between your PCs).. maybe I should be more paranoid but I am just not worried about it. Especially if you are on a private home network I don't think it is necessary.
I have used it for years and once you get it setup it just works, it is really nice. It also supports controlling Windows/Mac/Linux all with one mouse and keyboard. I use it to control my mac from my PCs mouse and keyboard.
I read another reddit thread asking a similar questions awhile back, it is here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/36wamd/for_anyone_else_who_uses_multiple_computers/
It looks like if you only need Windows support you have some other free options, here are a couple they mentioned:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35460
OK. I was trying to avoid telling you to buy things if possible. However, if you only have HDMI inputs on your monitor, you might not have a choice. So, here's a displayport to HDMI adapter that you may want to consider for connecting your laptop to your monitor. Once connected, you should be able to switch the inputs on your monitor (usually just one button press).
Where things will get tricky is how you intend to use your second monitor once you purchase one. My thinking is this (sorry in advance if it gets confusing):
- Laptop connects to monitor 1 via displayport (with an HDMI adapter).
Laptop connects to monitor 2 via VGA.
Desktop connects to monitor 1 via HDMI.
Desktop connects to monitor 2 via DVI.
Keep in mind that the suggested connections for monitor 2 will depend on what monitor you buy and the inputs it has.
For this to work you'll need a software that allows your desktop's mouse and keyboard to be used on your laptop (or vice versa, if you prefer). I can recommend either Synergy or Input Director
Edit: Forgot that your laptop has VGA. So if you're going to be buying a monitor, try to find one with VGA and either DVI, displayport or HDMI (or all of them). This will save you from having to buy multiple adapters to get things working!
Edit 2: Also, some laptops don't support more than 1 external monitor at the same time. So you may only be able to connect your laptop to one monitor while using your laptop display. However, if your work laptop is like my work laptop, you might be able to tell the laptop to switch to both external monitors when you close the lid. I can walk you through that when the time comes if you like.
As a longtime synergy user. If you're going to be using solely Windows machines, I suggest checking out Input Director. In my opinion it works a little better, at the cost of giving up multiple OS's.
I'm an IT professional to give you my frame of reference.
It's completely replaced my laptops (for both work & personal). With the docking station on my desk, has essentially replaced my desktop at work. I have it docked with 2 monitors out + its built in screen, and then my 3rd monitor is my former workstation (total of 4 screens :D.) I didn't have a tablet before (saw them as unnecessary when I had 2 laptops) but now I love that functionality.
I can seamlessly control my work desktop via the surface with Input Director. Now I just basically use my former workstation as my own personal NAS & a vm host for testing stuff.
The dock is what laptop docks should all aspire to be like. It's fantastic & abslolutely blows away any other dock from any major vendor (Hp, dell, lenovo.) I pull the surface out for a meeting, it kicks over to wifi and only loses RDP connectivity for < 1s. I put it back in the dock, kicks back over to one of my larger screens being the main monitor & kicks back to using its wired gig ethernet adapter...again with losing only < 1s of connectivity.
Now if I could get something like a dock that included a super powerful GPU for gaming, I'd literally have the absolute perfect, single machine ever created for me...ONE CAN HOPE.
After months of dealing with Synergy's endless bugs, I searched high and low for a good alternative. Probably the only time in my life I've actually seen page 2 of a Google search. I ended up with Input Director. I've never looked back.
InputDirector It's sort of like Synergy, but with hotkeys you can send the keyboard and mouse to a specific computer, which makes it so you don't need a KVM, which gets expensive with dealing with dual monitors.
Input Director - Control multiple computers with 1 keyboard and mouse. Ain't nobody got time for a KVM switch. The clipboard also transfers between computers. Awesome if you have a bunch of laptops lying around or multiple desktops.
While we are on the subject: TrueCrypt
Also, but unrelated: Input Director: control your laptop from your desktop's mouse and keyboard. Free and encrypted, uses LAN or WAN, copy-paste from shared clipboard/directories.
you can also use network to transfer mouse and keyboard input to the machine running the game:
http://www.inputdirector.com/ and http://synergy-foss.org/
are the two popular ones. Combined with the link you gave, you can play a game with just two cat6 cables and some shitty laptop to transfer kb/mouse input. Alternatively, find a wireless kb/mouse that works in the distance you have.
No you do not. If both PC's are on the same network you can use Synergy as previously mentioned or use Input Director. Synergy is cross platform while Input Director is Windows only.
Dunno what OS's you're using, but I use Input director at home on some windows boxes and it was very easy to setup.
Synergy is also pretty easy to setup and it is cross platform. I think you could probably get either of them going in less than to minutes of fiddling, however I prefer ID for some of its features.
i prefer this, only supports windows though:
It supports copy pasting of files between computers (if they are in share) and is way less painfull to install than synergy.
A buddy of mine uses Input Director and it works perfectly for not just his multiple monitor setup, but it also allows him to have two PCs as one large desktop. That is, his mouse and keyboard work seamlessly on all three monitors but one of them is actually his other PC. Even though he can work across all three monitors as one desktop. Pretty slick.
Also not $162.
It takes a minute to get started on Synergy, but it works really well overall. I use InputDirector instead of Synergy on my Windows machines, but there's no Linux version :(
already using http://www.inputdirector.com/ on my server computer, but if i want to control the client its no problem at all, maybe i was just shooting in the dark with the question and thinking somebody will point me in the obvious right way, but it seems i have tried all the good answers already.
>Why isn't using the 'client' directly very practical?
its a shoebox i got for just the purpose (for peanuts), my first tries with vlc were VERY promising and exactly what i wanted when i bought the thing, but fuck if i can set that fucker up, so please dont point me to another tutorial with it.
my idea was to boot it with something to receive stream video from server when it's on.