I've bought open source software before. Synergy. Source was open, but they didn't release precompiled binaries. Not sure if they're doing a good way to do it or not, but I bought it just so I wouldn't have to compile it every update. Especially back when I used Windows, I sure as hell didn't want to deal with compiling in Windows.
If you have multiple Pis and monitors sitting around, a nice way to create a usable workstation is to hook a separate Pi up to each monitor. Then use Synergy to share the mouse and keyboard across them.
Now you can have Chromium open with multiple tabs on one screen, and your dev tools open on others, and they're not fighting each other for resources. If you have 3 Pis and 3 Monitors, you've got a workstation with '3gb ram', which is starting to get into pretty usable territory.
EDIT: Forgot clipboard isn't in the free version. Paid version with clipboard is available here. Also updated link to howto for latest version.
Workstation:
Lab (from top to bottom):
Hi, you might want to check out synergy, which you can download here https://symless.com/synergy/ it lets you use 1 keyboard and mouse on 2 different computers running at the same time. So both OS's would basically be one. This isn't a spam account or anything, its just really cool and it looks like you could use it. Beautiful setup btw, love the keyboard and PC!
He might find Synergy useful, especially if he has a keyboard and mouse for one of the machines. Lets you use multiple computers side by side with just one keyboard and mouse. The ability to copy text from one machine to paste into another is super useful as well.
You may want to look into Synergy. It is a paid app. But it would be great for this setup. I have used it before and really enjoyed it. Essentially you would only need one keyboard and mouse that would then be shared across computers
Workstation:
Lab (from top to bottom):
Great price for this mouse! Since the MX Master is no longer being produced and replaced by the Mx Master 2S, this might be one of the last times you can snag the older model.
Main upgrade with the MX 2S is that it now includes a software suite similar to Synergy, which won't be useful for most people anyway.
I already have one at work. Purchased another for home usage. Highly recommended, even for gaming (Maybe not fast FPS though)
You don't need a Logitech mouse to do the switching, get the program synergy by symless, https://symless.com/synergy , it allows you to use 1 keyboard and mouse for multiple computers
And the program knows when your mouse gets to the edge of your screen and it jumps the inputs to the next computer, my setup at home allows me to jump between my gaming PC, old Mac and Linux laptop like magic. It uses your network to send the mouse and keyboard info between the computers
I've used synergy (https://symless.com/synergy) in the past to control multiple devices with one mouse/keyboard.
It's as easy as having a second monitor on the same system, you're just sliding your mouse over to the other monitor and boom your controls are in that system.
It does work with server/client applications so might not be the best solution in terms of redundancy, since, if the server pc goes offline, the whole thing stops working. Big night be worth a look nonetheless.
I have now solved this. It was not the keyboard, but the synergyd daemon from Synergy (allows sharing of mouse and keyboard between computers, see https://symless.com/synergy) that was causing these issues. I uninstalled the app (was running as server) and the accents are working smoothly again: jójójójó :)
I simply could not believe that a 150$ keyboard would just break down like that after a few months. With blue cherry mx switches that are specially made for typing.
Takes a bit of learning, but once done, PERFECT solution. I use it at work for 2 machines, and at home for 3. Works cross-platform Mac/Win/Linux and is very reliable.
There are two versions you can buy. 1.8+ (which is what I recommend and 2.+, which I don't YET suggest. It's come out of beta and gone back into beta.
The best solution for a setup like that is definitely going to be Synergy. You can use one keyboard and one mouse to control multiple systems, and configure it so one system is (virtually) beside the other, which would replicate your current setup almost perfectly (just drag your mouse left/right to move to the other system).
However, you may not be able to install (or use) it on your work computer, depending on just how restricted the network access is. For instance, if you are using a VPN, Synergy may not work if ALL traffic has to be routed through the VPN.
Additionally, it does not (currently) support Chrome OS natively, so you would have to enable developer mode on your chromebook and install some Linux distro.
Alternatively, you can always get something with a touchscreen to use as your personal machine, that way you wouldn't actually need a mouse or keyboard for it.
There's software that lets you use one mouse for multiple PCs of different OS's
It's called Synergy
Edit: They've updated it now, you can share one keyboard and copy+paste between different PC's too!
actually, this kind of already exists
at gaming tournaments, pro gamers have to hand their hardware in so that it's safe that they didn't hide snippets of (cheat)code in the small storage
you also kind of have programs that do the job (off cross-platform copy and paste) for you such as Synergy or others
Synergy is a completely software based solution for that, been around for years. Works across platforms too.
I don't know how good the file support (if any) is, but there are much better options for files these days.
In terms of cross-device smoothness:
Synergy is pretty useful if you use multiple machines.
As much as people hate it, I use messenger for texts, calls and facetime. Works on all devices and, regardless of OS, comes with all contacts, essentially backed up in the cloud, and doesn't cost extra for minutes or messages. Doesn't matter which device I'm using, if I get a call or message I'm notified and can respond. No need for MightyText or the likes. Hell, I can even call family members around the world for free with it. Plus, none of that trying to download an image several times, that I typically have with SMS. I honestly wish I could just cancel the telephony stuff and stick with just data. Better: it doesn't have the linked account privacy issue's that come with apple/iMessages. Like, it takes effort to not get my wife's messages on my devices. And I could readily re-enable that access. That's fucked. And I refuse to use it.
If you setup your google/chrome account correctly then it will replicate everything across devices that you're logged into. Bookmarks, history, etc. Keeping your experience consistent across devices. Of course, that comes with giving google that much more information about you. But, the way I figure they'll find it out regardless. Might as well get the benefit from it.. I also have my photo's automatically stored in the cloud, allowing me to access/edit them from anywhere without additional steps. I believe it also has features for reminders and notes, that would automatically span devices, but I don't use those.
The wife and I use AnyList for groceries. See something's ran out? Add it to the list. Then check them off once you go to the store.
As for automation... I mostly just use bash or python. Autohotkey is great, but windows only. But honestly, if you're using any of that then you probably don't need the device here.
Can't help you with the question of what license to choose.
BUT this seems to be a viable business model! At least this awesome application to share your keyboard and mouse between devices does it the same way.
I tried IDEA and went back to eclipse because it was way slower on my setup
I run the IDE off a Linux box but the GUI is on Windows 7 using an XServer
I also "want to like IDEA" because most people I talk to or read their reviews say that IDEA is superior
any suggestion to improve my setup? a friend suggested that I dedicate one monitor to the IDE and use Synergy to share the mouse and keyboard; however, installing it on the Linux box was challenging
I'm pretty sure you didn't dream it! If it's the one I'm thinking of, it's actually cross-platform and works on Windows/Mac/Linux and will let you control whichever computer the mouse is currently on the screen of. I'm not sure that this is the same one that I originally ran into, but here's a similar system that I found searching the web: https://symless.com/synergy
Synergy is also another option, espcially if you need multi-platform support. It is a bit more complicated to setup but I use it between my Surface and a Ubuntu desktop.
You can get it for free by compiling your own binaries through their github or just download them here.
I'd recommend compiling v1.X.X instead of version 2 which is still very incomplete and might not work if you didn't pay.
I was going to suggest Synergy too, but if you want functionality while the USB-connected machine is powered off, you might as well buckle down and buy a KVM switch. Modify the search to be sure you end up with the right video connections (HDMI/DVI, or VGA - whatever you've got)
Here is a 4 port HDMI and USB switch.
Seriously, take a look at something like Syngery.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
If you don't meet the requirements for that and your Mac still works, you could use something like Synergy to move your mouse and keyboard between the two computers. Might be better than nothing, since you could use that to control YouTube, etc. on the Mac that's not your primary machine.
If you're running multiple machines independent of one another, you may want to look at Synergy for mouse and keyboard sharing, across monitors. I use it all day long and it is phenomenal.
You could look in to a USB Switch. They're basically just a hub that outputs to multiple computers and then you press a button to select which computer it passes your devices through to. I've never used one so I can't comment on quality but there's a plethora of cheap ones on Amazon.
Another option is something like synergy https://symless.com/synergy
The program Synergy works well but afaik it isn’t free and requires a little bit of setup.
https://symless.com/synergy It isn’t super expensive ($20 per year or $29 for life [$39 if you want pro])
If you want to save yourself some headache, get a mouse and keyboard and attach to whichever machine you consider your primary (you don't have to do this step, but it allows you to push your laptops back a bit to free up your workspace). Then install Synergy (https://symless.com/synergy) on both systems. This will allow you to move your mouse across to the next machine and still use the same mouse/trackpad & keyboard. You can also drag/drop files between machines and copy/paste from clipboard.
There are some options out there. This one is one of the most popular.
You can also do things like: -An ultrawide monitor (which has 2 inputs) and a Keyboard/Mouse that control multiple Machines (like the Microsoft Precision mouse).
For me: I have a Surface Pro running on an ultrawide. From there, half of my Ultrawide 34” monitor is an RDP session to my desktop, and the other half is the surface itself.
I believe you're thinking of Synergy: https://symless.com/synergy ,.. but Microsoft also had it's own here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35460 (interestingly named "Mouse without Borders".. but from what I'm seeing claims to support Keyboards too ?
Jesus Christ, get this guy some proper software.
synergy If cross platform is important,
mouse without borders if only windows.
Three keyboards and two mice :(
Funny picture though. I hope the dragon was taken care of.
You can use software based solutions such as Synergy.
Alternatively, you can also use hardware solutions such as a KVM switch.
Man kann das auch übers Netzwerk machen: Synergy hat meines Wissens nach auch eine kostenlose Version. Das ist natürlich praktischer wenn man die PCs an zwei Monitoren hat die nebeneinander stehen. Sonst musst du immer den Eingang des Monitors umschalten. Ist aber auch kein Problem, hab ich selbst ne Zeit lang so gemacht.
Awesome! I'm going to try this when I get home. Thank you for releasing the open source.
As a side note, I've been using Synergy for 10+ years. It used to be free, but is now paid. I've largely been very happy with it. However, these days I'm trying to prefer open-source code on my system over closed -- so thank you for your contribution!
Possibly not quite your use case but I've always liked synergy. You can just drag your mouse across to the other computer screen and then the keyboard works there too. One computer is the server though, so that will always need to be on.
> to move windows between machines
Not possible. There are "virtual display" programs ( https://www.screenrecycler.com/ ) to use one machine as a display for the other, but nothing for actually running apps across machines.
> be able to use either keyboard/mouse with either machine.
Possible with 3rd party software. Search "share keyboard mouse mac" or "software kvm mac" => Top hits: https://symless.com/synergy http://www.keyboard-and-mouse-sharing.com
A lesson I had to learn the hard way was how badly home improvement can snowball into a much larger project. I started-out thinking I'd paint the room, then just build the desk. Oh-ho-ho-no. Long-story-short, I had to do some drywalling, wall retexturing, and do some pretty gnarly conduit work for a future network rack I hope to build someday. All said and done, it was about 3 months working weekends and way too late on weekdays :)
The way it's setup is I have a Dell Precision running Mint on the left monitor that basically just hosts a few security cameras and monitoring software. The upper screen is a Mac mini I remote-into my IT job with that otherwise plays movies when it's not being used constructively. The right-side monitor is secondary to the 21:9 in the middle, and it mainly shows a bunch of system stats and A/V controls to keep all this roped-together. Synergy has been life-saving.
I wish I could say that I need all these screens for productivity, but this thing is really just a huge toy. Once I started adding displays, I couldn't stop ;) The real estate I gained with the 34" ultra-wide made most everything else superfluous.
The classic way to do this was with https://symless.com/synergy. It looks like it's switched to paid now, so you might have to cough up a few $$ or find the older free versions. There might be alternatives too, I haven't looked in a while.
A few people at my office use synergy because they have a linux and windows desktop, could be a useful solution.
I haven't used it since 2000 when it was free, but they say it works pretty well.
Perhaps not the best way to do it, but here's my idea.
Software that allowed you to swap your mouse and keyboard easily : https://symless.com/synergy
Then for display this device which will let you swap between the two inputs at a push of a button.
KCOOL 2 Port Bi-direction HDMI Switch 2 in 1 out or HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 out, Best AB Switch supports HDMI 2.0, 4K Ultra HD, 1080P, 3D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YVCJ32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_p.stzb72Y0JQQ
Then an adapter for changing the VGA to HDMI since you're changing from analog to digital. VicTsing VGA To HDMI Output 1080P HD Audio TV AV HDTV Video Cable Converter Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K4W62R4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9bttzbCAGYSB1
Might be better, cheaper ways. However, this would work.
What kind of input options do you have on the monitors?
I have 2 computers on two monitors:
PC in Display Port
Mac in HDMI-1.
I switch between them by just togging the input on the monitors.
I use Synergy to share mouse and keyboard.
https://symless.com/synergy
No KVM needed. If you have the ports, you could do that.
If the keyboard and mouse use USB dongles for wireless communication, then you can use a standard KVM switch, which is just a USB switch.
If they're bluetooth, look into Synergy for a software solution: https://symless.com/synergy
I've used Synergy before and it works great.
Do your monitors only have one input? I run a PC and a Mac on the same two monitors simply by switching the input. The PC is on the display port input, Mac is on HDMI-1. I use the same keyboard and mouse with Synergy
https://symless.com/synergy
When you realize that each setup only has 2 screens except the main one, it starts to look a lot more reasonable.
I know work computers are a pain to sync with other machines, but have you considered using something like Synergy to keep all your other input devices on one machine? I used synergy in beta years ago, and it worked pretty well.
Hey! You should give Synergy a shot. Makes it a lot easier to 'bridge the gap' across devices & OS'. Can even hop monitors just by the edges of your display, as if it were just another monitor. Kinda like a software KVM for KB/M.
Not affiliated, just a fan of their work
To the best of my knowledge, there aren't any hubs that would do that for you. The closest off the shelf solutions would be a KVM switch or USB swith (could only control one computer at a time) or a software solution like Synergy (never used it, YMMV).
Of course, if it had to be done in hardware, I think it could work with a couple chips and a custom PCB design, so if that's something you'd be interested in, just shoot me a PM.
Mouse without borders - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35460 (free) Or Synergy - https://symless.com/synergy (paid)
For files, you can setup a share or similar as a drive to easily move files.
> DisplayFusion
Been using Actual Multiple Monitors for many years now. This, along with Synergy, is a base of my WFH set up.
Same monitors, keyboard and mouse shared between work laptop and home PC.
Meine aktuelle layout:
Kabellose Mouse(Logitech G502 wireless)
Tastatur(Keychron K8)
Headset(Corsair Virtuso)
alle an einem USB 3 Hub(alle haben eigene Receiver). Der Kabel vom Hub entweder am Laptop oder Rechner rein. Hier muss man aber aufpassen dass der Hub so viele high bandwidth Geräte GLEICHZEITIG unterstützen kann!
Software Lösung die wesentlich günstiger als der Mouse (was oben konstant vorgeschlagen wurde) ist:
Synergy
Cross platform mouse und Tastatur sharing, nur lokal in deinem Netzwerk. Funktioniert gut, auch wenn man zB von Linux zu Windows etc sein Mouse teilen möchte.
I use Synergy. It is slightly buggy (clipboard sometimes doesn't work and sometimes the switching doesn't work), but those problems are fixed by stopping and restarting the service (takes about 5 seconds total). Basic is enough for me and costs $29.
I have a similar setup that requires a mac for work and pc for games. I use synergy to allow for a single keyboard/mouse setup/ simultaneous use. https://symless.com/synergy
Very slick, and makes me kinda jealous lol! I use both Mac and Windows on a daily basis, though I don’t have the real estate on my desk to have both displayed on dedicated monitors.
That being said, have you heard of Synergy? (https://symless.com/synergy) Not sure how you’ve wired your audio, but if you ever get tired of switching machine to machine with a physical switch, this might help :) Some of my coworkers who use multiple OS’ swear by it.
Interesting question! I'm not sure. In the article I only cover Linux, because USB/IP is built into modern Linux kernels. However, it seems there is an implementation for Windows, although it is a bit old. Instructions are here.
Edit: Or, indeed, use Synergy, as /u/ElBeefcake suggests.
If you do want to give this a try, you may be able to get Synergy running on both Pi's. (Not saying you definitely will though because I haven't experimented with Synergy on this type of hardware yet) https://symless.com/synergy
A KVM will let you use the same mouse/keyboard/screen across multiple computers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D1UTC4/ for example
Symless will let you use the same mouse/keyboard across multiple screens/systems. https://symless.com/synergy
I don't think there is a built in support for this in Windows.. There is a third party application though, that makes it possible to use one mouse for multiple computers, even across operating systems. It's called Synergy.
Synergy is one tool that will do this and it is pre-packaged for Ubuntu. It is essentially a software KVM. You share your mouse and keyboard across the network.
The challenge will be getting your hands on the Windows binaries. The code is GPLv2 and should be readily available. However, the company that sponsors it, Symless, wants you to pay a fee. You can either purchase it from them or google around. Whether you trust any source you find for Windows binaries is up to you.
You can do it with software, one I've used before is Synergy but it depends if your willing to spend $19 to achieve what you want to do.
There may be cheaper/free software out there, someone here may even be able to recommend some to you, just thought I'd share what worked for me
There is a program just for this called "Synergy". It costs $20, and it works across multiple operating systems. I used to use it between my Fedora server and Windows 2008 AD Domain controller.
Edit: Yeah, it used to free. Too bad they charge now.
Hey, not yet - sorry if I was misleading! I've been waiting for Vega to come out because the RX 500 series didn't quite have the performance I'm after and I'm wary of buying an nVidia card for use with virtualisation.
The basic idea is to use /r/VFIO to pass a PCI-E slot through to the VM so it doesn't suffer the performance degradation you'd expect. You'll still take a hit CPU-side, but it's a much better experience than a traditional VM. I tend not to play very demanding games (Path of Exile, Overwatch, etc) so it should be fine.
I'm going to have two monitors and use Synergy to switch them from one OS to the other.
While people are true that most multi monitor setups are 1 computer with 2, 3, 4 monitors. There are also ways to run two desktops at once. This app https://symless.com/synergy lets you seemlessly share your keyboard, mouse and clipboard between multiple workstations, in my case Linux and Windows, but for other people Windows and Mac is a common combo,
I'm running 4 monitors 2 for each desktop with 1 keyboard. lets me run linux programming natively while still running some obligatory windows apps and web browsing on windows.
Yes. I've been using one for several months now (Stone, if you're curious). I use it at work mainly. Aside from slightly different colors, the main points are:
70 Hour battery life instead of 40 Hours
"Flow" software only compatible with the 2S, letting you control multiple devices at once without having to switch using the button on the bottom of the mouse
Slightly different colors/names
My counter points:
The original MX Master can be had for like $60 in any color, shaving off a good part of the 2S's price
40 Hours of continuous use is still a long time, and it's really not that difficult to charge the mouse (even while you're using it)
The Flow software requires all the devices to be on the same network. There are alternative pieces of software that are not restricted to a particular mouse model. For example: https://symless.com/synergy
So really, unless you need 70 Hours of battery life (remember, 70 Hours of usage, not just unplugged), I don't really feel it's worth the increased cost.
I can copy and paste between all of my computers...
Maybe he was just so used to having Synergy installed at home that he forgot not all computers have Synergy installed.
I actually don't use a switch for mouse/keyboard. I use a program called Synergy. You can download it here.
It's fantastic! I have the bottom computer on a VPN and port forward in to my top PC, works with no lag and can copy/paste between. Also have my kids computers next to me and a raspberry pi all connected(effectively 5 computers, 7 monitors) with 1 keyboard/mouse!
I do use a USB hub switch though.
It goes up to 240Hz, but I don't run it more than 144 as my GPU can't spit out that many frames. There's some videos out there on the setup:
Something like Synergy will allow you to mouse between the computers:
A app like Synergy may be what you want Apple’s Universal Control which is the same thing in macOS Monterey just with more features and is free.
Are you allowed/able to install software on your work PC?
You can use Synergy to share the keyboard between multiple machines. Also works for your mouse seamlessly.
I use this to share one keyboard and mouse with several monitors and across a Linux, Windows and mac OS laptop on my desk.
The alternative is a KVM switch of some sort.
Lovely setup!
I’ve been using Synergy to share one keyboard and mouse between my Mac and PC and it works really well, in case you’re interested. You’ll be able to close the PC and run it in clamshell.
I have almost an identical setup, and made a post on another subreddit not long ago about this. I wound up using the secondary inputs on my monitors the same that you are, and a software KVM. Specifically I'm using Synergy from someone's recommendation: https://symless.com/synergy
I run Synergy server on my personal laptop, and run the client on my work laptop. I have a keybind setup (shift+pg up and pg down) to switch KB/M input between the two computers. The keyboard/mouse is plugged into my personal laptop and gets shared over the network.
I've only experienced two problems with this: latency and initial connection.
Latency is typically not a problem, but when I'm doing something bandwidth intensive on my WiFi I can see the mouse cursor stutter a bit on my work laptop. Depending on what you do this may be a bigger problem than it is for me. I'm mostly typing emails and working in spreadsheets.
The initial connection problem is annoying but eventually fixes itself. I have my work laptop on a schedule to turn on/off, and it automatically disconnects from Synergy. I typically have to VNC into it in the morning a few minutes before work and restart Synergy. It can sometimes take a while to successfully connect, too. There's been a couple of times I've had to restart the work laptop to get it connect.
It's not absolutely bulletproof, but for me it's way more convenient and flexible than having a hardware KVM.
>Is there a software solution that solves the PC/Mac quick switch over like Logitech's Flow system has? (The copy + paste feature is pretty darn useful at times)
Synergy KM. https://symless.com/synergy
You don't need to click anything to swap control to another host. You just move the mouse cursor over screen edge and it switched automatically.
It works with any mouse and keyboard and not limited to only 3 hosts, since it's sharing on user space application level via TCP/IP, instead of tweaking the Bluetooth interface.
I didn't exactly follow, but I use the same keyboard and mouse, and 2 monitors for both my Mac and PC.
The Mac is plugged into HDMI-1, and PC is plugged into Display Port.I can have one of each, or have either on both monitors.
I just switch the input on the monitors to which ever I want to use.
I use Synergy for the mouse and keyboard sharing.https://symless.com/synergy
You'll want a kvm switch. It allows one keyboard, mouse and monitor to be linked to multiple computers. There is also virtual kvms like this https://symless.com/synergy although I've never used those before.
There are a few ways to do it.
My windows VM runs on it's own dedicated GPU and has a monitor hooked directly to it. Basically I have windows on one screen and linux on the other. I pass through my kb/mouse to windows so I can take advantage of the vendor config utilities and I use synergy to share them back to linux.
Another potential method is to use looking glass. In this setup, your windows VM isn't hooked to an external monitor at all, and instead is displayed in it's own window.
Easiest route is going to be software, VPN is only out if it routes all traffic through the VPN, if local traffic is not routed then I would go with https://symless.com/synergy
You maybe able to setup a static route as well that bypasses your VPN
Could be the VM, but here's someone who had the same issue (on bare metal), uninstalled Java, reinstalled, rebooted, and got it to work:
Could also be caused by having a tablet or other pointing device connected to the computer (or even some virtual device, since it's a VR). Could even be a device sharing software like Synergy.
Not really sure how that lg thing work, but you could try synergy, divide monitor into 2 with pbp mode. There are also KVM switches that with press of a button change mouse/keyboard input between multiple devices.
If yoy have some money to spend I would recommend synergy I have been using it for many years now and it works quite nice. It is a network kvm where one pc is the server and the other is the client. Get version 1, I think version 2 is still in beta and did not seem finished last time I tested.
Only downside is it does not work properly with Wayland, so x is the way to go.
Guessing by his speakers, I guess he’s a music producer too ... so, one for the pc, one for the Mac, and a Bluetooth one ... maybe OP should now introduce Synergy to his friend
> arandr
Going for the lazy fix now. Working on my new setup. The two monitors are mirrored, so I can watch Kodi on my 65" tv as well as on the monitor. I have also two PCs with two other monitors. I use Synergy so I need only one mouse keyboard. There is an open source version available called "barrier: but that stuttered like crazy with me and did not work.
In short the answer is no. Do you have a KVM switch in your area? That will allow you to utilize your computer to control multiple others.
It might be worth it for you to look into https://symless.com/synergy
If you're imaging using PXE most of your imaging process should be no touch. Everything that isn't, can be accomplished via powershell (joining a domain, GPUdate, restarting, etc).
I found two pieces of info: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WuR3nZ7KPTQ. This is a 10 year old video detailing how to bypass the VM check. I couldn’t find anything more recent. The technique involved running the browser in a debugger and simply bypassing the VM check function. Given the lack of a more recent exploit, I’m guessing this is no longer possible. But, they seem to have added a complication. They now constantly screen capture your desktop and stream your webcam.
One thing you might try is something like Synergy (https://symless.com/synergy). I haven’t used this is nearly a decade, definitely run this through virus total before running. Basically, synergy lets you share your keyboard and mouse between two or more computers. You drag your mouse across the edge of the screen on computer 1 and it shows up on computer 2 just like on a two monitor system. I doubt they’d be able to detect it, but they’d definitely notice the mouse mysteriously going to one side of the screen and stop moving constantly. Still seems kind of risky IMO.
Personally, I’d just physically tape up as many cheat sheets as I could behind the monitor, out of view of the webcam. Not a technical hack, but depending on the subject matter might be helpful.
That makes sense, i was wondering if you have ever heard of a bit of software called Synergy. Allows you to control multiple pcs with one keyboard and mouse. I use it as i have a linux and a windows machine but can be used for any operating system.
If you have USB headphones and you plug them into your monitor I don't know if they would work. To be fair, I just checked on everything I told you and I'm not confident saying it would work, but there are other solutions.
​
Since your MacBook Pro 2019 only has Thunderbolt 3 ports I could suggest two things:
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​
I'm really sorry I didn't look further into it before I told you something I wasn't sure about, but I'm confident in what I just told you.
Keyboard and mouse are personnal preferences, but the K63 is a good keyboard (I have the wired version) and the Ironclad/dark core, while I do not use them are very well rated.
Honestly I'm not sure if I'm understanding what you're problem is. If you want to share the KB and mouse between the guest and host seamlessly, you're best bet it to use something like Synergy: https://symless.com/synergy
Windows on my desktop (because I do play games on it sometimes) with Ubuntu on my laptop sitting next to the main monitor and Synergy to share the desktop's mouse & keyboard to the laptop.
I do this at home, I wound up just getting a second keyboard, I already had an older logitech mouse sitting around so i just use that and switch the monitors to whatever purpose I have for them at the moment.
I've seen this recommended before but I can't install anything on my work computer (no admin obviously) but I've heard it works https://symless.com/synergy .
Following suggestions:
- use Synergy for your two computer. Only one mouse and keyboard is required. https://symless.com/synergy
- use a cable box from IKEA( or from where ever) to hide your cable on the ground.
- you can use a cable raceway along the wall for the ethernet cable and so on.
Thanks mate. At the moment this monitor is not being used by this laptop (Linux), but by another one (Windows), keyboard/mouse integration is done by Synergy Virtual KVM Pro edition (https://symless.com/synergy)
In the future I'll get a Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2019 when it is out) which supports 3 monitors, and start using the windows laptop through RDP only and it is work related.
I would say it depends on your particular circumstances and what you are trying to achieve. I'm often in front of a computer for many hours and because of that I do my best to take care of my health and the eink monitor helps with that.
The monitor is relatively light so it's portable and easy to carry around. The monitor requires a HDMI connection (I use a mini-DP for my X230) and USB for power. With the eink monitor I'm able to do existing activities(reading PDF's, programming, researching online) that require me to be in front of a computer for a longer duration without feeling 'digitally fatigued'. Monitor has a satisfactory refresh rate, it doesn't impede me from doing the activities I mentioned above. I've come to interpret this purchase as a long-term investment.
A few things I would mention is the user experience. Since it's only a monitor you are responsible of creating a certain workflow. I've had to make adjustments to the colors in my desktop manager, applications and adjust font sizes in browsers etc to take full advantage of the monitor.
In the back of the monitor there is a VESA adapter and I've experimented with using a Raspberry Pi or Intel Compute Stick with a power bank to use the monitor alone. I've also tinkered with using a software based KVM like Synergy
A few of downsides
- HDMI + USB cables (there is a wireless version that is available now or soon for a limited time)
- Dasung provides a software for Windows/Linux/OSX to control the settings on the monitor. I would have preferred not to rely on this software and have the functionality built-in and or a FOSS implementation.
Overall, I believe this to be a worthwhile investment with a few caveats to keep in mind.
FYI I'm in your same situation as I work from home a few days each week and use my laptop with my peripherals.
The level one KVM is basically the only one out there that will handle high refresh rate monitors over DP. They're pricey.
If you're ok with plugging in your monitor separately, you have two choices.
One is a USB switch like mentioned above. I ended up with this one as the button to switch outputs is cabled. I have it under my desk hidden away.
Your other option is using Synergy, which is basically a virtual KM switch. No buttons, no wires, just software. Easy to set up and get working. Pretty awesome program and only about $20 IIRC.
The only reason I don't use Synergy is because when I have to VPN (fairly often when I work from home) it no longer functions. So I went with a hardware solution.
You would either need a video input on your laptop or a way to emulate a display over network. I don't think any such kind of software exist.
Have you thought about using a program like synergy? https://symless.com/synergy
You should get Synergy. It basically allows you to share a mouse and keyboard between machines (even though they are vm's) so that you don't have to have two keyboards and mice. Synergy
It's my laptop, and i'm running Synergy, So I just open the client on my laptop then i can use my desk keyboard an mouse and just move my mouse down as if it were connected to my desktop
I used to use this when I had that same setup. You set one machine up as the controller and one or more as controlled. You use the main one's keyboard and mouse, and the mouse can move between all the connected screens and set focus to any window on any screen. I believe you have to pay for it these days though.
Microsoft have something similar and free, but I could never get it to work and can't remember its name.
Cool setup, not sure if Synergy would work for you sharing your keyboard and mouse. I use it for two monitors next to each other on windows and Linux works pretty well can even copy/paste etc.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=35460
synergy probably the best of the bunch but its price has gone up a fair bit.
This may be a shot in the dark, but I had the same issue a while back and tried many of the things people suggested below and none of it worked. It ended up being a program I use to share Mouse and Keyboard over the network called, Synergy. https://symless.com/synergy
After I turned that off on my machine, the mouse worked like a champ. Hope this helps!
You can use Synergy that you download on both computers, sign in, then set them up on the program to be in place, just use it like 2 monitors, use scroll lock to lock mouse and keyboard on one PC!
Synergy will let you use the keyboard and mouse from your main computer on other computers, as if their screens were just additional monitors attached to yours.
As for sharing processing, as others pointed out there are techniques to distribute certain types of work (e.g. video encoding) across a cluster of local computers, but in my experience this only works in a narrow set of circumstances and isn't very user-friendly. A more practical alternative would be just to have the iMac doing something productive (torrenting, running plex, etc) leaving your MBP's CPU free to focus on video production tasks.