Not long ago, my work computer was supplemented with a laptop, which constantly stands on the table next to the monitor. I need to work on both computers at the same time, and I started to get tired of constantly moving my hands from one keyboard/mouse to another.
I thought, “How cool would it be to make the laptop display an extension of the desktop PC display, and at the same time control them with the same keyboard and mouse!” It turned out there was a way out. And it's called .
Description and principle of operation
This wonderful program, distributed with open source source codes under GPL license, can connect the screens of several PCs into one large virtual screen. However, the operating systems on them may be different. Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and other operating systems are supported.The principle of operation is very simple: as soon as you move the mouse cursor to the edge of the screen of one PC, it appears on the edge of the screen of the other:
Settings
Setting up the program is quite simple. Let me show this using the example of two computers, one of which (desktop) has Windows XP installed, and the other (laptop) has Windows Vista. We will control both of them, naturally, using the desktop keyboard and mouse.Let's assume that network names of computers without domain suffixes - respectively desktop And laptop.
Links
You can download the tiny (less than a megabyte) Synergy distribution from the program website: .At the time of publication of the topic, the latest version of Synergy is 1.3.1. Here are the direct download links:
- Windows:
The main advantage of laptops is not only portability, but also complete independence from peripheral devices. The mouse in laptops replaces the touchpad, but they have their own keyboard, which is in no way inferior to external keyboards for working on regular desktop computers.
However, in practice, most laptop users prefer a USB-connected mouse to a touchpad. Why? The answer to this question is known to everyone who has at least once tried to perform some action requiring skill using a touchpad. For example, draw an arbitrary figure in a graphics editor.
There are far fewer problems with built-in keyboards, but they are still not as convenient as external controls. The best option at home it is to use an external mouse and keyboard. The only inconvenience is that if you use two or three computers in your work, you will have to constantly switch cables between machines.
Can save you from all these inconveniences special program Synergy. This utility allows you to control multiple computers using one mouse and keyboard. In this case, one computer plays the role of a server, and additional computers are his clients. You can determine which computer will be the server and which the client during the installation process of the utility.
You will also need to add the client computer to the program list (Configure Server button).
The server starts first, and after the message about readiness for connection appears, the client starts (in the client settings you also need to specify the server’s network name).
If the connection is established, when you move the mouse to the edge of the display, the cursor will jump to the screen of the second computer.
Simultaneous work on several computers, of which only one is in front of you, and the rest are even on the other side of the Earth, is not fantastic. To have this wonderful opportunity, all you need is access to the Internet and programs remote control on every machine.
Remote control programs are bridges that connect a PC or mobile gadget, which is in front of you, with various computer devices around the world. Of course, if you have a key, that is, a password that allows remote connection with them.
The possibilities of programs of this kind are very wide. This includes access to the contents of disks and launching installed applications, and change system settings, and viewing user actions... In short, they allow you to do almost everything on a remote PC that you can do on a local one. Today's article is a review of six free programs remote control of a Windows-based computer (and not only), one of which is included in the operating system itself.
If you need to establish a connection between two computers or PCs and mobile device, one of which (remote) is under Windows control, and the second - for Windows, iOS, Android or Mac OS X, sometimes you can do without third party programs(if only Windows computers are involved in the connection). System application“Remote Desktop” is present in all editions of Windows, starting with XP. It is not necessary that both machines have the same version of the OS; you can easily establish a connection, for example, between Windows 10 and Windows 7.
The Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Android and Apple is available for free download on Google Play and App Store.
What else is needed to create a connection:
- Remote access permission - configured on the computer that you are going to manage externally.
- An account with a password on the remote computer. To solve administrative tasks (installing and uninstalling programs, changing system settings, etc.) you need an account with administrator rights.
- Connecting both machines to the Internet or being in one local network.
- On the receiving side - open port TCP 3389 (used by Remote Desktop by default).
How to enable permission
This and further instructions are shown using Windows 10 as an example.
- Let's click right key mouse over the “This PC” icon on the desktop. Let's open "Properties".
- While in the “System” window, click in the transition panel “Settings” remote access" In the “Remote Desktop” section of the window, check the “Allow...” checkbox (it’s better to leave the “Allow authenticated connections only” checkbox). Next, click “Select Users”.
- To add a user who will be allowed to connect to you remotely, click “Add”. In the “Enter names” field, enter the name of his account on this computer (don’t forget, it must have a password!), click “Check names” and OK.
This completes the setup.
How to configure connection settings
We perform the following steps on the computer from which we will make the remote connection.
- Click on the search icon in the taskbar and start typing the word “remote”. Select “Remote Desktop Connection” from the found one.
- By default, the application window opens minimized, with only fields for entering the computer name and user data. To access all settings, click the “Show options” arrow. At the bottom of the first tab - “General”, there is a button for saving connection settings to a file. It's convenient when you use different settings for connection with different machines.
- The next tab, “Screen,” allows you to change the image properties of the remote computer’s screen on your monitor. In particular, increase and decrease the resolution, use multiple monitors, change the color depth.
- Next, we’ll configure “Local Resources” - sound from a remote computer, conditions for using keyboard shortcuts, access to a remote printer and clipboard.
- The parameters of the “Interaction” tab affect the connection speed and the quality of displaying the image from the remote machine on your monitor.
- The "Advanced" tab allows you to define actions if authentication of a remote PC fails, as well as set connection parameters when connecting through a gateway.
- To start a remote access session, click “Connect.” In the next window, enter the password.
After the connection is established, the computer session current user will be completed and control will pass to you. The user of the remote PC will not be able to see his desktop, since a screensaver will appear on the screen instead.
By following these instructions, you will easily connect to a computer that is on the same network as yours. If devices are connected to different networks, you'll have to do a few additional settings.
How to connect to a remote computer via the Internet
There are 2 ways to set up a Remote Worker connection Windows desktop over the Internet - by creating a VPN channel so that the devices see each other as if they were on the same local network, and by forwarding port 3389 to the local network and changing the dynamic (variable) IP address of the remote machine to a permanent (static) one.
There are plenty of ways to create VPN channels, but describing them all will take quite a lot of space (besides, a lot of information about this can easily be found on the Internet). Therefore, let’s look at one of the simplest ones as an example – using Windows’ own tools.
How to create a VPN channel in Windows
On the remote machine that will be the server:
After that in the folder network connections the “Incoming Connections” component will appear, which will be the VPN server. To prevent the connection from being blocked by the firewall, do not forget to open TCP port 1723 on the device. And if the server is assigned local IP address(starts with 10, 172.16 or 192.168), the port will have to be redirected to an external network. How to do this, read below.
On the client computer (Windows 10), setting up the connection is even easier. Launch the “Settings” utility, go to the “Networks and Internet” -> “VPN” section. Click "Add VPN connection". 
In the parameters window, specify:
- Service provider - Windows.
- Connection name – any.
- Server name or address – IP or Domain name the server you created before.
- VPN type – detect automatically or PPTP.
- Login data type – login and password (one of the accounts to which you have given access permission). To avoid entering this data every time you connect, enter it in the appropriate fields below and check the “Remember” checkbox.
Port forwarding on the router and obtaining a static IP
Redirection (forwarding) of ports to different devices(routers) is performed in its own way, but general principle everywhere the same. Let's look at how this is done using the example of a typical TP-Link home router.
Let’s open the “Forwarding” and “Virtual Servers” sections in the router’s admin panel. In the right half of the window, click the “Add” button. 
In the “Add or edit entry” window, enter the following settings:
- Service port: 3389 (or 1723 if you are setting up a VPN).
- The internal port is the same.
- IP address: computer address (look in the connection properties) or domain name.
- Protocol: TCP or all.
- Standard service port: you can not specify it or select it from the PDP list, and for VPN – PPTP.
How to make a changeable IP address permanent
IN standard package Internet service providers for home subscribers, as a rule, only include a dynamic IP address that is constantly changing. And assigning a permanent IP to a user usually costs him a lot of money. So that you do not have to incur extra costs, there are DDNS services ( dynamic DNS), whose task is to assign a permanent domain name to a device (computer) with a changing network address.
Many DDNS services provide their services for free, but there are also those who charge a small amount for it. subscription fee.
Below is a short list of free DDNS, whose capabilities are more than enough for our task.
The rules for using these services, if they differ, are insignificant: first we register an account, then we confirm the email address, and finally we register the domain name of your device and activate it. After that your home computer will have its own name on the Internet, for example, 111pc.ddns.net. This name should be specified in the connection settings instead of the IP or local network name. 
By the way, some routers only support a small group of DDNS providers, for example, only the oldest and most famous DynDNS (now paid) and No IP. And others, such as Asus, have their own DDNS service. Installing alternative firmware DD-WRT on the router helps remove restrictions.
Pros and cons of using Windows Remote Desktop
The main advantage of proprietary Windows tools before third-party developments is the absence of intermediary servers during the connection, which means reducing the risk of data leakage. In addition, this tool has a lot flexible settings and with a skillful approach it can become an “impregnable fortress” and a “space rocket.”
Other advantages of the Windows desktop are that there is no need to download anything, there are no restrictions on session duration, the number of connections, and it is free.
Disadvantages: difficulty in setting up for access via the Internet, vulnerability to Pass the Hash attacks.
TeamViewer
Before you start using the service, you will have to register account Google (Android device users already have it) or log in using it in the browser Google Chrome.
The main window of the Chrome Desktop includes 2 sections:
- Remote support. This contains options for managing a one-time connection to another PC and providing access to yours.
- My computers. This section contains machines with which you have previously established a connection and you can quickly connect to them using a given PIN code.
The first time you connect using Chrome Desktop, remote computer An additional component (host) will be installed, which will take 2-3 minutes. When everything is ready, it will appear on the screen secret code. After entering it in the appropriate field, click “Connection”.
As with TeamViewer, the user of the remote machine will be able to see all your actions on the screen. So for covert surveillance, for example, of a child, these programs are not suitable.
is a very simple and equally reliable utility designed for remote control of computers running Windows and Linux. Its main advantages are ease of use, reliability, high speed connections and also the fact that it does not require installation. Cons: no mobile versions(it will not be possible to establish a connection via Android and iOS using this program) and the fact that many antiviruses consider it malicious and seek to remove it. Fortunately, the latter is easy to prevent by adding the utility to the exceptions.
Ammyy Admin supports 2 methods of establishing communication - by ID number and by IP address. The second one works only over the local network.
The utility window is divided into 2 halves - “Client”, where the computer identification data and password are located, and “Operator” - with fields for entering this data. The connection button is also located here.
The contact book and program settings, which are quite simple, are hidden in the “Ammyy” menu.
- another compact portable Windows program, externally similar to the previous one, but with a more interesting set of functions. Supports 2 connection methods - ID and IP, and 3 modes - full control, file manager(file transfer) and only viewing the screen of the remote PC.
It also allows you to define several levels of access rights:
- Remote operator use of keyboard and mouse.
- Clipboard synchronization.
- Changing access rights by an administrator, etc.
The “View Only” mode can be used to covertly monitor the actions of users of remote machines (children, workers), which is not available in similar products.
In the main AeroAdmin window there is a button to open an email chat (located next to the “Stop” button). Chat is designed for quick sending email operator, for example, asking for help. This function is unique, since analogous programs only have a regular chat for exchange text messages. And it starts working only after the connection is established.
Unfortunately, the AeroAdmin contact book does not become available immediately. It requires separate activation - via Facebook. And only members of this social network, since in order to receive an activation code, developers request a link to your personal page. It turns out that those who liked the program cannot do without registering on Facebook.
Another feature of AeroAdmin is that it is free to use even for commercial purposes if you don’t need it. additional features(continuous connection, multiple parallel sessions, etc.), available only in paid versions.
- the last utility in today’s review for remote connection to a Windows PC from another computer or mobile device. Can be used without installation or with it. 
Like its predecessors, it has a number of unique functions:
- The highest speed of image transfer from a remote machine.
- The fastest file sharing, even with low Internet speeds.
- Supports simultaneous connection of multiple remote users. The ability to collaborate on one project (each user has their own cursor).
Plus, like other programs in this class, AnyDesk provides the operator with full access to the functions of a remote machine, it is very easy to connect (using ID and password) and reliably protects the transmitted data.
The question of how to connect two monitors to one computer today is no longer difficult. There are a lot of software and hardware tools for this and, as a rule, a regular video card on a modern PC supports this mode of operation. Everything about this can be found.
We will consider another case - when you need to connect one mouse and one keyboard to two computers.
As a rule, this need arises when working with a laptop and a home computer or with two laptops. The difficulty lies in the fact that there is a cascade of mice at hand and you have to shift your hands from one keyboard to another.
You can solve this problem using the utility.
Synergy is a compact utility (~900Kb) distributed under the GNU license, i.e. completely free. In addition, the utility is cross-platform - it works under Windows, Linux, MacOS and Unix. In most cases, the utility does not require anything other than a connection between computers, for example via a local network.
The utility operates in two modes: server and client. The server is the computer to which the mouse and keyboard are directly connected. The client can be any other machine. Switching between screens is done by simply moving the mouse from the edge of the screen of one computer to the screen of the second. At the same time, the operation of the mouse and keyboard on client computers is not blocked. When working, the clipboard is merged. After copying text in the editor on one screen, you can paste this text in the editor on the other screen. In addition, the program allows you to synchronize screensavers so that screensavers run simultaneously on both computers.
The disadvantages include the inability to configure after launching the utility. To make changes, you must shut down the program and start it again. When starting the application, the system freezes for several seconds. If the cursor is on the screen of the client computer, then it is impossible to change the keyboard layout; to do this, you need to return the cursor to the screen of the server machine. We also noticed some problems when working in different operating systems, related to differences in the interface, function keys, etc.
You can download the latest version
How-to: Setting up the Synergy program
For example, let's take the standard case of combining a desktop computer with a laptop. The server will be a desktop computer, to the right of it is a laptop, which will be the client.
| Name: notebook IP address: 192.168.0.2 |
Name: desktop I P-address: 192.168.0.1 |
Setting up the server side
First, install the program on the server computer, launch it and select the “server” operating mode.
To configure, select “Configure”. In the first section “Screens” you need to add all the screens that will be used, in this case 2. It is desirable that the screen name matches the name of the computer.
Next, you need to define transitions from screen to screen in the “Links” section. The transition rule looks like the computer name side goes to computer name. In this case desktop stands on the right, and notebook left. Therefore, it is necessary to set 2 transition sequences: from desktop to notebook and back.
0 to 100% of the left of desktop goes to 0 to 100% of notebook
0 to 100% of the right of notebook goes to 0 to 100% of desktop
By using screen aspect ratios, you can optionally adjust transitions flexibly if screen sizes or resolutions do not match.
If necessary, you can set automatic download applications in the “AutoStart” section.
We start the server by clicking on the “Start” button.
Setting up the client side
Setting up the client is incredibly simple. After installing the program, you must select the client operating mode and specify the IP address (192.168.0.1) or server name (desktop) and start with the “Start” button.
If the server connects successfully to the client, the tray icon looks like
Original blog post
Professionals, and not only others, often need to work with several computers simultaneously. I don’t mean managing a regularly deployed server, we are talking about situations when the second, third, etc. computers are located locally (possibly spontaneously) and for some reason it is impossible or inconvenient to use remote access/management tools, such as RDP or SSH. At the same time, sometimes it is simply physically impossible to place the required number of keyboards and mice on the table (not to mention without getting confused in them afterwards); different sizes and layouts will invariably lead to errors, take up nerves and time. In a word, the problem is known. Accordingly, there are solutions that have already become traditional. The most famous is KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse): a device capable of switching, at the user’s command, one single set of keyboard, monitor and mouse between several computers.
However, despite all its obviousness this decision It's also not a panacea. Sometimes, for example, you still need to see several monitors at the same time, besides, any hardware solution has natural limitations, in this case - the number and types of ports (on which the price can very significantly depend). RDP also has its limitations, so today we will look at another way to solve the described problem - software analogues of KVM, although it is more correct to talk only about KM, since it is assumed that the computers controlled with their help are still equipped with their own monitors. In many (but, of course, not all) cases, they turn out to be the most universal and effective solution, devoid of hardware limitations and requiring the fulfillment of a single condition for their operation: computers must be connected to a local network.
Input Director
Of all the programs discussed in this material, designed to work in Windows environment, is most saturated with all kinds of settings and auxiliary functions. On the one hand, this gives additional freedom to the user, on the other hand, at first it will certainly lead to some confusion and searching through numerous tabs required parameters, especially since the interface is English (just like the rest of the participants in this review). But for the simplest and most typical situations, such as, say, connecting a second computer for simultaneous use with the main one (permanently for work or quickly for the purpose of setting up, debugging), everything looks quite simple. The main thing is to understand that Input Director operates in terms of master and slave computers. The slaves are controlled using the keyboard and mouse on the master, which is actually the only difference except that it also issues most of the system alerts.
So, Input Director must be installed on the master and slave computers. The size of the distribution package is about 3 MB; for the review we used the latest beta version 1.3 build 98, since it introduced a number of really useful functions(although some of them are still unstable). A reboot is not required, so you can connect a new slave computer very quickly. The program is essentially a window with settings (except for the icon in system area taskbar) and all subsequent work is performed in it.
Rice. 1. Each computer running Input Director must be configured in master or slave mode, and in some cases even both.
The developers recommend configuring the slave computer first, although in reality the order does not matter. You need to go to the Slave Configuration tab and describe the computers that can act as masters. There are three possibilities for this:
- all computers;
- only from a specific subnet (defined by base address and mask);
- only specific computers (with specified network names).
Rice. 2. Setting up a slave mode: the easiest way is to specify the exact network name of the control computer, although in some cases you can describe an entire subnet.
In a safe environment, such as at home, either option will do. The first two are also convenient when using the option for auto-switching master/slave modes (Global Preferences tab) - its meaning is that after proper configuration, the master role will automatically switch to the computer on which this moment controls (mouse and keyboard) are used.
On the Slave Configuration tab, you can also immediately enable or disable synchronization of the screen saver and system blocking, and also, if necessary, enable encryption (AES 128/192/256) of traffic.
These settings are sufficient for the system to operate. Now you need to return to the Main tab and click the Enable as Slave button.
Preparation of the host computer is generally done “symmetrically” on the Master Configuration tab. It is necessary to specify all slave computers, and individually. At the bottom of the screen, click on the Add button and in the Slave Configuration window that opens, enter the network name (or IP address) - this is enough and you can click OK. However, if necessary, here you can immediately select a “hot” key, by which the input will switch to this computer; indicate the number of monitors and their relative position (simply by dragging with the mouse); activate traffic encryption. You can also return to this window later and make the necessary adjustments.
Rice. 3. Setting up the main mode: by clicking the Add button, you need to add slave computers and correctly describe their placement relative to each other.
After configuring all the slave computers on the Master Configuration tab, it is recommended to correctly position all the described computers so that the picture reflects their physical location. Thanks to this, it will be possible to completely naturally “drag” the mouse to the desired computer through the corresponding edge of the current monitor. However, this mode can be disabled - if you plan to use only hot keys to redirect input, then there is no need to describe the location of the monitors.
Rice. 4. Input Director has the most convenient support for multi-monitor configurations.
Finally, you also need to go to the Main tab and click the Enable as Master button. Now you are ready to use the Input Director. The program very successfully implements visualization of the intersection of the edge of the monitor screen adjacent to another computer. Switching input will be accompanied by diverging “circles on the water” around the mouse cursor, so it is almost impossible to “get lost”. The same effect will be observed when the master/slave mode is automatically changed (plus a pop-up notification in the system area).
Rice. 5. This visual effect accompanies input switching.
In addition to actually managing multiple computers, Input Director also provides a “shared” clipboard. Thanks to this function, you can easily transfer any information from one computer to another, the developers also claim the possibility of file exchange via copy/paste, but in my case (Windows 7) it never worked, despite the fact that in the description latest versions Corrections of the corresponding errors are reported.
As mentioned, the abundance of additional parameters makes it possible to fine tuning programs. I don’t undertake to describe all the possibilities; I’ll dwell only on those that seemed the most interesting to me.
Rice. 6. The Master Preferences tab contains a huge number of settings that affect the operation of the entire system - they don’t even fit in the window, pay attention to the scroll bar. This illustration shows a group of parameters that control mouse input switching.
On the Master Preferences tab (on the host computer), you can select the most suitable convenient way moving the mouse over the edge of the screen - the Transition Options group of parameters is intended for this. By default, the mouse simply crosses the edge of the screen behind which the next computer is located, this may not always be convenient. That's why this operation can be done either with an additional key pressed, or after holding the cursor in the extreme position for some (adjustable) time, or by double “tapping” the cursor on the edge. You can also disable transition in the corners of the screen (for example, so as not to aim too much at the Start button).
On the Global Preferences tab on each computer, you can enable automatic activation desired mode(main or slave) when starting the program (by default it remains inactive), if necessary, disable the shared clipboard and “water ripples”, enable the information window above the system area of the taskbar, which will display the current input destination, and also activate the already mentioned auto-switching of master/slave modes. The last option requires that all computers marked with it be configured with both modes (which is active does not matter), which will require some work. But overall, the feature can be quite useful.
Fig.7. A convenient feature - automatic switching of master/slave modes - requires preliminary configuration of all computers.
Finally, Input Director has the ability to record and execute keyboard macros (mouse functions are not supported). Of course, there are much more powerful specialized programs for this, but it will probably be convenient for some to have the basic capabilities on hand just in case.
Mouse without Borders
This program is also intended for use only in a Windows environment, but is actually the complete opposite of Input Director in terms of ease of setup and use. It is also interesting that it was created by Microsoft employees, although it is not an official product. Within the corporation, there are many informal associations of programmers (not counting the full-fledged research department), which from time to time produce all sorts of interesting utilities. Likewise, Mouse without Borders was created literally in a garage - only not in a physical room, but in the community of The Garage. Its main developer, Truong Do, actually works on the Microsoft Dynamics project; he apparently needed such a utility for some personal purposes, although developers are one of the obvious target groups for various management tools.
The general concept of Mouse without Borders is much simpler than that of Input Director - the program initially runs in auto-switching mode, i.e., at any time you can use the most suitable keyboard and mouse to control all connected computers.
Rice. 8. When installing Mouse without Borders on the first computer, answer no to immediately generate an access code.
Rice. 9. The resulting code will be needed to connect other computers.
Rice. 10. On each one you will need to specify the code and name of the computer with Mouse without Borders installed.
When installing, Mouse without Borders asks if it is already present on other computers. If you are installing it for the first time, you need to answer “no”, as a result of which a special code will be generated that acts as a password for connecting computers. Accordingly, on the second (and subsequent) computer you need to answer “yes” and enter the name of the first one and the code. After clicking on Link, the computers will be connected and the whole system will work.
Rice. 11. Mouse without Borders is ready to use immediately after installation.
Mouse without Borders allows you to connect up to four computers, the order of which can be changed in the settings window by simply dragging the corresponding images with the mouse. Multi-monitor configurations are not specially supported. The basic features of the program include sharing clipboard, as well as the ability to copy files by dragging them with the mouse on the right computer. The last operation can only be performed on single files; groups and folders are not supported. The copying process is accompanied by a pop-up notification; all files are placed in a special MouseWithoutBorders folder, which is automatically created on the desktop. It should be borne in mind that no warnings are issued when copying files with the same names; new ones simply overwrite the old ones.
Rice. 12. The computer placement settings are quite simple, but in most cases they will be sufficient.
The minimalist settings of Mouse without Borders seem to reflect its most typical use. You can configure hotkeys, disable screen savers on managed computers, and the need to first press Ctrl-Alt-Del (which is always handled by the local system) to unlock the computer. It is also possible to control all PCs synchronously, for example, to execute the same commands or programs - naturally, a mouse can only be used for these purposes if the monitor resolutions are the same. Finally, through the Mouse without Border icon in the system tray of the taskbar, you can quickly take and transfer screenshots of managed computers.
Rice. 13. In Mouse without Borders, the most necessary hotkeys are initially configured, which makes using the program even easier.
Thus, Mouse without Borders really doesn't go too far beyond its core objectives, which in many cases is a good thing. As a result - the most compact distribution, easy setup, minimum problems.
Synergy
The main difference and advantage from previous review participants is cross-platform. The program works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X; you can use ready-made binaries or compile them yourself. Natural costs are the use of cross-platform libraries (Qt) and, accordingly, a rather bulky distribution kit (about 11 MB). However, the principles of setting up and using Synergy on different platforms may differ due to the presence or absence of a GUI and some other features. IN currently Version 1.4 is being developed, where this problem should be, if not resolved, then mitigated. In the meantime, in Linux and Mac OS X you need to be prepared to directly work with the configuration file, however, in Windows only with its help you can, for example, describe the configuration of a computer with multiple monitors. However, in the most typical cases, setting up Synergy is relatively easy (using beta version 1.4.5 as an example).
Rice. 14. On managed computers, you only need to enter the server name.
Rice. 15. Server - a computer whose keyboard and mouse will be used to control the entire system. On Windows, the easiest way to configure it is interactively.
Rice. 16. You need to drag the monitor icon into the cells and double-click on them to make the settings.
Synergy operates in terms of server and client - in fact, these are analogues of the master and slave computers of Input Director. Accordingly, it is necessary to configure the server whose keyboard and mouse are to be used, and the required number of clients. On clients, just specify the network name of the server and click the Start button. The server configuration is a little more complicated: you need to select the interactive configuration mode (Configure interactively), click on the Configure server button and describe the placement of the monitors in the window that opens. To do this, you need to drag the monitor icon into the free cells, then double-click on it and specify the network name of the corresponding client in the Screen name field. After this, the system is completely ready for use; all that remains is to return to the main Synergy window and click the Start button.
Rice. 18. Synergy doesn’t have a lot of settings, but it allows you to choose various ways switch input using mouse.
You can also take your time and tweak some settings right away (or come back to them after you've more clearly defined your preferences). For example, for each monitor you can specify “dead” corners in which there will be no transition to the next screen. Although they can be defined globally - in the Advanced Server tab Configuration window Server Configuration. Here the very method of switching to another screen using the mouse is adjusted. By default, the cursor simply immediately crosses the edge of the screen, but you can do this after a certain delay (Switch after waiting) or by double tapping on the edge (Switch on double tap within). But you will have to configure the hotkeys yourself - the Hotkeys tab is for this in the Server Configuration window. However, there is clearly some confusion here in the current beta version. Thus, the key combination must be specified twice - both when initializing it and when assigning a specific action.
Rice. 19. Synergy can be classified as a special class of KMG (G - gamepad), since it contains support for game controllers.
Synergy supports a shared clipboard, which is actually a standard for this class of programs, and also has one unique feature - under Windows it can redirect commands not only from the keyboard and mouse, but also from game controller(gamepad).
Summary
There are other KM programs, for example, commercial. I'm ready to assume that it is better tuned than others free analogues; Besides, in Pro versions declared the ability to copy files and folders. Even so, the $50 price seems excessive.
In turn, the three described programs cover most possible situations and you can choose the most suitable one from them. Mouse without Borders captivates with its simplicity and is perhaps ideal for a first acquaintance. Input Director, on the contrary, will offer maximum settings and additional functions, down to keyboard macros. Synergy has no alternative when it comes to operating systems, other than Windows. In any case, each of them is capable of making simultaneous work with several computers more comfortable.
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