Dumb terminal

TheNorm · 01-08-2006, 15:39

Does anyone have experience of a "dumb terminal" setup that they would like to share?

Specifically, my kids love to use the computer, and of course they both want to use it at exactly the same time. At the moment I have two machines downstairs, but they are taking up quite a bit of space. Can I convert one of these to a "dumb terminal" - that is, just keyboard, video and mouse? The computer itself will be located elsewhere (probably the garage). I can use Cat5 or USB cable.

I have of course searched the forum for "dumb terminal" but came up with nothing relevant.

Thanks for looking!

PS. Apologies if "dumb terminal" is no longer a PC term (politically correct or personal computer)

kfridge · 01-08-2006, 16:01

this any good:
http://www.chippc.com/products/jackpc/jackpc.asp

alternativley, search for network KVM...although this would probably be an expensive soloution as network KVM boxes are ususally designed for business networks...

Cobbydaler · 01-08-2006, 16:17

Or something like this - no price on that page though....

Aragorn · 01-08-2006, 16:25

You are probably thinking of a 'thin client' and afaik it's not practical for home use. There have been various takes on the idea, but usually involve a small 'device' on the desktop to control keyboard, video & mouse (KVM) and connect to a 'server' (either dedicated or using something like terminal services). Very good for control and management in a corporate environment.

You could potentially get some long KVM cables and put the base units under the stairs, but then you may have cooling issues and then can't get at the CD drives.

A desktop format PC might be more practical for saving space or, if money is no object, one of these (PC built-in to LCD monitor)

handyman · 01-08-2006, 16:36

The was something I say in B&Q that was like a cable extender box with sockets for monitor, usb etc. Got to be one close by you go go have a look at.

dragon · 02-08-2006, 22:51

probably cost a bit more than your willing to pay but maybe get a laptop

i thought id just throw it in a suggestion, seeing as the price of laptops have come down a lot lately.

Millay · 03-08-2006, 00:03

Any kind of cable extender you get will be limited by distance, and for a monitor that is not much more than a metre. Any real solution would have to be a kvm over ethernet solution, alterantivly, you could try a real terminal server solution, pc eolrds august edition has the software fre on there dvd maybe that is worth a try.

TheNorm · 21-08-2006, 14:08

Thanks, guys, for all the suggestions. The ones I really like are (of course) the most expensive.

I think I'll see if I can get my hands on an old laptop, or build a cheap "micro" computer (micro-ATX or smaller).

Thanks again - greenies all around.