During my search for a software to make me share a single mouse and keyboard across my 4 work stations instead of buying a KVM, I came across with this wonderful open source software which is called “Synergy+ (synergy-plus)”. Synergy+ lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, without special hardware. All you need is a LAN connection. It’s intended for users with multiple computers, where each system uses its own display. It’s a little like having a 2nd or a 3rd desktop.
Synergy+ is free open source software. It’s not a KVM or VNC tool, but it does achieve similar results (but with added convenience). No need to press any buttons when you want to change desktops, and your keyboard input goes to the same screen that your mouse cursor is on.
Interesting features:
- Move your mouse easily between computers.
- Requires nothing other than existing Ethernet.
- Copy and paste between your computers
- No need to press any buttons (unlike KVM)
- You can still use multiple monitors on the same computer
- Lock the mouse to one screen temporarily (useful for games)
Synergy plus is currently available for Windows, Linux, & Mac operating systems at: Synergy+ Project Page hosting on Google Code.
Another good similar program to look at is multiplicity. it does pretty much the same thing with extra features such as the ability to copy files from one computer to another using the program.
Thanks Jeriath for the recommendation, I’ll check it out and review it soon
‘Jeriath’ is an advertising troll. Synergy+ looks much better than the product he links to. For one, Synergy+ is free. Also, Multiplicity can’t do other operating systems, windows only. And all the ‘extra features’ are in the more expensive version of the product.
On a brighter note: Stumbled this blog! synergy+ is a cool product I think I can use it.
Lol yeah that’s true, that’s why I removed the affiliation link from his comment
. I’ve seen a lot using Multiplicity and I’ll review this product soon among other keyboard and mouse sharing software I came across during my search
This tool is undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever used. Even though you can’t copy files across, you can copy/paste. So at least you have that! I love it though. I’ve used it on all three OSs at same time with up to 5 total computers!
شكرا يا هاشم على التوبيك الجميل دا وفعلاً فى
ناس كتيرة بتشتغل بشركات وبيكون قدامها اكتر من بى سى فبيضر يتنقل من هنا لهنا لما بيتعب فاﻻداة الصغيرة دى هتوفر على الواحد مجهود كبير جدا
شكراً كتير
ومساحة على المكتب كمان :d
Office space on the violin?
This is a great revolutionary product.. best of luck Hashem
Thank you Santhosh, I had to review this product cause i really liked it, and it’s open source
Synergy is one of those “I can’t remember how I lived without it” tools. My work frequently involves multiple computers, and Synergy ism just about the first download in setting up a new system.
The stared clipboard is invaluable – a dream when cutting problems from the system and pasting them into emails on another.
That is amazing, I never thought such software even existed, I run 2 Macs side by side, one iMac and one MacBook Pro, plus a third 32inch screen, I’m off to check this out.
I found that synergy has problems with none US standard keyboards. I have a German keyboard and it fails to send some of the keys over synergy.
I’m not 100% whether its been fixed yet though.
This program really helped me clean up my desktop. I was getting sick of using KVM switches.
ynergy is one of those “I can’t remember how I lived without it” tools. My work frequently involves multiple computers, and Synergy ism just about the first download in setting up a new system.
I love synergy. Been using it for my linux and windows boxes for a while. One thing you need to keep in mind is that Synergy DOES NOT encrypt! You need to set up a vpn between the boxes so people cant see you type your passwords. Simple fix.
I use Synergy+ currently because I use it to link my Linux boxes with my Windows box. Once I got it setup it is working great but the setup is not as “easy” as advertised. Sure it only took me about 20 minutes but in the hands of the average non-advanced user it would probably be not so easy.
If you have only windows computers I prefer InputDirector over synergy for ease of setup with its GUI setup.
No im not an advertising troll either, just providing a free alternative
thejoester – have to agree with you. I tried Synergy+ for a while but I found that I’d lose connection quite a lot between the computers. I originally used it because I had a mac and a PC and it’s the only free system that can cope with both. Now that I’ve dumped the mac (thank god) and am back to two windows machines I have switched to (the free) Input Director. Way more stable and you can copy paste. If you’re windows only I’d recommend that over synergy+ any day.
I’m curious if it would work between a Windows and Mac machine. So I could share my mouse and keyboard from my PC and a Mac I may get.
I only have one computer now so I can’t test, but if you have the ability to test, that would be a cool test to run.
Thank You for this great Tool. Im loving it from the first second on.
Go on with your great work!
Synergy is one of those programs that I have been using for years. I can not live without it. It helps me to reduce the clutter on my desk because I keep a server, my PC, my laptop, and other client computers in my working area. I love it because it is so useful.
I have 2 desktop pcs and alwyas wanted to share kb and mouse. KVM seemed to be very expensive so never tried that.
Does this software gives instant control or there is a delay?
I have been reading your posts for the last couple of hours, and it all has been very informative and well written. I did want to let you know that for some reason this post doesn’t seem to work in Internet Explorer. On a side note, I was wondering if you wanted to swap blogroll links? I hope to hear from you soon!
guys, you need 2 monitors for this… it does not compare with KVM switcher in anyway!
Plus, a monitor is $150, while a KVM switch is $20!
Is it working properly on windows 7.And if i have different windows on mutiple pc will it work or not.Reply!
Using Synergy I can have my iMac share its mouse and keep board with my windows pc but not the other way around?
I have the same problem!!!
Is there anyone who knows how to fix this, i use Synergy 1.3.7 for windows and Synergy KM for mac OSX 10.6.8.
Thanks.