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Things
you should consider before buying a KVM switch |
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You could find a variety
of KVM switches on the market today. But, there are differences
you don't know until you buy one. Some differences are minor
others are either annoying or affect you in the future |
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Advanced
OSD capability (A lot
of buyers were impressed by this.) |
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When you
switch from one computer to the other of different VGA
resolution, the OSD menu does not oscillate then stabilize. |
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No OSD garbage characters
(random alphanumerical characters) left on the screen
after turning the OSD menu on then off. |
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Crisp
clear OSD menu boundary even for high-resolution 1600x1200
applications. |
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A small and handy
OSD message pops up automatically prompting the users
how to operate the KVM switch during Auto Scan, Manual
Scan, |
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channel
selection and security. The only thing users have to remember
is to press the left CTRL key many times to bring up the
OSD menu. It is very user-friendly. |
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No fancy
OSD operations, just clear system status display. All
colors used in the OSD menu correspond to that of the
front panel LED lens. Graphical user-interface makes Rextron's
OSD menu the most straightforward of all. |
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Programmable scan
pattern: An eye-mark can be tagged after a computer name
to identify the computers of interest (what you want to
SEE) during Auto Scan and Manual Scan. |
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Cascaded information
is clearly shown on the OSD main menu, it helps locate
layout problem |
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Password security
locks computers from unauthorized access. |
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4- and 8-port KVM
switches are OSD optional; 16-port comes with OSD built-in. |
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Expandable
system |
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Rextron's
KVM switch does not use dedicated IN/OUT ports for cascade
operation, because:
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Dedicated
IN/OUT ports are costly, we want to save user money
and to save use's cable costs. No more special cables! |
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For KVM switches
using dedicated IN/OUT ports (daisy-chain topology),
the more the chains the worse the VGA quality. Rextron's
design uses tree topology, therefore; the VGA degrades
by only two levels at worst. |
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All
models with or without OSD ability can be cascaded together
to support up to 136 computers. If you want to enjoy OSD
 operation
in cascade configuration, only the master unit has to
be OSD equipped. This is a great saving for you.
Automatic system configuration.
There is no DIP-switch to confuse users for cascade operation.
You just connect the cables from one KVM switch to the
other, and the switches will automatically configure themselves
to either Master or Slave. |
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Hot
plug and play (A lot of
buyers were impressed by this.) |
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Users
are free to swap computer cables from one PC port to the
other under power, Rextron's switch still works. This
demonstrates the reliability and flexibility of the switch.
It enables you to change your computer layout, increase
the number of computers to be controlled in the future.
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Users are free to
change mouse at CONSOLE port under power, Rextron's switch
still works. As long as your computers have proper mouse
drivers, change the console mouse from a generic PS/2
mouse to a wheel mouse or vice versa is not a problem. |
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Users are free to
add new computers or a second level of KVM switches under
power, Rextron's switches still work. Better yet, the
OSD menu shows you the new configuration graphically. |
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Durability |
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Rextron's
KVM switches are designed to withstand user abuse. You
and your colleagues are free to move the mouse, type the
keyboard and press the front buttons at the same time.
The switch still works. (We strongly suggest you test
switches of other brand names.) If you are still not impressed,
try it on cascade configuration (master/slave, a least
two KVM switches). It sounds none sense. But occasionally,
users do press front button and move the mouse by accident. |
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The mouse is always
ready for use right after you change a computer port.
This is Rextron's no-hesitation feature. |
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Should keyboard or
mouse fail to work, user can easily initiate the "K/M
RESET" to bring it back to normal. Unlike other KVM
switches, Rextron's unique "K/M RESET" only
fixes problems, |
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Compatibility |
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Some of Rextron's KVM switches still support computer using serial
mouse. Mouse adapters come with the KVM switch purchased
if support. . |
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Compatible with DOS,
Win3.x/95/98/NT, Netware, Linux, SCO unix, OS/2 and much
more. |
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Works with DELL, DEC,
HP (server), IBM (ThinkPad) and lots of compatibles. (Note:
NovaView's unique design supports most of the Laptops.) |
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Works with M/S intellimouse,
M/S intellimouse Pro , intelliTrackball. |
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Unique
industrial design |
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All Rextron's
KVM switches use sturdy metal cases for superior EMI rejection.
Contour front panel design makes these switches stand
out among others. |
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The
micro-size KNV102 (2-port KVM switch), housed in an ultra
sturdy metal case with all connectors at rear, is the
smallest of all. Think about the benefits users have;
when all cables are connected to the back. This arrangement
minimizes the amount of desk space a KVM switch and its
cables take. Other brand-name KVM switch may have connector
at different sides, and once connected with cables, the
switch indeed looks like an octopus. You are not going
to find a proper desk space for it.
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example of other KVM switch design. |
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Yes,
Rextron provides standard 19' rack mounting kit for the
4-, 8- and 16-port switches. Unique one-piece chassis
prevents case deformation.
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The
rack mount kit comes with a unique "rack cable support"
to unload 95% of the cable weight from the switch body
making it tilt-free when mounted on a 19' rack cabinet.
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All Rextron's KVM
switches have high-intensity LEDs with unique embossed
lens for wide-angle status viewing. Besides, each computer
has a corresponding push button for easy selection.  |
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Customer
support and others |
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Due to
customer requests, Rextron stocks high-quality 1.8M, 3M
and 6M 3-in-1 cables. |
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With Rextron's 3-in-1
cables, you can place computers, keyboard, mouse and monitor
away from the KVM switch as far as 30m (100ft) away. |
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Operating
system and mice tested |
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DOS, Win3.1, Win95 upgrade, Win95(Ver. A), Win95(Ver. B)
Win950SR2.1 & 2.5
Win98 upgrade, Win98SR1
Windows NT Server 4.0, SP1, SP3,
SP4
Windows NT Workstation 4.0, SP1,
SP3, SP4
Windows
NT Server 5.0 s1, s2
Windows NT Workstation 5.0 s1,
s2
Free BSD 2.2.7, 2.2.8, 3.1
Red Hat LINUX 5.1, 5.2
Open LINUX 1.3
IBM OS/@ WARP 3.0, 4.0
SCO Unix V4, V5
Novell 3.12, 4.1, 5.0 |
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No
two mice are the same, NovaViews are compatible to mice of these
brands |
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Logitec, Microsoft Intellimouse,
Microsoft Intellimouse PRO Genius, Primax, Sampo, NEC, Compaq,
IBM, Kensington, Microsoft IntelliTrackball and lots of no brand
mice. |
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Common
KVM problems NOT found on NovaViews |
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Mouse
locks up for no reason after hours of idle time. |
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.Mouse pointer loses
control and flies around after switching to another computer. |
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Not applicable to
notebook computers or laptops (IBM ThinkPad). |
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Limited cable length
(up to 10m/30ft) from KVM switch to computer, keyboard,
mouse and monitor. With Rextron's high quality UL-2919
3-in-1 cables, the cable length becomes 30m/100ft. |
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When server downs,
other servers are affected or not operable. |
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No more mouse conversion.
All NovaViews still support automatic mouse conversion
with mouse adapter. |
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