In general, Mac Users
have the following needs for KVM: MAC to MAC
(using a MAC keyboard and mouse to control
1 to 4 MACs), MAC to PC (using a MAC keyboard
and mouse to control 1 to 4 MACs or PCs) and
PC to MAC (using a PC keyboard and mouse to
control 1 to 4 MACs or PCs). No matter what
are the control specifications, one can use
the USB interface to easily solve the problems
across different platforms (MAC, Windows and
Linux). However, one needs to be aware of
the following technical problems when buying
a MAC KVM:
1. The restrictions of the MAC operating
system version
2. The switching problem of the MAC keyboard
hot keys
3. The switching problem of the old MAC
keyboard, mouse connector and the screen
signal
4. Whether there is another solution on
the MAC controller for the right-hand click
and scrolling function of the PC mouse
5. ADC (Apple Display Connector) specification
support
6. The switching problem when sharing USB
peripherals (For example, flash drives,
printers, card readers....)
ATEN's Solutions for the Above Problems:
1. Even though Apple was one of the earliest
companies to use the USB interface, however
the older version operating system did not
have stable support for USB peripherals.
Thus, before buying MAC KVM, you need to
be aware of the logo signifying system compatibility.
ATEN's USB KVM supports MAC OS 8.6 version
and later.
2. How do you control the MAC system regardless
of using a MAC or PC keyboard? Currently,
the most common method is to design "hot
keys." Using ATENs USB KVM as an example,
the Key In "[Win]" on the PC is
equivalent to the Apple key()
on the MAC. In regards to the Window key
or the other media keys on the PC, even
though the MAC keyboard is used to control
the PC system, there is no support on the
MAC keyboard.
Note: The KVM design hot key is different
between companies. Please refer to the instruction
manual.
3. The old MAC keyboard, mouse connector
and screen signal can use a converter to
switch from MAC to PS/2, and MAC to USB.
Each company has a different way of dealing
with how the special signal of the MAC keyboard
can be accepted by the converter. ATEN's
CV160 product is the MAC to PS/2 converter
(ADB and DB -15 switch to PS/2 and HDB-15).
4. Under the MAC to PC environment, using
a MAC mouse cannot replace the PC mouse's
right click and multimedia keys. Currently,
there is a mature environment for simultaneously
supporting PC and MAC mice (MAC OS X supports
the mouse's right click). If the user prefers
using the right click function, it is recommended
that the user selects a PC and MAC compatible
mouse. Thus, no matter if he/she is under
a PC to MAC or MAC to PC environment, the
right click mouse problem can be solved.
5.
ADC (Apple Display Connector) interface
is a combination of digital image signals,
USB signals and power. Thus, by using an
ADC cable to connect to the display, the
user not only lowers the number of cables
used on the desktop, but can enjoy optimized
digital imaging quality through complete
digital signals. The Apple Studio LCD Display
contains two embedded USB hubs, conveniently
assisting the user in connecting to different
peripherals. Currently, there are few KVM
supporting the ADC specification. ATEN launched
the ACS-1602
products to meet the demands of high-end
MAC video needs. The ACS-1602
can use the DVI to ADC converter (sold separately)
to connect to the DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
PC systems.
6. ATEN was the first company in the industry
to launch the KVMP concept (KVM + Peripheral),
and has successfully commercialized the
KVM products. (For more information on KVMP,
please refer to the column). Using USB HUB
interface and synchronous, asynchronous
switching, users can conveniently and directly
connect with digital peripherals between
MAC and PCs. Currently, ATEN KVMP (with
an embedded USB Hub) products include: CS-102U/CS-104U
(2 Port USB KVMP), CS-1732A/CS-1734A
(2 /4 Port USB+ PS/2 KVMP with audio
support), CS-1742
/CS-1744
(2 /4 Port USB Dual-View KVMP), and CS-1722
/ CS-1724
USB KVMP (PS/2 console).
ATEN is a professional KVM development
and manufacturing company with over 20 years
of experience and high product compatibility.
Using ATEN's USB KVM series products will
effectively solve the problem of switching
across several PCs with different platforms.
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