Re: Virtual Access to a Computer

[Joseph Heenan <joseph-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul Gordon wrote:
> Andy, is that an IP KVM switch, or an out-of-band server management
> card? If the latter how do you connect to it? And if you don't mind my
> asking, how much was it?
>
> I'm interested in something like this, most likely for my
requirements,
> an IP KVM would be preferable, giving me remote access to the machines
a
> the BIOS level (i.e. before the OS is booted). - I already have remote
> access to power the machines on & off via a web-accessible PDU..
It
> would be great to be able to get access to the machines
> screens/keyboards before they've booted up though...
>
> Anyone have any suggestions for IP KVMs for (hopefully) sensible
money?
> I only need 4 ports maximum.. No need to reply if your answer is
Ebay!!!
> :-)

I got hold of two of these for our servers at work:

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/f1de101g.html

They're cheapest I've seen. You just connect them between your existing
kvm and your existing local monitor/keyboard/mouse.

They work pretty well, though they can be a bit frustrating. Generally
they're used so infrequently (less than once a year) that the IT guys
have managed to stop them working somehow by the point they're needed...

Joseph