If you have multiple computers across your network that you need to administer but only require one keyboard and mouse to control them, a new piece of software called Synergy allows you to share a common keyboard and a mouse between multiple computers on a local network and supports Linux, Mac, and Windows.
What is Synergy?
Synergy is a free to download and is Open Source Software that lets you easily share your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers, where each computer has its own display. To set up Synergy, no special hardware is required; all that is needed is a local area network to connect all the computers together. This makes it an incredibly versatile tool for anyone who works with multiple machines, whether they are running different operating systems or the same one.
One of the key benefits of Synergy is its cross-platform compatibility. Whether you are using Linux, Mac, or Windows, Synergy can seamlessly integrate your devices. This is particularly useful for developers, IT professionals, and anyone who needs to manage multiple systems simultaneously. For example, a software developer might use a Mac for design work, a Windows machine for testing, and a Linux server for deployment. With Synergy, they can control all these systems with a single keyboard and mouse, streamlining their workflow and reducing desk clutter.
How to Set Up Synergy
Setting up Synergy is straightforward. First, you need to download the software from its official website at https://synergy-foss.org/. Once downloaded, you will need to install it on all the computers you wish to control. During the installation process, you will be prompted to designate one computer as the server (the one with the keyboard and mouse you want to share) and the others as clients.
After installation, you will need to configure the software. This involves specifying the layout of your screens in the Synergy configuration tool. For instance, you can set up your screens so that moving your mouse to the right edge of your primary display will move it to the left edge of your secondary display. This configuration can be customized to fit your specific setup, whether you have two screens side by side or multiple screens arranged in a more complex layout.
Once configured, Synergy runs in the background, allowing you to switch between computers as easily as moving your mouse cursor from one screen to another. The software also supports clipboard sharing, so you can copy text or files on one computer and paste them on another, further enhancing your productivity.
Synergy also offers advanced features for power users. For example, you can set up hotkeys to switch between computers or to lock the mouse to a particular screen. There are also options for encrypting the data transmitted between your computers, ensuring that your keystrokes and mouse movements are secure.
In addition to its core functionality, Synergy has an active community of users and developers who contribute to its ongoing development. This means that the software is continually being improved and updated, with new features and bug fixes being released regularly. If you encounter any issues or have questions, there are plenty of resources available, including forums, documentation, and user guides.
In summary, Synergy is a powerful and flexible tool for anyone who needs to manage multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse. Its ease of setup, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced features make it an invaluable addition to any multi-computer workspace.
You can download Synergy from its website at https://synergy-foss.org/
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