Learn how to easily use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple Macs and even Windows or Linux computers using the free Synergy tool. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to set up SynergyKM on a Mac as the host server and share the keyboard and mouse with multiple client computers on the same LAN.
Benefits of Sharing a Keyboard & Mouse Between Multiple Macs and Computers
- Save desk space by using a single set of input devices for multiple computers
- Easily switch between multiple computers without the need for additional input devices
- Share copy and paste information between different operating systems
How to Share a Keyboard & Mouse Between Multiple Macs and Computers
To share a keyboard and mouse between multiple Macs and computers, follow these steps:
- Download and install SynergyKM on all included Macs
- Download the Synergy client to share your keyboard and mouse with Windows or Linux computers (optional)
- Make sure all computers are on the same LAN
- Open System Preferences and click on the “SynergyKM” control panel on the host server
- Under General, click Share Keyboard and Mouse and Enable Synergy
- Click on the “Server Configuration” tab and add each computer you want to share with, including the host server and client computers. Name each according to the network share name of the machine and arrange them according to their physical layout
- On the host server, confirm that Synergy is turned on from the General tab before moving to client computers
- Open System Preferences and click the “SynergyKM” control panel on each client computer
- Click the General tab and select Connect to Shared Keyboard and Mouse
- Enter the server hostname or IP address on the “Client Configuration” tab
- Return to the General tab and click Enable Synergy
You can now use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers. The mouse cursor will move seamlessly between computers, and keyboard control and clipboard sharing will follow accordingly. Screensavers and waking up from screensavers are also typically synced.
FAQs
What devices does this guide support?
This guide supports Apple devices only.
What operating systems are supported?
This guide supports Mac OS and iOS.
What are the benefits of sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers?
Sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers saves desk space, allows for easy switching between computers, and enables sharing of copy and paste information between different operating systems.
What do I do if I’m having trouble with installation or connections?
If you’re having trouble with installation or connections, it’s almost certainly related to naming either the host server or the clients. Make sure each entry is named according to the network share name of the machine. If you continue to experience issues, try restricting your Lion to client and running the server on either a PC or other version of Mac OS X or try using Teleport, which is limited to sharing keyboards between Macs only.
Final Note
If you have any queries or suggestions regarding this guide, please feel free to contact us through the comment section or our contact page. This guide is for educational purposes only, and if you have any misinformation or would like to suggest an alternate method, kindly contact us.
