ServSwitch Freedom

Appendix B. What is Glide and Switch?

Glide and Switch represents true innovation in KVM switching. For the first time, Glide and Switch allows users to automatically switch between target computers simply by moving the mouse pointer from screen to screen. What makes this such a revolution is that you no longer need software to be installed on your mission critical computers in order to do this. Glide and Switch resides on the switch itself, sensing screen boundaries and instantaneously switching keyboard and mouse to the defined target comput- er. Glide and Switch can be configured for almost any combination of screens using the included configuration application which allows you to declare the individual screen sizes and visually position each one relative to the others.

PC1

PC2

PC3

PC4

COMPUTER

K/M SPK USB1 USB2

MODE

S e r v S w i tc h F re e d o m™

B L A C K B O X D E S K T O P K V M S W I T C H

Figure B-1. Moving the mouse beyond a screen border causes Glide and Switch to switch the channel

Glide and Switch consists of special code within the ServSwitch Freedom unit plus an intuitive graphical configuration application. First you inform the Glide and Switch configuration application how many screens you have, their pixel resolutions and how they are physically arranged (e.g side-by-side, vertical stack, square formation, etc.). You then download this information to the ServSwitch Freedom unit and this is used during operation to determine the precise moment to switch from one screen/system to the next.

The beauty of Glide and Switch is its simplicity of configuration and operation. Once the initial configuration has taken place, all monitoring and switching is handled within the ServSwitch Freedom without need for extra connections or software utilities.

Issues when using Glide and Switch

•The ServSwitch Freedom unit must have a minimum of firmware version 2.00 installed to operate with Glide and Switch.

•Glide and Switch does not run any special utilities on each computer and thus has no way to instruct the computers to hide their mouse pointers when they are deselected by the ServSwitch Freedom unit. Therefore, the ServSwitch Freedom ‘parks’ each mouse pointer in the bottom right corner of the screen immediately before changing the channel. In most cases this will cause no issues, however, it may be noticeable in circumstances such as the following:

•If the task bar is set to auto hide and it is positioned either along the bottom of the screen (as default) or along the right hand side, then the task bar will automatically reappear when the mouse pointer is parked.

•When playing full screen video, the on-screen controls (play, pause, seek etc.) will very likely be revealed when the mouse pointer is parked.

•The mouse will not flow across the screens while any mouse buttons are pressed down - this prevents undesired behavior when dragging windows around or group-selecting items.

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Black Box KV0004A-LED, KV0004A-XTRA-LED manual Appendix B. What is Glide and Switch?, Issues when using Glide and Switch
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KV0004A-XTRA-LED, KV0004A-LED, ServSwitch Freedom, KV0004A specifications

The Black Box KV0004A and its variants, including KV0004A-XTRA-LED and KV0004A-LED, are advanced KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches designed to streamline the management of multiple servers and computers from a single console. These devices are pivotal for IT professionals and data centers, providing efficient control over several systems, thereby optimizing workflow and enhancing productivity.

One of the standout features of the KV0004A series is its ability to support up to four computers, making it ideal for environments with limited space or resources. Users can easily switch between connected systems using a simple button, keyboard hotkey, or an On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, which simplifies the operation and minimizes downtime. The KV0004A series supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1200, ensuring clear and sharp visuals during operation, critical for tasks requiring detailed monitoring.

The KV0004A-XTRA-LED model incorporates an enhanced LED interface that provides real-time status updates for each connected computer. This feature enhances visibility and helps users quickly identify active systems, crucial for fast-paced environments where efficiency is paramount. Additionally, the integrated firmware is designed for easy updates, allowing for improved performance and feature enhancements over time.

In terms of connectivity, the KV0004A series supports a wide range of input and output options. It can easily interface with USB and PS/2 peripherals, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices. In addition, the switches are designed with robust security features, protecting sensitive data being transmitted from unauthorized access, which is essential for any organization working with confidential information.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Black Box KV0004A series is its plug-and-play functionality, allowing for quick setup without the need for additional software or drivers. This ease of installation means users can get up and running in no time, reducing the potential for errors during deployment.

Lastly, the ServSwitch Freedom adds another dimension by providing true freedom of movement with wireless capabilities. This allows users to operate systems from a distance, greatly increasing flexibility and comfort for system administration tasks. The combination of advanced features, reliable technologies, and user-centered design makes the Black Box KV0004A series a pinnacle choice for effective KVM switching in both enterprise and small business environments.
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