| Here's what you will need to connect your KVM switch: Mac mini computer The DVI-to-VGA adapter included with your Mac mini Windows PC computer Display Keyboard Mouse KVM switch Any KVM cables that may be required PS/2-to-USB adapter, if required (Figure 4.5) Figure 4.5. A PS/2-to-USB adapter, used to connect a PS/2 KVM switch to a Mac mini. 
When you've gathered these items, you are ready to begin. Important: Your PC should already be up and running with the display, keyboard, and mouse you plan to share between the two computers. If your PC isn't working, solve that problem before proceeding. Ideally, your Mac mini is still in the box. But if you've already booted it up, that's okay, too, though it means you're already connected to something. Here's the step-by-step plan: 1. | Power down everything. This includes the PC and display. To be safe, you should unplug these from the wall, though it's not absolutely necessary.
| 2. | Disconnect the monitor, mouse, and keyboard from the back of the PC.
| 3. | Open the KVM package. Some KVM switches require external power; some don't.
| 4. | Connect the display, keyboard, and mouse to the KVM switch, assuming that your switch matches to connectors on your mouse and keyboard: PS/2 or USB. If the connectors don't match, reread the earlier part of this chapter and go buy the right adapters. If you bought a USB KVM switch by mistake, you're probably better off buying a new USB mouse and keyboard.
| 5. | Connect the display, keyboard, and mouse cables from the KVM switch to your Windows PC.
| 6. | Read the KVM switch directions to make sure you know how the switch operates. You may use a push button or a keyboard command to switch between the two computers.
| 7. | Open the Mac mini and remove it from the box. Do not connect it to a power source, but do connect the included DVI-to-VGA adapter (a white piece of plastic that has connectors on both ends) to the DVI video output on the Mac mini (Figure 4.6).
Figure 4.6. Do not lose this piece, or you won't be connecting a PC monitor to your Mac mini. This is the VGA-to-DVI adapter that is packed with the Mac mini. 
| 8. | Connect the monitor cable from the KVM switch to the Mac mini. Also connect the keyboard and mouse cables. This assumes that you have the PS/2 keyboard and mouse adapter, if required. Do not connect power to the Mac mini.
| 9. | Reconnect the power to the PC and monitor. Power up the PC.
| 10. | Set the KVM switch to connect the PC to your display, keyboard, and mouse. Watch the PC start up, and make sure the display, keyboard, and mouse are functioning correctly. If they aren't, you've connected something improperly.
| 11. | When the PC is working properly, connect the power supply to the Mac mini.
| 12. | Power up the Mac mini and select it on the KVM switch. Watch the Mac mini start, and make sure the display, keyboard, and mouse are functioning correctly. If they aren't, you've connected something improperly.
|
You can now switch back and forth between your Mac mini and PC. See how easy that was? |
