Lindy 32354 - Manual (Page 23)

LINDY CPU Switch Dual Multi-Platform Installation and Use Page 22
2.7 Other useful installation information
Intelligent cables — The USB and Sun cables contain miniature active circuits that
are moulded into the ends of the cable assembly. These circuits intelligently provide
signals to your computers that make them think that a keyboard and mouse are
continuously attached, even if the LINDY CPU Switch is not connected or powered
on. This increases the reliability and robustness of the installation.
PC boot up sequence - When your PCs are powered on they communicate with any
attached keyboards and mice and setup parameters required by the particular
operating system. It is necessary for the LINDY CPU Switch to be attached and
powered on during this sequence so that it can give the required responses and keep
track of all the modes and settings requested by each of the connected PCs.
Mouse characteristics - do not unplug a PS/2 mouse connection from a PC whilst
the PC is on. Due to the design of PS/2 mice communications the mouse function on
the PC will be lost and you will have to re-boot the PC to regain normal operation.
RS232 mice can usually be unplugged and plugged back in provided that a mouse
was connected when the operating system initially booted.
Keyboard and mouse mode switching - The LINDY CPU Switch keeps a log of the
keyboard and mouse mode and resolution settings requested by each of the
connected PCs. These settings are automatically restored to the shared keyboard
and mouse when the LINDY CPU Switch channel is switched thus ensuring
maximum software compatibility. The keyboard num, caps and scroll lock states are
an obvious example of this process.
2.8 Hot plugging the LINDY CPU Switch into running systems and
re-enabling disconnected CPU PS/2 mouse connections
It is advisable to switch off the systems that are going to be connected to the LINDY
CPU Switch before installation. However if this is not possible then most systems
can be hot plugged by using the LINDY CPU Switch’s mouse restoration functions.
The keyboard connection will normally restore itself automatically.
On many PCs, mouse movement will be lost if the PS/2 mouse is unplugged and
plugged back in whilst the PC is running. Mouse movement can then only be
restored by rebooting the PC. This is because the mouse drivers only setup and
enable the mouse when the PC is initially booted.