USB KVM switches are probably the most common kind of switch boxes, and with good reason. If you are in the habit of switching between computers on a single monitor, you are probably technically savvy enough to have invested in hardware that uses more modern inputs. USB has been the industry-wide standard for some time now.

What are KVM switches? The acronym stands for keyboard, video and mouse, and refers to the practice of leaving a single setup on your desk while switching between computers. People who do extensive editing or graphics work, or simply need quick access to another operating system, often favor these setups because they can be quickly toggled with the push of a button.

Invisible Computing

The rapid spread of Windows and Mac operating systems has made changing between them easier than it used to be. A number of features are common to both, and those that aren't require little learning to make the transition. That's why the new Mac Mini has proved to be such a hit with home users who were once afraid to try something new.

KVM switches let you keep your desk uncluttered as you house any number of machines under the hood. If you keep data on different machines for different purposes and don't relish the thought of plugging and unplugging all those peripherals every time you want to look on another drive, you may get satisfaction out of the new wave of KVM switches. A little research online could yield some promising devices.