Considering buying... Details needed

from Stardock Forums

Hi.  I've been looking for a replacement/better KVM sharing solution for my setup, but am uncertain about a few things regarding Multiplicity.  I'm hoping someone can fill me in on them.  I checked out the videos, and 'get it'... but there are some key things I want to be sure of, so please bare with me...

I currently have 3 (Win7) PCs, connected via a 4 port D-Link router and a 4 port TrendNet KVM switcher... with one keyboard, monitor and mouse, and one set of speakers.

This configuration has worked for many years, but has had its share of occassional issues... KVM locks up, slow detection when switching to one of the PCs, and overall 'this is a bit tedious'.  As well, I have run into an issue where my new video card (in one of the machines) does not have an integrated (analog included) HDMI(?) video port, so I can't plug in the proprietary KVM cable (and am forced to have THAT machine run directly into the monitor's Display port)... resulting in me having to switch both using the KVM AND the montior's input button... A bit of a mess.

Some questions:

1) I'm looking at your middle ('KVM') Multiplicity version.  Under KVM, it says 1 PC, which means I can control 2 PCs.... my 'Primary' one, and a single 'remote' one, correct?  I'd have to go to Pro to control 3 computers (including the primary), correct?

2) If I am controlling 2 PCs (using the middle 'KVM' version), is my connection/data kept local (via LAN), or does it go somewhere on the internet?  Does the software, overall, keep connected to the internet?  I am very cautious about security, so I like to keep things offline as much as possible.  I wasn't sure overall how your system worked.  Physically connected via ethernet cables/router?

3) Your software allows for sharing audio to a single set of speakers.  Do you only hear ONE PC at a time (the one in focus), or can I hear them all simultaneously?  I ask, because the one computer is my email machine, so I would like to hear incoming email alerts while I work on the other machine, ideally.

4) I wanted to verify how your various versions display the screens of the various PCs on the monitor...  The first (KM) would allow you do slide or switch the mouse between monitors, correct?  The second (KVM) would have the actual display in the single monitor switch, and you then control the mouse from THAT computer... correct?



Again, my setup is 3 PCs (although addressing only 2 would also be fine for now), a single mouse, keyboard, monitor and speakers.  I COULD set up a second monitor, if needed... but I would like to have just one keyboard/mouse/speaker set.

If you could fill me in on these details, that would be greatly appreciated.  The (physical) KVM I have now seems to be getting flaky,  and a better solution would be great.  Thanks!

multiplicity
12,096 views 21 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

1) I'm looking at your middle ('KVM') Multiplicity version.  Under KVM, it says 1 PC, which means I can control 2 PCs.... my 'Primary' one, and a single 'remote' one, correct?  I'd have to go to Pro to control 3 computers (including the primary), correct?
End of quote

For KVM, and for KVM connections, yes - it would be 1.  Seamless connections (KM) would be 8 Secondaries, however.  For 8 KVM connections, yes, you would need KVM Pro.

2) If I am controlling 2 PCs (using the middle 'KVM' version), is my connection/data kept local (via LAN), or does it go somewhere on the internet?  Does the software, overall, keep connected to the internet?  I am very cautious about security, so I like to keep things offline as much as possible.  I wasn't sure overall how your system worked.  Physically connected via ethernet cables/router?
End of quote

MP is only ever local LAN and is encrypted.

3) Do you only hear ONE PC at a time (the one in focus), or can I hear them all simultaneously? 
End of quote

The latter.

4) I wanted to verify how your various versions display the screens of the various PCs on the monitor...  The first (KM) would allow you do slide or switch the mouse between monitors, correct?  
End of quote

Correct, the monitors for each PC would have to be physically visible (on the same desk for example).

The second (KVM) would have the actual display in the single monitor switch, and you then control the mouse from THAT computer... correct?
End of quote

I think I understand what you are asking - but not certain.  The best way to describe it would be using Remote Desktop...  You connect to the remote PC and its Desktop(s) is shown in a window (or full screen) on the Primary (the PC remoting to the remote).  You can move that window / connection to any monitor on said Primary.

That all said, using MP is much like trying to detail how to ride a bike - way harder than seeing it in action.  I would highly recommend installing the 30 day, full functional, trial (it is KVM PRO) to see for yourself.

----------------
Sean Drohan
Stardock Customer Service Manager

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi, Sean.  Thanks for that prompt and very helpful response.  Very much appreciated.

Okay, that all sounds like excellent news.  I'm pleasantly surprised, as I was sure there would be some deal breakers there!  Especially with the audio.

So, at this point, the only follow-up question that springs to mind, is whether the PCs would have to have the Windows Remote Access service activated.  I currently have it off on all the PCs due to the obvious security risk that is, allowing anyone on the web to hack in and control them.  If so, is there a means to do a form of the Remote Access service where it is local control only?  (So no one outside of my LAN can exploit the service)

Friends have shown me other solutions, but some have involved 3rd party online hub things, meaning everything is beamed out into the internet, then bounced back to the other machine(s)...  Even if secure, it still means my data is travelling through some computer other than mine, which I'm not keen on!

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Additional questions:

1) If using the middle/'KVM' version of the software, and you have 3 PCs, can you connect to one of the PCs as a KVM, and the other as KM?  (...to utilize the KM feature for a third PC, but still use the KVM feature, for the one you are allowed)

2) How is audio transferred between computers?  Is the audio data from the non-primary computers transferred via the ethernet cable, or do you have to somehow connect physical audio cables?

3)...and, that question from my post above... about whether you need the Windows Remote Access service to be on (for a setup where you have computers physically side by side in the same room, connected to each other via a router)

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 2

PCs would have to have the Windows Remote Access service activated. 
End of ladlon's quote

No, MP has it's own services and not dependant on any others.

Quoting ladlon, reply 3

1) If using the middle/'KVM' version of the software, and you have 3 PCs, can you connect to one of the PCs as a KVM, and the other as KM?  (...to utilize the KM feature for a third PC, but still use the KVM feature, for the one you are allowed)
End of ladlon's quote

Its not restricted but it would be battle of mouse control if each were used at the same time.  What cant be done is two KVM connections to the same box.

Quoting ladlon, reply 3

2) How is audio transferred between computers?  Is the audio data from the non-primary computers transferred via the ethernet cable, or do you have to somehow connect physical audio cables?
End of ladlon's quote

All MP features, audio included, is via IP.

Again, I do hope you install the trial as many things become clear, quickly, upon use.

----------------
Sean Drohan
Stardock Customer Service Manager

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

That sounds awesome, and like it may very well work for me.

Thanks for the helpful responses.  I really appreciate that.

I'm definitely going to try it out, and unless I find some issue, I'll be buying the KVM version (and probably upgrading to Pro once it is clearly proven to work for my situation).

Are upgrade costs just the difference between the two version, or is it more expensive to upgrade than to just buy the higher version right away?

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 5

Thanks for the helpful responses.  I really appreciate that.
End of ladlon's quote

You are most welcome.

Quoting ladlon, reply 5

Are upgrade costs just the difference between the two version, or is it more expensive to upgrade than to just buy the higher version right away?
End of ladlon's quote

There are upgrade options:

https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/#comparison

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Yep, I noticed the upgrade link, but it doesn't show the upgrade prices (...You have to have already bought a license in order to go further).

I'm just curious if upgrading costs equal or more than buying the higher version right away.  I'm considering buying the KVM version, but will probably go Pro, in order to include my 3rd machine, so I need to see if it's better for me to just buy Pro right away, or if it would be fine to go KVM for now and upgrade (...assuming the cost is the same).

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 7

Yep, I noticed the upgrade link, but it doesn't show the upgrade prices (...You have to have already bought a license in order to go further).
End of ladlon's quote

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Awesome.  Thanks for the upgrade price info.

I downloaded the demo, and will give it a try.

Another question, please:  I have got 3 PCs connected via a router.  If I use Multiplicity KVM or Pro, will the content/activity on the secondary machines be 'visible/accessable' to the internet (hackers)?  I usually just have the one machine (email/browsing) online, and the other ones disconnected unless I need to go online with them, or transfer files between them.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 9

If I use Multiplicity KVM or Pro, will the content/activity on the secondary machines be 'visible/accessable' to the internet (hackers)? 
End of ladlon's quote

NO... Not only is the connections encrypted, you are also protected by your own internal router / firewalls from such things.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello again.  I have set up Multiplicity on my 3 machines, sorted out some of the things I was a bit confused about, and have found it is working very well.  Very impressed and happy with this.  It even solved a previous issue I had with the 3 machines sharing one set of speakers (involving crackly Y cables), as well as an issue I previously had due to a new graphics card not being compatible with the hardware KVM (and the awkward switching procedure I had to do every time, as a result).   So, 3 major issues solved by your product!

It looks like I will be buying the Pro version, after another day of stresstesting.  And, again, thanks for your very helpful answers so far.

 

Some new questions, now that I have experienced it running successfully:

-Is there not a way to define hotkeys to quickly switch between the various PCs (fullscreen)?  I noted that the Hotkeys feature is apparently only for KM mode (I have one monitor), and currently I have to put the mouse pointer against the top of the screen, and select from there.  Certainly not tedious, but the ideal would be hotkeys that immediately jump you to the specified computer (like the KM hotkeys can).  Any chance of that being included in a future update?

-I have found that when I am controlling a secondary computer (from my primary), and shut down the computer (via Window's regular shutdown feature), I am left with an invisible cursor after it shuts down, and I'm on the Multiplicity switching interface (fullscreen).  I recall seeing something in one of the options about invisible cursors, but I can't seem to find that any more, and wasn't even sure if that was relevant to what I was experiencing.  I am still able to access the (top of the screen) 'Switch Back To Primary' button, but obviously it would be better if the cursor were visible.  Any idea how that can be resolved?

-Just wanted to confirm... Drag and Drop is not available between KVM windows, correct?  I can copy and past, it appears.

-Do I need to define/change the encryption 'code'?  I didn't know if a common default was used (and therefore something a hacker could try first), or if a unique, random code was generated with each installation.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

I have forwarded your problem/questions to Stardock Support team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

 

Basj

Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

Quoting ladlon, reply 11

I noted that the Hotkeys feature is apparently only for KM mode
End of ladlon's quote

That is correct, it is only a KM feature.

Quoting ladlon, reply 11

I recall seeing something in one of the options about invisible cursors, but I can't seem to find that any more,
End of ladlon's quote

Please see:

https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/v3/manual/default.htm?control.htm

----------------
Sean Drohan
Stardock Customer Service Manager

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 11

-Just wanted to confirm... Drag and Drop is not available between KVM windows, correct? 
End of ladlon's quote

Correct.

----------------
Sean Drohan
Stardock Customer Service Manager

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks.

Re: Hotkey to switch between computers in KVM mode...  Any chance this could be added as a feature in a future update?

Re: Invisible cursor... Oh, it's only on the setting screen of the secondary computers!  That's why I couldn't find it anymore.  I'm running Win7, but I'll try it out.  Even if it doesn't work, it's fairly easy to blindly move the pointer up to reveal the Switch To Primary button....  But, this is actually another example of where the abovenoted 'switching between computers via hotkeys in KVM mode' would be handy!

Re: Encryption keys (previous post, above).... Any response to that?

 

Bonus question/feature request: Right now, there doesn't appear to be a way to adjust the volume of secondary computers (the native Windows audio sliders seem to be made irrelevant).  If that's the case, perhaps in a future update, Multiplicity includes a volume slider in the settings (or connection window) for each of the secondary computers?

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 11

-Do I need to define/change the encryption 'code'? 
End of ladlon's quote

You dont need to but can:

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Sorry, I checked the Control page of my secondary computer, and noticed that it doesn't have the pointer for Win8 checkbox (although I do remember it being there before).  I suspect it is because it is now configured or something?

Any way to get access to that option again?

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 18

Sorry, I checked the Control page of my secondary computer, and noticed that it doesn't have the pointer for Win8 checkbox (although I do remember it being there before).  I suspect it is because it is now configured or something?

Any way to get access to that option again?
End of ladlon's quote

It only show on Win8 PCs.  If yours indeed is, you can try the purge and reinstall:

https://forums.stardock.com/486104/multiplicity-support-faq#reinstalling

------------
Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

Nope, all Win7's over here.  Odd... I could have sworn I saw it when I was first setting up the secondary (before doing the primary).

Ya, I found my pointer disappeared when I log off the secondary computer.  Not a big deal, as I can still blindly move it up and find the button.  I think if I hit the button before the secondary computer actually turns off, I still have the pointer... so, I just have to be quick on the draw, I guess.

Okay, thanks.  Really loving the software.  My whole setup is so much better now.

Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ladlon, reply 20

Nope, all Win7's over here.  Odd... I could have sworn I saw it when I was first setting up the secondary (before doing the primary).

Ya, I found my pointer disappeared when I log off the secondary computer.  Not a big deal, as I can still blindly move it up and find the button.  I think if I hit the button before the secondary computer actually turns off, I still have the pointer... so, I just have to be quick on the draw, I guess.

Okay, thanks.  Really loving the software.  My whole setup is so much better now.
End of ladlon's quote

This can be tricky but try changing the mouse scheme when it happens:

You can change it back to what it was after - its just sometimes this needs to be changed to reset things.  Its odd, I get it, just let me know if that works for you.

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Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager