Easiest way for to computers to share one Keyboard (bios, monitor, mouse)

[grannynancy]

Not the typical KVM set up - I don't want to share the monitor or mouse - just the keyboard.

Computers sit next to each other [personal and work]
Work is on VPN network, personal is not
Don't want to do the dual screen sharing thing
Don't need to share a mouse
Don't want to share the monitor
Don't have admin rights on the work computer
Work computer on XP, personal on Vista

Really what I would love is a manual switch between the two - but I gather switching would wig out the computers because it would be like unplugging a manual connection each time you switched.

Is there a simple solution?

[forcedfx]

You could still use a KVM, just for its keyboard functionality. With most system BIOS these days this may be the only route.

[NHDave]

Either that or swap a USB keyboard back and forth, wouldn't be my first choice though.

[Mercury Cougar]

KVM, or wireless keyboard and switch the receiver back and forth.

[grannynancy]

So it still sounds like KVM would be the easiest rather than unplugging replugging USB stuff.
Rats - my old KVM has PS2 connections..........

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by grannynancy

So it still sounds like KVM would be the easiest rather than unplugging replugging USB stuff.
Rats - my old KVM has PS2 connections..........

You can get an adapter to allow a PS2 device to connect to a PC's USB port.

[Nomander]

Originally Posted by grannynancy

So it still sounds like KVM would be the easiest rather than unplugging replugging USB stuff.
Rats - my old KVM has PS2 connections..........

Software KM's like Synergy work well, but as you said there are two conditions that limit this (segregated network and admin rights). Thought I would throw it out anyway.

[collinsl]

Sorry if this is not the most sensible or easiest answer, but would it not be easier to get a second keyboard?

[knoxgarden]

Originally Posted by collinsl

Sorry if this is not the most sensible or easiest answer, but would it not be easier to get a second keyboard?

Depends on space available for two keyboards without getting them mixed up.

[collinsl]

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

Depends on space available for two keyboards without getting them mixed up.

Could put one keyboard on top of the screen when you are not using it, if you have CRTs still.