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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Is there any way to turn my Linux machine into a docking station? (lemmy.world)

submitted 5 months ago by a_new_sad_me@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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The thing is like this: I have a windows laptop I use for work, and a Linux desktop machine. I have a single screen keyboard etc. and I switch between the two using a docking station. But, I wonder if there is a way for me to "cut the middle man" and just plug/unplug my linux machine.

I guess I can use a remote desktop solution approach on my laptop, but I wonder if there is a more "extreme" solution. Mostly since I have only one Ethernet port in my home office.

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[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 16 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I guess I'm not understanding the question...

You have a laptop connected to a docking station.

You have linux PC connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

You want to use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse on both machines? Switching between the two?

The monitor is the easy part, lots of monitors have multiple inputs, so you put the Linux PC on one input and the laptop dock on the other. Switch video inputs using the buttons on the monitor.

The keyboard and mouse would be tricky without a KVM switch. In theory, with a wireless keyboard and mouse, you could connect it to both machines, but you'd run the risk of using one and sending garbage data to the other if both were turned on at the same time.

I'd just get a KVM, that's what they're there for.

[–] a_new_sad_me@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I have a docking station, or better said KVM, connected to the monitor, keyboard etc. Currently, I'm switching the KVM between the laptop and the desktop machine using a USB C. I wonder if there is a way for me to turn my desktop into a KVM.

[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 15 points 5 months ago

Typicaly the way a KVM worls is you connect both computers to it, then a single monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Flipping the switch on the KVM moves the keyboard and mouse input, and video output, from machine #1 to Machine #2.