{"id":430,"date":"2009-09-28T10:43:58","date_gmt":"2009-09-28T17:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.avatarplanet.com\/blog\/?p=430"},"modified":"2009-09-28T10:43:58","modified_gmt":"2009-09-28T17:43:58","slug":"using-multiple-second-life-viewers-simultaneously-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avatarplanet.com\/blog\/2009\/09\/28\/using-multiple-second-life-viewers-simultaneously-part-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Using multiple Second Life viewers simultaneously – part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Using<\/div>\n

In Part 1<\/a>, we discussed using multiple computers to use multiple Second Life<\/a> avatars and viewers simultaneously. It has the advantage of having a much lower impact on computer performance than using a single computer, but also has two major disadvantages:<\/p>\n

1. Expense: <\/strong>If you’re not using laptops, you could have the additional expenses of buying additional monitors and keyboards (and additional speakers if the audio will be different in each viewer).<\/p>\n

2. Logistics<\/strong>: Even if you don’t have to buy additional monitors and keyboards, running Second Life on multiple computers is still a logistical nightmare. Most people don’t have room on their desks for three or four laptops or monitors and keyboards, and switching between them can be a hassle.<\/p>\n

There’s a solution: a KVM switch<\/a>. This device allows you to control several computers simultaneously with a single keyboard and monitor. Some KVM switches also allow you to use a single set of speakers. With the KVm switch, your hands never need leave your keyboard. With a few keystrokes, control switches to another computer. It can work really well.<\/p>\n

This writer uses an IOGEAR Four Port USB KVM Switch (model GCS634U). There are other companies making similar products. I haven’t tested them, so I can’t recommend one over the other, but the IOGEAR has worked well for me. Be sure to read reviews carefully before deciding which one to buy.<\/p>\n

If running multiple viewers simultaneously isn’t affecting the performance of your computer, then there’s no point in using a multiple computer setup. But if you’re running more than two viewers simultaneously or if you’re doing something that’s resource-intensive, such as making a machinima, then using multiple computers with a KVM switch may work better for you.<\/p>\n

The other parts in this series are:
\nPart 1<\/a>: Four ways of running multiple viewers and avatars simultaneously
\nPart 2<\/a>: Videos and more details about running multiple viewers and avatars on a single computer
\nPart 4<\/a>: Why on earth (ok, virtual Earth!) would someone want to run multiple viewers and avatars simultaneously?<\/p>\n

You can get information about where to download alternate Second Life viewers at wiki.secondlife.com\/wiki\/Alternate_viewers#Third-party_Viewers<\/a>.<\/p>\n