Microsoft Garage Mouse controls two computers with one mouse. Logitech Flow: How to Control Multiple Computers with One Mouse Simultaneously Wireless Keyboard to Multiple Computers

Mouse without Borders is not only about controlling multiple computers with one mouse and keyboard. And so what can we do with Mouse without Borders:

Installing Mouse without Borders

1. First, download Mouse without Borders from the link:, the program is free (and yes, the developer is microsoft corporation :)).

2. Install Mouse without Borders on all necessary PCs.

3. Launch Mouse without Borders on the secondary PC and answer "NO":

In return you will receive secret code and PC name:

4. Launch Mouse without Borders on the main PC and answer the question "YES":

In response, you will receive a window with fields for entering the secret code and PC name, enter the information obtained earlier:

5. Click "LINK" and wait until everything is configured:

That's it, ready to press "NEXT", then "DONE" and use one mouse and keyboard on several computers. Configure additional parameters if necessary.

Mouse without Borders made my work much easier for me, I hope you will like it too.

Simultaneous work on several computers, of which only one is in front of you, and the rest - even on the other side of the Earth - is not a fantasy. To have this miraculous opportunity, all you need is Internet access and software remote control on every machine.

Remote control programs are bridges that connect a PC or mobile gadget, which is in front of you, with various computer devices around the world. Of course, if you have a key, that is, a password that allows a remote connection to them.

The possibilities of programs of this kind are very wide. This is both access to the contents of the disks, and launch installed applications, and change system settings, and viewing user actions ... In a word, they allow you to do almost everything on a remote PC as on a local one. Today's article is an overview of six free software remote control of a Windows-based computer (and not only), one of which is included in the operating system itself.

If you need to establish a connection between two computers or a PC and a mobile device, one of which (remote) is located under Windows control, and the second - for Windows, iOS, Android or Mac OS X, sometimes you can do without third-party programs(if only Windows computers participate in the connection). System application"Remote Desktop" is present in all editions of "Windows" since XP. It is not necessary that both machines have the same OS version, you can easily establish a connection, for example, between Windows 10 and Windows 7.

The Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Android and Apple is available for free download from Google Play and the App Store.

What else is needed to create a connection:

Remote Access Permission - Configured on the computer that you intend to control externally.
An account with a password on the remote computer. To solve administrative tasks (installing and removing programs, changing system settings, etc.), you need an account with administrator rights.
Connecting both machines to the Internet or finding them in the same local network.
On the receiving side, open TCP port 3389 (used by the remote desktop by default).

How to enable permission

This and further instructions are shown using the example of Windows 10.

Let's click right key mouse on the "This PC" icon on the desktop. Let's open "Properties".

Being in the "System" window, click on the "Remote Access Settings" transition panel. In the "Remote Desktop" section of the window, put the "Allow ..." checkbox (it is better to leave the "Allow connections with authentication only" checkbox). Next, click on "Select Users".

To add a user who will be allowed to connect to you remotely, click "Add". In the "Enter names" field, enter the name of his account on this computer (do not forget, it must be with a password!), Click "Check Names" and OK.

This completes the setup.

How to configure connection parameters

We perform the following actions on the computer from which we will make a remote connection.

Let's click on the search icon in the taskbar and start typing the word "remote". Select from the found "Remote Desktop Connection".

By default, the application window opens minimized, where there are only fields for entering the computer name and user data. To access all the settings, click on the "Show parameters" arrow. At the bottom of the first tab - "General", there is a button for saving connection parameters to a file. This is useful when you are using different settings to connect to different machines.

The next tab - "Display", allows you to change the properties of the screen image of the remote computer on your monitor. In particular - increase and decrease the resolution, use multiple monitors, change the color depth.

Next, let's set up "Local resources" - sound from a remote computer, conditions for using keyboard shortcuts, access to a remote printer and clipboard.

The parameters of the "Interaction" tab affect the connection speed and the quality of displaying a picture from a remote machine on your monitor.

The "Advanced" tab allows you to define actions in case of unsuccessful authentication of the remote PC, as well as set the connection parameters when connecting through a gateway.

To start a remote access session, press "Connect". In the next window, enter the password.

After the connection is established, the session at the computer of the current user will be terminated and control will pass to you. The remote PC user will not be able to see their desktop as a splash screen will appear on the screen instead.

By following these instructions, you can easily connect to a computer that is on the same network as yours. If the devices are connected to different networks, you will have to make a few additional settings.

How to connect to a remote computer over the Internet

There are 2 ways to set up a Remote Worker connection windows desktop over the Internet - by creating a VPN channel so that devices see each other as if they were on the same local network, and by forwarding port 3389 to the local network and changing the dynamic (variable) IP address of the remote machine to a permanent (static) one.

There are plenty of ways to create VPN channels, but the description of all of them will take quite a lot of space (in addition, a lot of information about this is easily found on the network). Therefore, we will consider, for example, one of the simple ones - using native Windows tools.

How to create a VPN channel on Windows

On the remote machine that will be the server:

After that, in the folder network connections the component "Incoming connections" will appear, which will be the VPN server. To prevent the connection from being blocked by the firewall, do not forget to open TCP port 1723 on the device. local IP address(starts at 10, 172.16 or 192.168), the port will have to be redirected to the external network. Read below how to do this.

On a client computer (Windows 10), the connection is even easier to set up. Run the "Parameters" utility, go to the "Networks and Internet" -> "VPN" section. Click Add VPN Connection.

In the parameters window, specify:

The service provider is Windows.
The connection name can be anything.
Server name or address - IP or Domain name the server you created before.
VPN type - detect automatically or PPTP.
Login data type - username and password (one of the accounts that you have given permission to access). In order not to enter these data each time you connect, write them down in the appropriate fields below and check the "Remember" checkbox.

Router port forwarding and getting static IP

Forwarding (forwarding) ports to different devices(routers) is carried out in its own way, but the general principle is the same everywhere. Let's look at how this is done using a typical TP-Link home router as an example.

Let's open the section “Forwarding” and “ Virtual servers". In the right half of the window, click the "Add" button.

In the "Add or edit record" window, enter the following settings:

Service port: 3389 (or 1723 if you are setting up a VPN).
The internal port is the same.
IP address: computer address (see connection properties) or domain name.
Protocol: TCP or all.
Standard service port: you can leave it blank or choose from the PDP list, and for VPN - PPTP.

How to make a changeable IP address permanent

The standard package of services for Internet providers for home subscribers, as a rule, includes only a dynamic IP address that is constantly changing. And assigning an unchanged IP to a user usually costs him a round sum. So that you do not have to incur extra costs, there are DDNS (dynamic DNS) services, the task of which is to assign a permanent domain name to a device (computer) with a changing network address.

Many DDNS services provide their services for free, but there are those who charge a small monthly fee for this.

I give below short list Free DDNS, which features more than enough for our task.

The rules for using these services, if they differ, are insignificant: first we go through the registration of an account, then we confirm the email address, and finally, we register the domain name of your device and activate it. After that your home computer will have its own name on the Internet, for example 111pc.ddns.net. This name should be specified in the connection settings instead of the IP or the name in the local network.

By the way, some routers support only a small group of DDNS providers, for example, only the oldest and most famous DynDNS (now paid) and No IP. Others like Asus have their own DDNS service. Installing an alternative DD-WRT firmware on the router helps to remove the restrictions.

Pros and cons of using Windows Remote Desktop

The main advantage of proprietary Windows tools before third-party developments - this is the absence of intermediary servers when connecting, which means that the risk of data leakage is reduced. In addition, this tool has a lot of flexible settings and with a skillful approach can become an "impregnable fortress" and "space rocket".

Other advantages of the Windows desktop are the absence of the need to download something, restrictions on the duration of the session, the number of connections, and free.

Disadvantages - difficulty in configuring for Internet access, vulnerability to Pass the Hash attacks.

TeamViewer

Before you start using the service, you will have to register account Google (users of Android devices already have it) or log in using it in the browser Google chrome.

The main window of "Chrome Desktop" includes 2 sections:

Remote support. It contains options for managing a one-time connection to another PC and granting access to yours.
My computers. This section contains the machines with which you previously established a connection and you can quickly connect to them using a given pin code.

During the first communication using the "Chrome desktop" on remote computer an additional component (host) will be installed, which will take 2-3 minutes. When everything is ready, a secret code will appear on the screen. After entering it in the appropriate field, click "Connect".

As with TeamViewer, the remote machine user will be able to see all your actions on the screen. So for covert surveillance, for example, of a child, these programs are not suitable.

Is a very simple and equally reliable utility designed for remote control of computers under Windows and Linux. Its main advantages are ease of use, reliability, high connection speed and also the fact that it does not require installation. Cons - in the absence mobile versions(it will not work to establish a connection via Android and iOS using this program) and the fact that many antiviruses consider it malicious and try to remove it. Fortunately, the latter can be easily prevented by adding the utility to the exceptions.

Ammyy Admin supports 2 ways of establishing connection - by ID-number and by IP-address. The second works only on the local network.

The utility window is divided into 2 parts - "Client", where the computer identification data and password are located, and "Operator" - with fields for entering these data. The connection button is also located here.

The contact book and program settings, which are quite simple, are hidden in the "Ammyy" menu.

- another compact portable Windows program, similar in appearance to the previous one, but with a more interesting set of functions. Supports 2 connection methods - by ID and IP, and 3 modes - full control, file manager(file transfer) and only view the screen of the remote PC.

It also allows you to define several levels of access rights:

Remote operator use of keyboard and mouse.
Clipboard sync.
Change of access rights by the administrator, etc.

The "View only" mode can be used for covert monitoring of the actions of users of remote machines (children, workers), which is not in similar products.

In the main window of AeroAdmin there is a button for opening an email chat (located next to the "Stop" button). Chat is designed to send quickly email operator, for example, asking for help. This function is unique, since in analogue programs there is only a regular chat for exchange text messages... And it starts working only after the connection is established.

Unfortunately, the AeroAdmin contact book is not immediately available. It requires a separate activation via Facebook. And only participants of this social network, since in order to receive an activation code, developers request a link to a personal page. It turns out that those who liked the program cannot do without Facebook registration.

Another feature of AeroAdmin is the admissibility of free use even for commercial purposes, if not needed additional features(continuous connection, multiple concurrent sessions, etc.), available only in paid versions.

- the last utility in today's review for remotely connecting to a Windows PC from another computer, or mobile device... It can be used both without installation and with it.

Like its predecessors, it has a number of unique features:

The fastest image transfer rate from a remote machine.
Most fast exchange files, even at low Internet speeds.
Support for simultaneous connection of multiple remote users. Possibility working together over one project (each user has their own cursor).

Plus, like other programs of this class, AnyDesk provides the operator full access to the functions of a remote machine, it is very easy to connect (by ID and password) and reliably protects the transmitted data.

Logitech Flow technology appeared a year and a half ago. The manufacturer has come up with a universal means of interacting several computers with the same manipulators. the site got acquainted with the performance of macOS, Windows, MX Master 2S mouse and K780 keyboard.

Logitech flow

Logitech Flow is a set of interoperability options for multiple computers. The most common action is using one mouse, which can be moved between different computers as if they are multiple monitors in the same workspace.

To further eliminate isolation, developers have added cross-platform copy and paste of text and files. The set of these features is sufficient to comfortably use two operating systems. The only thing missing is impossible things, like transferring program windows between systems.

The mouse acts as the master, but the keyboard switches with it. Accessories must first be manually connected to all computers.

The bundle will only work for PCs used in the same local network. Connect to the same Wi-Fi networks won't be a problem since computers are nearby.

Switching between different computers

The cursor is transferred between several computers (two or three), and without being tied to the OS. But for Flow to work, you need to install the proprietary Logitech Options software, so there is an actual limitation on macOS and Windows.

To move, you need to move the cursor to one of the edges of the screen. Which one is configured in the software:

Switching is also available here only in cases when you touch the face with pressed Ctrl. The latter will exclude accidental movements, but violates the perception of space as a single one.

There was a subtle delay in switching from Windows 10 to macOS. Almost in the same way as the cursor moves from a connected additional monitor to a laptop. Only it can be two different laptops.

The reverse process turned out to be not so “seamless”: you have to wait a second and a half for the pointer to move from macOS to Windows. Initially, it may seem that the function works only in one direction, but if you do not jerk the mouse, but leave it motionless at the edge, everything will work out.

Copy and paste

Heavy objects are not copied as quickly as we would like. But the process does not distract the user: moved the cursor, clicked "Insert" and then go about your business.

The copying process does not interfere with further moving the cursor back and forth and inserting new folders or files. The system does not use the queue, but transfers all inserts at the same time. Therefore, forced copying of a huge project will not interfere with the transfer of small documents.

Paste text is perfect, this is the best universal clipboard ..

Disadvantages and features

macOS can be woken up by dragging the mouse from an active Windows machine, but it will not come back until you enter the password. If you position the cursor on a Windows laptop and then close it, dragging the pointer on macOS will not work.

The process of switching between devices in the case of a mouse and a keyboard gives a different delay. The keyboard follows the mouse, which creates additional micro-lag.

A pause is enough to place the cursor in an input field on another computer and start typing, but never see the text. Or see, but on the previous computer, if there the cursor was just in the text input field.

Dragging (Drag'n'Drop) does not work in principle. It doesn't feel like a big inconvenience, but if it's more customary to work with a graphical interface, it will be annoying.

Alternatives

The Flow can be replaced by manual switching. Individual manipulators offer a quick source change function. But every time you change from one PC to another, you will have to press additional key... Also, copying will not work.

Software replacements exist, but they work with varying degrees of stability. Not surprising: when you consider that you have to work with different generations of manipulators and communication protocols.

A popular alternative at the software level is Synergy with a similar set of functions to Flow. The functionality is not tied to a specific device, switching between systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) works instantly. The software costs from $ 30, in parallel a second version is being created, which was first released, and then returned to beta testing due to bugs. the site does not recommend spending money until the developers bring Synergy 2.0 to mind.

The best example is the free Microsoft without Borders with a huge difference - it only runs on Windows. You also can't copy and paste many files at once, there is a maximum file size limit (100 MB), but the switching speed is a little higher. The manufacturer does not guarantee work with any manipulators, but modern devices usually function without problems.

Support

If you need to interact with different operating systems or you don’t want to put up with copying restrictions, but you don’t want old software that is about to retire, you will have to fork out for Logitech devices with Flow support. The official list is seven mice and five keyboards:

MX Master 2S - 3999 UAH
- 3799 UAH
MX Anywhwere 2S - 2899 UAH
M585 / M590 Multi-Device Silent - 1199 UAH
M720 Triathlon - 1999 UAH
Craft - 3999
K780 Multi-Device - 3599 UAH
K375s / K380 Multi-Device - 1399 UAH
MK850 Performance (mouse and keyboard) - 3699 UAH

In reality, almost all new manipulators support the technology. Including unusual.

The principle of operation is the same in all cases, it is worth choosing based on which controller you like. The manufacturer does not distinguish between specific pairs - any mouse works with any keyboard and vice versa. Of course, if you choose from the list above.

Formally speaking, you can do without a special keyboard, and only switch the mouse. This will be appropriate for a bundle of a computer and laptop. The first usually has a keyboard already connected, while the second has a built-in one.

Ordering in an American store, especially during the discount season, will significantly save you money. And if this is a good option for a mouse, keep in mind that the buttons will almost certainly lack a local layout. On the other hand, this is a good reason to master touch typing.

conclusions

Logitech Flow was accompanied by various programmatic problems... The small selection of devices and their high cost only exacerbated the situation.

Now the technology hardly fails, it is really convenient and does not require complex settings. The range of supported devices would like to be wider, but almost any consumer will find an option for themselves. Only prices will have to be reconciled.

It is unlikely that many people need to work on several computers at the same time. But if you are one of them and are ready to use Logitech accessories, Flow seems to be the best option.

Software alternatives are good too, but only Synergy will pose a real threat when it deals with new version... Until then, all convenience seekers should go to Logitech. They were able to implement efficient work with two operating systems at the same time.

Let's imagine a situation that you have a laptop and a regular desktop. Here they stand next to each other and you have to work on two at once. Every time you need to do something on a laptop do you have to move your hands to its keyboard and touchpad? No way!

Synergy- a program that makes it possible to control two or more computers using one mouse and one keyboard.

How?

All computers that we will manage must be divided into two groups: clients and a server. The server is the computer whose mouse and keyboard we will use.

You can use a config file or a GUI add-in for customization. But first you need to install the program itself (deb).

And yes, Synergy will work with Win, Lin and Mac computers.

1. Config

Create a synergy.conf file (no matter where, you can specify the location of the file at startup) with the contents (example for two computers, computer2 is located to the left of computer1)

Section: screens comp1_name: comp2_name: end section: links comp1_name: left = comp2_name comp2_name: right = comp1_name end
The first section configures all computers: a colon at the end of lines is required, after it you can specify options. In the second section, the position of computers is adjusted by specifying a neighbor.

It should be noted that comp1_name is exactly the name of the computer, not its IP address (your-desktop instead of 192.168.0.103).

On the server computer, run the command:
synergys -f --config synergy.conf
The server started working (or gave an error message if something was done wrong).
On client computers we execute:
synergyc -f IP_address
Here you must already specify the IP address of the server. An example of a config file and launch commands for two computers can be found here.

2. Superstructure

Now that you understand how it all works, you can move on to a more "human" setting.

Download and install QSynergy - a graphical configuration utility (deb). We open, we see the main window:

On the server, put the second checkbox ("Use this computer to control others ..."). On clients we set the first checkbox and in the “Name of the server” field we write the IP address of the server (if you don’t know, you can click Help → About in the main window and find out).

Now about setting up the server: for setting up, you can use an existing config file (see point 1) or set up everything from scratch. Select the second, click "Configure Server ...".

The first tab configures the location and names of computers. You can add a computer by dragging the icon from the upper right corner to the desired cell in the grid. To rename, you need to double-click on the icon of the desired computer.

There you can also adjust the "dead corners" - the corners, the transition from which to another screen will be impossible (do not forget to indicate the size of the corner). This can be used when you accidentally switch to another screen due to the fact that you are trying to close the window.

On the second tab, you can customize keyboard shortcuts. On third - additional settings server.

Click "OK". Then "Start" on the server computer and "Start" on the client computers.