Using several computers at a time

[SimonPaul]

Hello,

I'm using a G4 1 Ghz DP 1 GigRam, with a 20 " LCD Apple display, as the main work station. I also own but rarely use a G4 Cube + a 12' G4 laptop for location work. They are all connected with an Airport.

I'd like to boost the power as the work gets sometime really slow while processing raw files with C1, touching up with PS, and uploading / downloading files with Dreamweaver.

One option that I can think of would be to use the Cube for FTP and the G4DP for image processing but I have not figured out how to keep organized a huge number of files while being accessed by several computers. I presume that I would also need to set up some sort of server to store the files. Has anyone have some experience with that ?

An other option would be to hook up my LCD display to two computers, and switch whenever necessary without having to leave my desk. The G4DP would upload files, create web galleries, etc in the background while the G5 would process raw files. When one or the other task would be complete by the touch of a button the same keyboard would either command the G4 or the G5. Is there any way to do that ?

Thanks & Best, P.

[Warren_Liebman]

I use 3 computers and share files between them all the time. I have a Dual G4 800, Powerbook G4 667, and a PC. The computers are connected by a Belkin SOHO 4-Port USB KVM switch. It allows me to instantly switch between the computers using the switch. I use one monitor, a Dell 18” LCD (my Apple 20” is connected to the ADC port of the G4 tower), the keyboard, mouse and Wacom tablet are connected to the USB port of the KVM.

To see the files on the different computers, they are connected to a gigabit switch. This allows real time swapping of files between the computers at normal hard drive speeds. With the cost of a gigabit switch now just over a $100.00, it is crazy not to upgrade to gigabit Ethernet. I can process my 1DS raw files on one computer and save the files on another computer hard drive in real time.

Warren