monitor with dual video

[Torro]

If my monitor has dual inputs (vga and dvi) such as the Dell 19" FP
What would happen if I connect them to 2 different machines at the same time?
Would I be able to switch between the 2 displays?
Would it default to one of the connections?
Would it explode?

 

[Matthias99]

Usually you're able to switch between them. Duh. What the heck do you think this feature is for (well, I guess now that we have LCD monitors, it also lets you use them with either DVI or VGA).

If your monitor is smart it will autodetect which one is 'live' and default to that one. If they're both live, I don't know which one it will default to. But I'm *fairly* certain it won't explode. :roll:

 

[Torro]

lol
I know it wont explode
Just threw it in there
My main concern was whether the dual inputs were designed with the idea of using one OR the other
[Should have posted this in the original]
Current set up is 2 home built machines --> KVM switch --> vga 15" monitor
Just bought a Dell 19" monitor with vga/dvi inputs and then i remembered one machine has a vid card with dvi output and the other has onboard vid with vga
So I was just making sure that I won't have to have both monitors on my desk

ps the vga 15" monitor isnt mine, i borrowed it after my 18" lcd went to hell

So once I'll be able to connect both machines and switch back and forth as I please, it's all good

pps can i switch from the keyboard? alternately, how do I program one of those special function keys to a specific key combination?

 

[Matthias99]

It should work fine. I would be surprised if a newer LCD didn't let you plug in two input sources and switch between them -- but, seriously, why dno't you just try it and find out?

And on all of the ones I've seen, you need to hit a button on the monitor to switch inputs.

If you have a keyboard with special function keys, it should have come with software to program them.

 

[Torro]

just bought ==> online
hasnt arrived yet
figured i should find out whether my assumptions were right or i would have to rethink the purchase
cant wait for Next weekend

Thanks for everything