I'm just starting to create my crack rack (well actually not really a rack, but about 6 machines piled together). I can let you know how it goes. I am a Linux idiot, though, so I may still use Win98 as a backup. Machines with Hard drives have all the win98 cabs files on them, just in case!
I'm not bothering with a KVM switch. They are expensive after adding in the cost of cables. Instead, I will just face the machines backwards and manually switching the KVM. Its not too bad, really. I'll just leave the power buttons on and turn them on by plugging them in.
I need cases around my systems, since I have 2 small kids.
Here is my plan for for getting them connected:
1) Install network cards supported by Klinux. I have some cheapie Realtek cards that are on the supported list.
2) I have a router for my cable modem, hooked up to a hub. The router is supposed to act as a DHCP server, which Klinux should recognize. If not, then I will have to manually input the IP address of the router and give the boxes static IPs.
That's all there is to it, I hope.
The cheapest KVM switch I found was at mwave.com. A manual 4 port KVM switch is $29, and cable sets are $12 each.