Accessing two computers and only have one display

Search for KVM switch.

(Keyboard, Video Mouse)

You have to make sure that you get one compatible with the video of your machines AND the display, and the keyboard of your machines. Many of the cheaper ones are for PS/2 keyboards on Windows machines. Avoid these.

DVI KVM's are significantly more expensive than VGA ones, but you want DVI for the clarity on your LCD monitor.

 

Remote desktop?

 

Yes, unplug and replug the display every time you want to switch. Or access one of the Macs via VNC.

 

If you have the Dell 2005FPW, then you already have a DVI and a VGA input, which you can switch between with a front bezel button. You have to live with VGA from your secondary machine, mind you.
That just leaves the USB switching, which you can get a cheaper USB switchbox for. However, Macs don't play nice with some USB switches and KVMs, they'll go to sleep and not wake up.

 

Good point Senor RAM, I didn't notice that display (I have the same one). Regarding the USB switch, I've been using the IOgear GUB201 USB switch with no problems.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817111708

 

You can also share your keyboard and mouse over a network connection using Synergy (available at SourceForge), especially if your monitor has multiple inputs. That will spare you any additional hardware and reduce desk clutter. I have five computers connected via Synergy, sharing two monitors (one computer is on an S-video input and is a dedicated MythTV box [not the one in my sig, which is a development MythTV setup]).

Edit: in case it's unclear, that's five computers with one keyboard and one mouse.

 

I've never done it on a Mac, so someone more familiar with the process will have to chime in.

 

You'll need to download a VNC server and install it on the computer that you want accessed (OSXvnc is a full-featured one that lots of people prefer to other implementations, including Apple's). Then, choose a client you like (Chicken of the VNC is popular, but I prefer VNCViewer because it has a smaller footprint and works less sluggishly in my experience) and connect to the IP of the computer with your password (you shouldn't use the same password as your user accounts). It's really not a difficult task, but it helps to try it on your own and have specific questions if you run into trouble.

You should know that you can't play or edit video over VNC, nor can you game, play DVDs, or generally do anything involving quick motion on your screen. If you have plans for any of these things, VNC isn't for you.

 

It's actually a bit easier than that. OS X 10.4 has a BUILT in VNC Server. Go into your System Preferences and Go to the Sharing Pref Pane. Turn on Apple Remote Desktop and click on the Access Privileges and Check the "VNC Viewers may control screen with password", enter a password. Click okay.

Download Chicken of the VNC (nice VNC App and it's universal). It's fast enuff for browsing and doing tasks, I agree, no DVDs or Gaming. Then you need a KVM switch.

 

eh? The whole point of using VNC in this case is to avoid a KVM switch.

EDIT: Oops, misunderstood there... That applied to the using DVDs, etc comment. *sheepish grin*