Manage multiple system using single mouse and keyboard, use Synergy

If you are wondering what is Synergy, then let me tell you that Synergy is one of finest utility software I have ever used. Synergy lets you share a single pair of mouse and keyboard among multiple computers.

To know more about synergy check out their webpage at sourceforge http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/.

In my case, I have a Desktop and a Laptop and even though they are on the same workspace it is sometimes annoying when you have to switch frequently. I used to wonder if I could control both of them using the same keyboard and mouse.

Remote desktop seemed to be an option but I am  too lazy to even switch windows. And pressing key combinations to get out of the window is pretty annoying. Then I came across Synergy and trust me fellas.. now "switching computers" for me is as simple as moving a mouse.

This is a quick guide to install and configure Synergy on Ubuntu (similar steps could be taken to do them on any linux based system).

Installation

First of all install package synergy from repos

sudo apt-get install synergy

For installation on other systems, one can refer the webpage of synergy  mentioned above.

Configuration (Server)

Then create a file named synergy.conf. This is the configuration file for synergy. Take a look at my synergy.conf file for reference.

Let me explain the options to you, screens are where we lay out different configuration options. I have used only 2 options here:

screens: it contains the hostnames of the computers I want to use.

links: links contains information about switching computers. e.g. which side of my screen will mouse leave to enter another computer.

In order to know the hostnames of linux machines use this command

[shredder12]$ uname -n

As you can see I am using a desktop and a laptop as the 2 computers. The options in link means that if mouse leaves the right side of my screen I will be switched to my Laptop. 

In a similar way you can configure your synergy.conf file. Once we are done with the configuration run the following commands.

[shredder12]$ synergys -f --conf synergy.conf

If it is executed without any problem i.e. a server gets created then move to the next step. Otherwise, if a prompt is returned with some errors then you need to check your synergy.conf file.

[shredder12]$ mv synergy.conf ~/.synergy.conf

Now, run your synergy server

[shredde12]$ synergys

Configuration (Client)

You just have to install the same synergy package on the client machine and connect to the server. Use this command

[shredder12]$ synergyc -f <server ip address>