ShareMouse Lets You Control Multiple Computers With One Mouse and Keyboard

I have been using the excellent Mouse Without Borders in the past months to control multiple PCs in the same computer network with one mouse and keyboard. This is especially useful if you are working with a desktop PC and laptop, as it is usually more comfortable to work with a real keyboard and mouse on the laptop, thank the built-in smaller keyboard and touchpad.

And while you could connect a mouse and keyboard to the laptop, you’d end up with lots of stuff on your desktop that may clutter it too much for your liking.

ShareMouse is another program for Windows and Mac systems that lets you control multiple computer systems with one mouse and keyboard.  If you have been using Mouse Without Borders previously, you will notice that ShareMouse detects the systems the program is running on automatically, eliminating the need to exchange keys or setup the system at all. If you think that this is a security risk, you can configure keys in the software’s preferences to protect the communication.

The second difference is that ShareMouse can be installed on a supported operating system, or run from as a portable application instead. You will also notice that the inactive screen gets dimmed automatically by the software, which you can also disable in the program options.

Like Mouse Without Borders, ShareMouse users can drag and drop files between connected systems, and share Clipboard entries as well.

When you open the program’s preferences, you find some interesting options displayed to you. From a quick switch keyboard shortcut, to a panic key and preferences to enable or disable some of the program’s features.

So far so good. Unlike Mouse Without Borders, ShareMouse is only free for users who use it on a maximum of two computer screens at once, and are not power users.  According to the FAQ on the official website,  ShareMouse switches to demo mode in any of the following cases:

• The program is used on more than two computers
• The program is used with more than two monitors
• The program is run on a server operating system
• If a domain controller is present in the local network
• If professional software, like Adobe Photoshop, Autocad or SAP are used
• When the user receives financial compensation for work on the computer

This seriously limits the program for some users, who may want to consider using Mouse Without Borders as an alternative in this case.

Demo Video

Closing Words

If you are not considered a power user by the program, you can’t find an easier application that lets you control multiple PCs or Macs with a single keyboard and mouse combination. If you are a professional user, you may want to use Mouse Without Borders or Synergy instead. (found at Lifehacker)via[ghacks]