I've had a problem for a while. I have a couple of computers that I use for different things; most of them are servers, but some are workstations. My main computer that I use the most is a quad core box which I have my surround system plugged into, and I run Windows XP on it. Now, the thing is: I like GNU/Linux; I dislike windows; I like to play games with my friends. I like to listen to music all the time. I need windows on my main computer because I want to be able to play games with my friends. So, I'd like to run GNU/Linux on my main computer too, but I still want to be able to play games on the same computer (since all other computers that I have are getting old and are used as servers). UPDATE: Oh, and I don't want to dual boot, since I don't want to reboot. First solution I could buy an identical computer and another surround system and place all the new speakers next to the old ones. Sure, it's doable, and as long as the speakers are pretty small it's not a problem. Now I can just plug in both computers to the same monitor and then just switch the input on it when I want to play some games. Problem is; I'm a student, so I don't have that much money. And I'll have to use a KVM switch for the keyboard and mouse, or have two mice and two keyboards. Second solution Use another, somewhat slower, computer that I have that can act as my main which I run GNU/Linux on, buy a new surround system and then just switch the input on the monitor when I want to play games. I've thought about this one for a while, but it feels like a waste of money to throw on a new surround system when I already have one. I could switch the cables when I want to play games, but then I'd have to put on my protection suit, crawl under a couple of desks and push my way through the dust and dead explorers to do it. Too much trouble. But I'll still have to use a KVM switch for the keyboard and mouse. Third solution Use another, somewhat slower, computer that I have that can act as my main which I run GNU/Linux on, use the same surround system to both computer in some way, then just switch the input on the monitor when I want to play games. For this to work, I need to find a way to either share the audio output device on one of the computers over the network, and have that as the audio input device on the other computer. After a while of searching and trying out different programs; I gave up. I bet there are a program out there which does just this, but I'll still have to use a KVM switch for the keyboard and mouse. Delirious dreams of a perfect solution Okay so, I'll use my older computer as main with GNU/Linux, and my quad core with windows on it to play games with. Oh, right, and search the four corners of the earth for a KVM switch with USB keyboard/mouse and 7.1 audio support. That would solve everything! The only problem is; I've never heard of such a piece of hardware. Does anyone know if it exists? Or do anyone know of a better solution? Thanks for any input.
