USB Devices

[darmstadt]

Apparently its possible for a USB device to be shared between systems which is something I need to do but not being a desktop type person I'm not quite too sure how to go about it. Can I just plug the device into an USB hub and then plug all the systems into that hub and they will all see it or do I have to get some kind of special hub?

The device I'm using is a software dongle and was designed with this in mind so I presume it can be done.

[DimPrawn]

The only hubs I have seen allow many USB devices to be seen by one PC.

I have not seen one where (say) a usb HDD can be seen by many PC's or even a single web cam can be seen by many PC's.

To be honest I'd be surprised if it is even possible.

[DaveB]

If it's a storage device of some description you should be able to share it from the PC that has it mounted.

[DimPrawn]

Yes well obviously Dave, but how can you share a USB security dongle between multiple machines?

[DaveB]

Yes well obviously Dave, but how can you share a USB security dongle between multiple machines?

If it's a USB device then windows should mount it as a device regardless. Just share it as another drive and point the PC's that need to see it at that drive on the host pc.

[where did my id go?]

it is possible - cant remember how you do it though. Assuming you want to code your own solution Try Jan Axelson - usb complete

you can buy special hubs that do usb device sharing, although obviously not for 4.99
Also usb/network devices available that will (with the right drivers) do usb over IP.