Multi-User Computer System

Abstract

A system for connecting multiple users to multiple computers uses a switch for making and breaking connections between individual computers and input/output devices such as display screens, keyboards and pointing devices at user locations. A supervisory computer system includes one or more helper computers which run programs to aid the user in selecting connections to be made. The switch is arranged to capture preselected input sequences as designating commands, such as a command to connect the helper computer, and to forward these to the supervisory computer system. The supervisory computer system actuates the switch in response to these commands so that the user can establish communication with the helper computer.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
   
   
       30 . A supervisory computer system for a KVM system for selecting one of a plurality of server computers with input and output devices locatable at a plurality of user locations remote from said server computers, wherein said KVM system is operable to receive input signals sent by input devices included in sets of input and output devices at user locations, and to convey input signals from said input devices to server computers associated with said user locations and conveying output signals from such server computers to output devices at said user locations; said supervisory computer system comprising:
 an interactive computer program operated in response to predetermined input signals provided by said input devices at any of said plurality of user locations; and   a graphical user interface included in said interactive computer program and facilitating selection of one or more of said server computers by a user at said user location that sent said predetermined input signals by providing said user with a listing via said graphical user interface of appropriate ones of said server computers, organization of content of said listing being in accordance with at least one user provided criterion.   
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said interactive computer program responsive to selections made via said graphical user interface communicates to one or more switches in order to make connection between said server computers and said remote input and output device. 
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said supervisory computer system records information about usage of said server computers by a user, recorded usage information being displayable using said graphical user interface. 
   
   
       33 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the interactive computer program couples to said one or more switches by way of a network connection. 
   
   
       34 . A supervisory computer system for a KVM system for selecting one of a plurality of server computers for KVM control thereof through the use of input and output devices, said input and output devices remotely located from said server computers, said supervisory computer system comprising:
 an interactive computer program for viewing a list of servers within said KVM system; and   a graphical user interface operable for viewing said list of servers,   wherein organization of content of said list is selectable by a user, said graphical user interface in connection with said interactive computer operable to provide selective connection to one or more of said servers utilizing said list, said election being made by said devices remotely located from said server compute.