DOS ain't dead

I just had a crazy idea! Try a KVM on a DOS PC! (Users)

posted by WDA0208, 16.03.2025, 00:46
(edited by WDA0208 on 16.03.2025, 01:08)

> > I remembered, I have an
> > ADDERLink® ipeps mini KVM device over there on the shelf! It's an
> entirely
> > hardware solution to give a secure remote view and control of any
> computer,
> > and OS as far as I can tell. Why not DOS??? Should work. I am going to
> give
> > it a try!
> >
> > ~Bill
>
> It worked! No problem at all. The KVM was already configured for my local
> network, so just hooked it up to the Zimaboard running FreeDOS and gave the
> DOS system a reboot. The KVM picked up the DOS video mode no problem and I
> have networked control of the system just like if I was sitting at it. Of
> course, that is entirely the point of any KVM.
>
> I must emphasize that while it works GREAT, it is expensive. The fortunate
> thing is that I already had the ADDERLink ipeps KVM for another purpose.
> These units cost about $700, which is WAY more than the Zimaboard itself
> did. However, functionally it is perfect!
>
> ~Bill

In conclusion, this is the Zimaboard computer (as labeled in the center of the photo). To its right is an outboard PCIe card carrier for the NVMe M.2 drive it is booting from. Upper left is a mini travel wireless router in client mode. Down and to the left is an ADDERLink IP KVM which is giving me keyboard, mouse, and video access to it across the network via its internal VNC server. Current running FreeDOS (as shown in the other photo).

This has been a fun little project!
~Bill

Complete thread:

• I just had a crazy idea! Try a KVM on a DOS PC! - WDA0208, 15.03.2025, 05:37 (Users)
  • I just had a crazy idea! Try a KVM on a DOS PC! - WDA0208, 15.03.2025, 17:39
    • I just had a crazy idea! Try a KVM on a DOS PC! - WDA0208, 16.03.2025, 00:46