homePCnetwork - Kavoom

Software Reviews

KaVoom! Software KVM switch

We've covered the many advantages of keyboard/video/monitor (KVM) switching in both our how-to and hardware review sections. In short, KVMs are great tools once you have more than one computer that you want to regularly control from a single workstation; for example, a desktop and laptop or a desktop and a server.

KaVoom! takes that idea one big step further by providing that function across a network via a small, inexpensive software utility. One of the big advantages with KaVoom! is that it leaps long distances across your network with ease. While there are hardware solutions that us the IP protocol of networks to control distant computers, those are very pricey. KaVoom! provides that same functionality for less than $30. Long distance becomes important, for example, when you install a media server near your home theater but want to control the server from your home office.

In our testing (see more below in Performance) we found no flaws in the software and lots to like in speed and ease of use. In fact, KaVoom! is one of those software solutions that leaves you a bit stunned: "how could this be this easy, work so well and cost so little."

With that kind of performance and price that low, it was a no-brainer to bestow a homePCnetwork.com Editor's Best Buy award on KaVoom!.

Overview

KaVoom! is a small software utility from a company called KaVoom Software Inc. The utility takes up some 4 megs of memory when running. It allows you to easily control a number of computers from a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. Unlike most KVM hardware solutions, there is no physical limit created by cable lengths to stop you from controlling computers anywhere in the house.

KaVoom! is based on the idea of switching entire monitors from one computer to another. You don't get individual windows that display another computer's desktop as you do with many utilities including Windows own remote desktop connection. This is one reason why KaVoom is so simple and effective.

One very interesting new feature of KaVoom! (see the full list of new, version 5 features here) is that a computer can be set up as both a primary (the workstation from which others are controlled) AND secondary (a computer being controlled). In the past, you had to select one or the other.

Once the utility is installed, a small window stays on your screen with a button for each computer set up. You simply click on the button for the computer you want to control and KaVoom! instantly switches to that computer. You can also use a keystroke combination instead of the button and even hide the window if you'd like. We found the small window fit nicely into the same area as the new sidebar in Windows Vista.

Yes - that's all there is to it - a simple application that's easy to learn, easy to use and fast.

There are a few variations of KaVoom! available, including one that switches just keyboard and mouse (for when each computer has its own monitor), one that handles multiple monitors and customized solutions they'll build for you.

Installation

Installation of KaVoom! was an absolute breeze. You can download the software (click here) and run it as a trial for free. Then, when you're as convinced as we are that this is a great utility, you can buy a license and activate the trial software.

After running the install program, you answer a few questions to setup KaVoom! for your situation, deciding whether the computer is primary (the controlling computer), secondary (computer being controlled) or both. You also can decide what type of window it creates for the switch buttons - horizontal or vertical.

Just one word of caution on installation. Obviously since KaVoom! relies on network connectivity, you might find issues with firewalls on your home network blocking KaVoom! Some firewalls appear to automatically exclude KaVoom! and others may not. For example, Norton on one of our test machines handled it automatically and Windows firewall on another did not. In that instance, you'll need to use settings for the firewall utility to exclude KaVoom! That might sound complicated but it's all covered on the KaVoom! customer support page.

Performance

KaVoom! performs exactly as advertised. We were impressed with the speed. Believe it or not, it is faster than some hardware KVM switches, including those that use USB for keyboard and mouse versus the old PS2 style. That's because it takes computers an instance to recognize the USB devices. There is NO delay in KaVoom! switching. None.

Even more amazingly, KaVoom! already works with Vista and other new Microsoft operating systems such as the new Windows Home Server we've been testing. Very cool.

We did notice, in a few instances, where windows open on one computer would still be visible when we switched to the other computer. However, it didn't bother us enough to cause any great problem.

Technical Support

The technical support options include downloadable product manuals (which are almost unnecessary because KaVoom! works so easily and simply), online FAQs and an e-mail address. When we had a few issues with our licensing, we received an immediate reply within hours that fixed the issue. That's fast, tremendous support.

Summary

Overall, we think KaVoom! is outstanding. A simple, inexpensive utility that does what it is supposed to do, with nearly zero technical issues and great performance. What is not to like?

We present KaVoom! with a homePCnetwork.com Editor's Best Buy award.

If you need to control several computers in your home network, we absolutely urge you to give KaVoom! a try. The free trial and easy activation means you truly have nothing to lose.

Grade = A+

Quick Facts

Product - KaVoom! Software KVM switch
Company - KaVoom Software Inc.
Street Price - $29.95 (for two computers; $12.95 for each additional computer)
For information - www.kavoom.biz
07/05/07

This page last updated 07/07/2007