Hi Woody,

I am a I.T Technician by profession.

From what I understand you want a PC going to two monitors, two keyboards and two mouses.
This is easy achievable by using a dual port video adapter (if you using a desktop) and hub for your keyboard and mouse. If your main setup isa laptop the you are in luck as most laptops come with a external VGA port. (There are few implications here such as what ports your monitor supports either DVI or VGA) However the problem you’re faced with is the location of the second set of hardware. It is too far away from main setup. So you won’t be able to get a cable long enough for this.

Here is what I would suggest.
(Assuming you have 2 computers running Windows XP and connecting to a central router/modem)

On your office computer: make it part of a "WORKGROUP" give it a specific name.
On your laboratory computer, join it to the same "WORKGROUP".
Enable file sharing on both computers.
Now you have a basic home network between the two computers and you can now share files.

Here is the fun part, If both computers are connected to a central router/modem they will both be part of your LAN (Local Area Network)

If both computers are on the LAN you can control each other’s computer.
(I.E from your office you could control the laboratory computer and vice versa).
This done through Windows RDC (Remote Desktop Connection).
You will need to enable this service. (Check the Microsoft tech support site for assistance).

Or if you have trouble getting RDC to work, use a program called TIGHT VNC.
It will do the same thing as RDC but it is allot more simple and easier to use.

Hope this helps.


PS: I would strongly suggest getting a tech to do it. There is allot of fine detail I have skipped, as not to over complicate it for you.
But the above should give you a few ideas of how to achieve what you want.

Cheers,
Ash