[Serge_N_Gin]

Does anyone have any ideas why my wireless usb keyboard is useless when the bootloader shows the window where you select if you want to load windows or linux?

The keyboard only works when Windows is fully loaded.

I have a PS2 keyboard which works fine but would rather use the more ergonomic usb keyboard....

Is it the fact that it's wireless??

[saikee]

It is the kernel that doesn't like the wireless keyboard.

I got over this problem by plugging the wireless keyboard and mouse to a KVM switch, which electronically sending signals to 4 PC while using one set of of keyboard/mouse/monitor. The wireless signal is re-transmitted as that off a PS2 port.

Some distros have no problem in recognising the wireless keyboard but the sensible way is to stick with something more established if you want trouble free recognition.

[Serge_N_Gin]

Does anyone know the price of a basic KVM switch?

I'd be interested in exploring this option and have no idea what kind of $$$$ is involved.

THe wireless mouse that came with the keyboard stopped working ages ago and I have long since started using a USB mouse in tandem with the Keyboard.

[saikee]

The price I paid for a 4-port KVM switch is comparable to a 500 to 550Watts PSU, a medium standard PC shell or a DVD re-writer. Think it was about 40 to 45 GBP.

The main function of a KVM switch is for using one set of keyboard/mouse/monitor for operating several PC concurrently and should not be seen as a solution to run a wireless keyboard in Linux. Trying various distros should be the first step following by replacing the wireless keyboard with a wired version.

Your wireless mouse has probably died of low battery. You need to reset the wireless switch in the mouse if you remove the old battery and install a new one.

[Serge_N_Gin]

My wireless mouse just died.

Are you saying that theres a possibility that even if I have a KVM switch, my wireless keyboard may be recognised by Windows XP but not Mandriva 2006?

Thanks for your assistance saikee.

[saikee]

I used to run a wireless keyboard/mouse and didn't find much a recognition problem with Linux. I do run a few of them. I changed to wired PS2 devices later because the wireless mouse wasn't re-charged reliably and I decided replacing non rechargeable batteries was' nt worthwhile. The KVM switch works because it generates its own electronic signal (PS2 simulation) to feed each PC.

[Serge_N_Gin]

I don't think it's worth buying a KVM switch when I have a cheap PS2 keyboard and a more expensive wireless keyboard/wired mouse config.

Is it OK for the PC for me to just plug the PS2 keyboard in for Safe Mode while having the wireless one still attached?

[saikee]

You should find the PS2 port device get priority in being adpted by the OS.

[Serge_N_Gin]

Thanks for your time and help saikee....