The announcement that Microsoft is ending support for Windows 98 is causing heartache for many owners of older computers, and one option might be overlooked.

You could keep the old and buy the new, but there may not be room for two computers. However there is almost certainly a few inches of space under your desk which could let you have the best of two choices.

If you update, you will likely find that some peripherals and programs will not work with the latest Windows XP system, and that may be even more of a problem if you wait for Windows Vista.

Old programs and old units such as printers and scanners may run best on your old Windows 98 computer, so an update to a new computer may be followed by extra expenditure on a new printer, scanner, and on updating or replacing some programs which work to your complete satisfaction as they are.

The answer could be to hide the old computer cabinet under your desk, get rid of the old monitor, put the old keyboard and mouse at the back of a cupboard just in case, and connect the monitor, keyboard and mouse of the new computer to both units with a KVM switch.

KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse and the switches come in many configurations to suit from two units up. They also come in versions with audio to connect one set of speakers to two or more computers, but that to my mind is overkill.

Unless you have an essential old program that needs sound, just forget sound connections for the old machine.

The one I have is the cheapest I could find at a computer market two years ago, and gave substantial change from a $50 note. There are sockets for your normal leads from the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Then a cable duplicates each of those. The cable divides into two, each of which then subdivides into leads with the normal video, keyboard and mouse plugs. I use the oldstyle PS/2 plugs but you can get KVM switches with USB plugs and sockets.

The single control on the unit is a pushbutton to switch from one computer to the other. Transfer is instantaneous and there is a slight clunk from the monitor as it changes video settings. The switch has two green LEDs to indicate which unit is in use, and the light flashes if the unit you switch to is off. However, even though one of my computers is on Windows XP and the other with Windows 98, I have set the desktop on one to blue and the other to green so that I avoid confusing myself.

The newer computer is the only one I have connected to the Internet and it may become even more important to avoid using Windows 98 to connect online. However, I do now have an ADSL router and have networked the two computers for file transfer — with each having an icon on the desktop to indicate a folder for transfer to the other computer. Each of those is actually a shared folder on its own computer so that files can be dropped on them when the other computer is turned off and dragged over from the other computer when it is turned on.

The need to transfer files was important for me because the Win98 computer has my scanner attached — a good SCSI scanner — but my latest image editing software is on the newer computer. If you do not have this kind of need, a USB flash key may be all that is necessary.

Very gradually I find less need for the second computer and that probably means I am almost ready to update once more and go through the same process again.

Most KVM switches also offer hot-key switching — just press keys on the keyboard to swap machines — but on my cheapie the standard hot-key options are awkward and it is much easier for me to reach for that big grey button. However, if you prefer to hide your switch, the hot-key solution may be useful.

My switch has the cable sets built in, but most upper range models come with separate sets of output cables. Make sure that they are included. Also, if your new monitor has a higher than standard resolution, make sure that the KVM switch can cope with it, and that the monitor will switch automatically to a resolution supported by the older computer. The answer can be as simple as a different cable set but the manufacturer of the KVM should know and for that reason you may need a branded switch rather than the nameless cheapies.

Most small KVM switches do not require an external power supply; they work within the tiny power output supplied to the keyboard from the computers.

Several users of KVMs report occasional problems, usually with the mouse, and a number have taken to having two mice connected directly. If this should happen, and it has for me for short periods, then there is usually room on most desks for a second mouse. The problem seems to be with mouse drivers and a change of driver may provide a solution. It seems more common when two entirely different operating systems are involved — such as with one computer on Windows and one on Linux.

Remember too that if you opt for a single USB keyboard, you may need an old keyboard with a PS/2 plug handy to make any BIOS adjustments or you could be in a bind if you get that famous message of "No keyboard found — press Fl to continue".

Among the extras you may get on more expensive switches is the ability to mix PS/2 and USB connections. With most cheaper switches you have to decide before you buy.

There may also be a perverse satisfaction as a friend admires your new acquisition and you avoid mentioning that you are actually using the ancient computer hidden on the floor.

Reprinted from the August 2006 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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