Mouse/Keyboard sharing software ShareMouse 2 update brings many improvements

If you work with multiple computer systems next to each other, for instance two desktop PCs, or a PC and a laptop, then you are probably controlling both systems individually.

What is meant by that is that you use the mouse and keyboard of each system to control it, and that you have to switch between the input devices regularly to do so.

Applications such as ShareMouse introduce another option. Instead of switching input devices, you use one set to control both systems to make things easier for you.

We have reviewed ShareMouse in the mid of 2012 for the first time, came to the conclusion that it was an excellent program, but rather limiting in regards to the free version of the application (it is free for home-use under certain requirements).

ShareMouse 2 review

ShareMouse 2 does not change those requirements, which means that it is still free for non-power users on Windows or Mac systems. If you want to use it to control more than two monitors, use it with a server operating system or domain controller, or for commercial use, then you need to buy the standard or pro license of the application instead.

You can access the feature matrix here to find out which features are limited or missing.

Good news: the program is still offered as a free portable version or installer that you can download from the developer website.

The update introduces several new and improved features to the application that improve its usability significantly.

Here is a short list of the highlights:

• Support for Windows 8 and Mac OS X 10.9. (I have tested this on Windows 8.1, so that is supported as well)
• File and folder dragging between computer systems, even between Windows and Mac. (not available in free version)
• Monitor profiles that detect the computer systems and connected monitors automatically. That's excellent if you use it on a laptop and travel with it between work and home for example.
• Support for media keys to control playback. If you play a video or audio file on computer 2, you can now control it with media keys on computer 1.
• Remote control of elevated and non-elevated programs on Windows.
• Avoid accidental switches to other monitors by configuring keys that you need to press to do so. (not available in free version)^
• Option to use Ctrl-Alt-Del on remote Windows PCs
• Free selection of the network adapter.
• Better mouse cursor precision and performance.
• Option to adjust the scroll speed for each computer individually.

What is really nice about ShareMouse is that there is virtually no configuration involved to use the application. Just run the portable version on the PCs you want to use it -- or install it if you prefer that -- and you will notice that it will automatically link the systems so that you can use the mouse and keyboard of each system to control the other.

Game support has been really improved, not only because you can now prevent the accidental switching to another monitor while you are playing the game, but also thanks to the performance and precision improvements in the new version.

I have tested this playing Dota 2 and Warhammer 40k Retribution and both games played fine without mouse lag or any other nuisances.

Verdict

The improvements that are introduced in ShareMouse 2 make sense, and several of the issues that I faced while testing the first version where resolved in the upgraded version. While some of those are only available in the commercial version, like the extra hotkey to switch between monitors, it is without doubt a great update for free and pro users alike.

Now Read: Mouse without Borders, a free ShareMouse alternative

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