Installing Synergy to share Windows and Linux
I haven’t used Synergy in…years, but it was mostly reliable when I did use it last.
Configuration:
- HP 840 G1, 16GB i5, Windows 7 Enterprise as server
- HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Linux, 16GB i7, Mint 18.3 Sylvia MATE 64-bit
Install on Windows
- Start with a Windows server as the “Server” where the kbd/mouse will be used
- To test it, download a version (1.8.8) from forked Synergy repo
- Install msi file
- App will launch, set it up as a server, don’t bother to install Bonjour
- Create a map with the hostname of the new machine on the screen setup page
- click “Start” button
- Note ip address (e.g.
ipconfig)
Install on Linux
- run
sudo apt-get install synergy - Launch synergy:
synergy& - Select “Client” option
- Enter Server’s IP address
- Click “Start”
Once these steps are done, you should see handshaking between the servers in the console. When you get a connection message, the windows go away on both hosts.
Test that the mouse and keyboard work by hitting the edge of the screen, if so you’re done!
Notes:
- copy/paste between systems doesn’t seem to work, I haven’t tried to troubleshoot it
- Error message in Linux window
The program 'Synergy' uses the Apple Bonjour compatibility layer of Avahi., I haven’t tried to troubleshoot it - As noted above, bonjour not installed on windows. This will probably cause a problem with auto-discovery and auto-configuration. Entering IP address manually worked fine. Systems with a changing DHCP assignment may not work as well.