Technology

Synergy Overview

Last modified 11/21/2024

What is Synergy?  


Synergy is a software that shares one mouse and one keyboard between multiple computers. You can move your mouse between your computers effortlessly and copy and paste between computers. Synergy works on and between Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

  • How Do I Get it?

  1. Log in to Cherwell using your ULID and Password to submit a Detailed Request
  2. Select Install or Update Software from under Popular Requests
  3. In the Description/Additional Comments: box write: "I would like to request Synergy for the following devices..." 
  4. Write the tag numbers for your devices that need Synergy
  5. Fill out the Preferred Phone: box
  6. Select the Save button

  • How Do I Make it Work?


  1. Synergy will need to be downloaded on all computers that are planning to share the keyboard and mouse. 
  2. One computer will need to be used as the server
    1. This is the computer that the keyboard and mouse will be connected to, and will share with the other computers.
  3. Click the Sever check box on this computer
  4. The other computers will be the client, select the client check box or radio button on those computers.
  5. One the server computer:
    1. Click the Configure Server... button
    2. You should see a computer with your server name under it. Add another computer by dragging the computer image in the upper right-hand corner down.
    3. Position the computers the same way the computer screens are positioned on your desk. 
    4. Double-click the Server computer to change its name
    5. Click Ok
    6. Double-click the Client computers to change their names
    7. Click Ok
    8. Click Ok when completed
  6. On the client computers:
    1. Type in the name of the Server computer you created in the box where it says Server IP address or name: 
      1. If the name doesn't work you can try typing in the computers IP address listed underneath the Server check box. 
    2. Click Apply on all computers an wait a few seconds for connects to happen
  7. Synergy should now run, and you should be able to use your mouse and key board through all computers
  8. You can close Synergy windows and Synergy will run in the background. 

Note

Synergy may need to be reconnected. You can change between the IP address and computer name to reconnect if needed. 



How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

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