Connecting two PC 'boxes' - how?

[Piffpaffpoff]

Ok, first off I have virtually no tech knowledge so bear this in mind a) when reading and b) when replying!

We currently have two desktop PCs in our study but need to make some space so we were wondering if there was an easy way link the two 'boxes' to just one screen and then just select the box you want to work from. One box has all our photos and music on, and the other is used for work and Internet access. Essentially we want to go from two workstations to one but maintaining access to all our existing data. I have a feeling this is probably something quite simple, but as I said, zero tech knowledge....

We don't want to spend a load of money on new kit, but any suggestions (with links if poss) would be much appreciated.

I would normally have responded to this thread as it's something I can, in all honesty, give helpful answers to.

However following Mumsnet's decision to launch a campaign (www.mumsnet.com/campaigns/porn-default-filter) to filter adult material on the Internet, after having ignored countless technical responses as to why this would not only fail to work but would make our children less safe, I feel that I can no longer answer technical queries on this forum and be a part, no matter how small, of enabling Mumsnet.

I apologise that I am holding an answer back from you, but please read my reasons (www.mumsnet.com/Talk/geeky_stuff/1144717-No-more-technical-help-until-Mumsnet-listens) and if you agree with them contact Mumsnet and ask them to listen to technical advice and to do things that will protect our children.

Well...I know nuffink....but would have thought that the two boxes might disagree with one another....if they were both trying to get onto the net

but we have just bought a hard drive to get all the photos and music off the pc and my laptop, to make more space....that was very very easy...open box, plug in, find new hard drive, and send stuff over there

hard drive was a tera-byte (spelling??) and about £50 from the evil god tesco

If you just want to switch one keyboard and mouse between 2 computers then you are looking for a KVM switch. There are plenty on Amazon.

For the record, I agree MumsNet 's apparent position on filtering is misguided. I am aware the campaign is being revised.

what BadgersPaws said

Thanks all, shall go and investigate KVM switch and external hard drives. Will also go and read up on the links posted by Badgerspaws as I had completely missed that and would like to understand the issue and the concerns.