I have a number of FC4 boxes set up as servers hooked up to a KVM
switch. Every once in a while when I go to use them at the machine
the mouse is messed up. It moves sporadically and acts as though I am
clicking on things that I am not.
Is there any way to reset the mouse from the command line without
rebooting the machine? Thanks for your help!
Doug
Doug,
What kernel are you running?
If it's a 2.4 kernel, you should be able to restart the mouse daemon (moused). Given the problem you're describing, I'd guess you're running a 2.6 kernel. If that's the case, there is no mouse daemon to restart. Try unplugging the mouse from the KVM and plugging it back in or resetting the KVM.
I have similar problems and from my research, erratic mouse behavior seems to occur when the following factors are present:
1) 2.6 kernel
2) Mouse/keyboard using the PS/2 bus
3) Machine attached to a KVM
If you search this list for a post titled "KVM Help and Recommendations for FC3" you can read the details of my experience. There is also a "2.6 Input Drivers FAQ" available at:
- http://kerneltrap.org/node/2199
I believe this is a kernel problem, so it's not a Fedora issue. It doesn't seem to be a priority either, since it doesn't effect everyone and the PS/2 bus is considered to be on its way out. Some KVMs work fine, some don't and unless you can get a specific recommendation based on your particular hardware purchasing a new one is a bit of a gamble.
If nothing in the FAQ helps, I've found an alternative solution. It's not 100% proven yet, but seems to be working quite nicely. Just bypass the PS/2 bus entirely by purchasing a PS/2 to USB adapter and use it to connect your keyboard and mouse to a USB port. I've been testing this setup for about a week with only one problem so far. Sometimes vi will drop keystrokes. This *only* occurs in text mode and *only* in vi. It's not perfect, but it's not a hard problem to live with either.
Over time I'll keep track of any issues I encounter and keep the list updated.
I hope this helped,
Matthew Roth
InterMedia Marketing Solutions
Software Engineer and Systems Developer
