KVM Switch selection and other network advice needed

[KryptoRoxx]

Ok, I have a problem. Actually 2 if I can't find the right accessories that I need. Here are the devices that I have to connect into my network.
2 desktops (dedicated connection to the router needed)
1 printer (currently attached to the network)
1 laptop wireless connection (not an issue)
1 network server for media and backup (old 939 build on Matx)
1 TV, Blu Ray player, and Wii (will share connection via Powerline adapter)

That puts me one over my current router which is a D-link Extreme-N 2.0 10/100/1000

Question #1
Can I attach my printer directly to the network server and share the printer from there? (if so that solves the biggest problem which is router connections)

Question #2 I need a KVM switch capable of switching between the server and my personal desktop while both machines are running (basically for troubleshooting and time saving abilities)

Question #3
What OS would you recommend that my network server run? My TV has the capability to be networked and actually access the network server so that I don't have to have movies on disc more than once since I will burn them directly into the server. With Windows 7 I haven't been able to effectively share drives to the rest of my network without some serious issues. Currently all of my computers save the future network server (which doesn't have one) run Windows Vista.

Question #4
Windows 7 would cost a fortune for all of my computers to be upgraded since every license is roughly 100 bucks right now so that makes 4 computers that have to run the same OS.

Some of these questions seem awfully noobish but honestly I've never built a network quite like this. I'm pretty good with computers and can build them effectively but networking is something that I definitely want to keep secure and make double sure that I do it correctly. My wife is one of those people that is not very advanced with computers and I need it honestly to work right after I set it up. I tend to leave for months at a time and it needs to be very reliable. I am also working off a semi-limited budget but since all of the computers are already built and I'm looking at connecting them some expert advice is definitely needed. Thanks in advance.

[Sprint]

Well, you could get a simple switch to get some extra connections for the less demanding apparel (powerline and printer)
Then connect your desktops and the server to the main router/switch.

You should be able to share disks easily if your PCs are all in the same workgroup (dont set up a Homegroup on the single Win7 machine).

I hope you got what Im thinking (if not Ill use my deadly paint skills to show you)

Theres also 3-pack Win7 availible and they cost $160 if I remember correct.

Dont know much about KVM switches tho.

[KryptoRoxx]

One question about the 3 pack. I have one computer that currently runs 32 bit that I want to be running 64 bit on.Is there a way to upgrade from a 32 to a 64......I don't care if I have to wipe the HD but I really would like to run 64 bit on it since it has enough ram and I plan to add more to it. Other than that the 3 pack sounds perfect....that just leaves me with buying a license for the network server. That's a great tip.......I think I know what you're talking about with basically sharing the hard drive with everyone and then networking the drive onto the other computers

*Possible answer to the above question. I am running a dual boot with the Windows 7 64 bit beta on it.....do you suppose that I could upgrade from that?*

[Sprint]

Im not entirely sure about Win7, but with Vista you could use the same key for both 32 and 64 bit.

You can upgrade from the beta, but its not really recommended because of various untested things that can happen.

[KryptoRoxx]

well we've solved most of the problems. Now I'm going to dig for a kvm switch that will work so I don't have to have another screen sitting there doing nothing but eating up power. Thanks for the help Sprint....if anyone knows a lot about KVM switches I could still use some help on this. They seem really simple but I've been feeling kinda old lately especially after I started reading about the powerline converters.....wow that is an amazing development if you ask me.

[CalebSchmerge]

Win 7 will let you use the same key for 32 and 64 bit, I did that on the computer I am using now (installed from 64 bit disc, used code from 32 bit).

P.S. - I want to know where the 3-pack for $160 is, because I am seeing that the 3-packs aren't even a discount at places like Newegg.

[Sprint]

I might remember wrong, it could have been a 3-pack upgrade and not 3 full copies

[CalebSchmerge]

Yes, thats it. Its a "Family Pack". 3 upgrades to Win7 home premium for $150.

[KryptoRoxx]

I'm definitely getting that. That saves a ton of money