The query of whether or not a specific software program answer features successfully throughout two Apple Macintosh computer systems is a recurring subject of debate inside on-line communities, significantly on platforms like Reddit. These discussions typically heart on software program designed to share a single keyboard and mouse throughout a number of units, streamlining workflows for customers working a number of computer systems concurrently. “Reddit,” on this context, features as a correct noun, figuring out a particular on-line platform the place such discussions happen.
The power to seamlessly management a number of computer systems with a single enter gadget gives vital productiveness advantages. Customers can keep away from the litter of a number of keyboards and mice, lowering desk area and bettering ergonomics. Traditionally, the necessity for such options arose with the growing prevalence of a number of laptop setups in skilled and private environments. The comfort of centralizing management contributes to a extra environment friendly workflow and reduces the cognitive load of switching between units.
Due to this fact, explorations usually tackle compatibility points, setup procedures, efficiency issues, and potential options when contemplating utilizing such software program on two macOS methods. Customers typically search steerage and share their experiences, offering priceless insights into the sensible utility and troubleshooting of some of these options.
1. macOS Compatibility
macOS compatibility represents a central determinant when evaluating if keyboard-mouse sharing software program, like Synergy, operates successfully between two Macintosh computer systems. On-line discussions, significantly on Reddit, continuously spotlight the intricacies of model disparities and system-level permissions influencing such software program’s efficiency. The next factors element important aspects to think about.
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Model Alignment
The macOS variations on each machines require cautious evaluation. Vital model variations can introduce compatibility points, stopping the software program from functioning accurately. Discussions on Reddit typically recount experiences the place mismatches resulted in connection failures or unstable efficiency. Due to this fact, sustaining comparable, ideally supported, macOS variations is essential.
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System Permissions
macOS safety features typically necessitate specific permissions for purposes to work together with enter units and community sources. Reddit threads continuously underscore the necessity to grant accessibility permissions inside System Preferences, because the software program requires these privileges to seize keyboard and mouse enter and transmit them throughout the community. Inadequate permissions can impede performance.
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Kernel Extensions (kexts) and Drivers
Older variations of keyboard-mouse sharing software program typically relied on kernel extensions for low-level system interplay. macOS’s evolving safety insurance policies have led to the deprecation of many kernel extensions, probably impacting the performance of older software program variations. “Reddit” customers typically report difficulties with legacy kexts, recommending up to date software program or various options that keep away from kexts.
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Apple Silicon vs. Intel Architectures
The transition from Intel-based Macs to Apple Silicon necessitates assessing whether or not the software program is natively suitable or requires Rosetta 2 translation. Rosetta 2 can introduce efficiency overhead. Posts on Reddit reveal cases the place the software program displays decrease efficiency on Apple Silicon Macs as a result of reliance on Rosetta 2 or lack of native help. Native compatibility ensures optimum efficiency.
In summation, profitable deployment throughout a number of macOS methods is dependent upon rigorously scrutinizing software program compatibility. Verifying model alignment, granting needed system permissions, understanding legacy kext dependencies, and contemplating the architectural variations of Apple Silicon, are all key to a purposeful setup, as demonstrated by the discussions inside the Reddit neighborhood.
2. Community Stability
Community stability immediately influences the dependable operation of software program like Synergy when used between two macOS computer systems. These software program options, typically mentioned on Reddit, depend upon a constant and sturdy community connection to transmit keyboard and mouse inputs from one machine to a different. Any disruption or instability within the community can result in latency, enter lag, or full disconnection, severely compromising the consumer expertise. For instance, customers sharing experiences on Reddit continuously cite intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity or community congestion as major causes of Synergy malfunction.
The importance of community stability is additional highlighted by the reliance of those options on real-time information transmission. Not like file sharing or different information switch processes that may tolerate occasional interruptions, keyboard and mouse inputs demand speedy responsiveness. A wired Ethernet connection, in distinction to Wi-Fi, typically offers higher stability and decrease latency, thus providing a extra constant efficiency. Many “Reddit” threads suggest prioritizing wired connections for setups the place seamless management is paramount. Community configurations additionally play a task; improperly configured routers or firewalls can intervene with community communication, requiring cautious configuration to make sure easy operation.
In abstract, community stability is a vital part when deploying software program to manage a number of macOS machines, as discussions on Reddit exhibit. Addressing potential community weaknesses by way of wired connections, correct configuration, and diligent community monitoring is essential for stopping connectivity-related issues and making certain a purposeful and responsive expertise when utilizing software program. The software program’s efficacy hinges on the reliability and consistency of the underlying community infrastructure.
3. Configuration Complexity
The profitable operation of software program options designed to share a single keyboard and mouse throughout a number of Macintosh computer systems, typically mentioned inside Reddit communities, is considerably impacted by the inherent complexity of their configuration. This complexity can act as a barrier for some customers, affecting the general usability and perceived worth of such instruments.
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Preliminary Setup Procedures
The preliminary setup typically includes a number of steps, together with software program set up on every machine, community configuration, and probably, firewall changes. Customers on Reddit continuously report difficulties navigating these preliminary steps, significantly when encountering unclear directions or compatibility points. This complexity can deter much less technically inclined customers from adopting these options.
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Firewall and Community Settings
Keyboard-mouse sharing software program depends on community communication between the linked computer systems. Firewalls, designed to guard in opposition to unauthorized community entry, can typically block this communication, requiring guide configuration of firewall guidelines to permit the software program to operate. Reddit threads are replete with examples of customers struggling to establish and accurately configure these settings, resulting in frustration and abandonment of the software program.
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Service Administration and Background Processes
Many options run as background providers to constantly monitor for enter and handle community connections. Configuration difficulties could come up when these providers fail to start out robotically or encounter conflicts with different software program. Debugging such points typically requires superior technical data, past the attain of many common customers, as evidenced by consumer queries on Reddit.
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Troubleshooting and Error Decision
When points come up, diagnosing the basis trigger and implementing an answer might be advanced. Error messages could also be cryptic or uninformative, requiring in depth on-line analysis or session with neighborhood boards like Reddit to seek out options. This troubleshooting course of might be time-consuming and technically demanding, detracting from the advantages the software program is meant to offer.
The previous aspects illustrate how configuration complexity can negatively influence the adoption and usefulness of keyboard-mouse sharing software program on macOS, as continuously mentioned inside the Reddit neighborhood. Streamlining the setup course of, bettering error messaging, and offering extra accessible documentation can mitigate these challenges and improve the general consumer expertise.
4. Firewall Settings
Firewall settings represent a crucial issue figuring out the performance of software program options that enable a single keyboard and mouse to manage a number of macOS computer systems, a subject continuously mentioned on Reddit. Firewalls, designed to guard methods from unauthorized community entry, can inadvertently block the communication channels needed for such software program to function, thus impacting its usability.
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Blocking Incoming Connections
macOS firewalls, by default, typically prohibit incoming community connections to forestall unauthorized entry. Keyboard-mouse sharing software program requires incoming connections on the “server” machine (the pc immediately linked to the keyboard and mouse) to obtain enter indicators from the “shopper” machine. If the firewall isn’t configured to permit these incoming connections, the software program will fail to function, leading to a whole lack of enter transmission. “Reddit” posts continuously element customers encountering this challenge, typically resolved by explicitly permitting the software program’s course of to just accept incoming connections.
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Blocking Outgoing Connections
In sure configurations, firewalls may prohibit outgoing community connections. The “shopper” machine wants to determine an outgoing connection to the “server” to transmit keyboard and mouse information. If the firewall guidelines forestall the software program from establishing this outgoing connection, the shopper shall be unable to speak with the server, successfully disabling the shared management. Incorrectly configured firewall guidelines are a typical explanation for connectivity issues, as documented throughout numerous threads on Reddit.
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Port Particular Restrictions
Keyboard-mouse sharing purposes usually make the most of particular community ports for communication. Firewalls might be configured to dam entry to sure ports. If the software program’s designated port is blocked by the firewall, communication between the shopper and server machines shall be unimaginable. Customers on Reddit continuously counsel verifying that the firewall permits site visitors on the port utilized by the software program to resolve connectivity issues. This typically includes including a rule to particularly enable TCP and/or UDP site visitors on the related port.
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Utility-Particular Guidelines
Trendy firewalls typically enable the creation of application-specific guidelines, enabling exact management over community entry for particular person packages. As an alternative of worldwide permitting or blocking incoming/outgoing connections, customers can create guidelines that let community communication just for the precise keyboard-mouse sharing software program executable. Whereas safer, this method requires cautious configuration to make sure the software program has the required permissions with out exposing the system to pointless dangers. “Reddit” discussions typically spotlight the significance of accurately figuring out and configuring the appliance executable inside the firewall settings.
In conclusion, the correct configuration of firewall settings is paramount to making sure the efficient operation of keyboard-mouse sharing software program on macOS. Blocking both incoming or outgoing connections, proscribing entry to needed ports, or failing to create applicable application-specific guidelines can all result in connectivity points. As “Reddit” discussions persistently exhibit, understanding and accurately configuring firewall settings is essential for a profitable implementation of those software program options.
5. Efficiency Affect
The evaluation of efficiency influence constitutes an important factor in figuring out the viability of software program that facilitates keyboard and mouse sharing throughout two macOS methods, a topic broadly mentioned on platforms similar to Reddit. The effectivity with which these packages function immediately influences the general consumer expertise and system useful resource utilization. A big efficiency overhead can negate the comfort gained by centralizing enter management, resulting in a much less productive workflow. Particularly, considerations come up relating to CPU utilization, reminiscence consumption, and potential community bandwidth limitations, every of which might demonstrably have an effect on responsiveness and utility efficiency.
Actual-world examples from Reddit consumer experiences continuously cite cases the place excessive CPU utilization by the keyboard and mouse sharing software program results in sluggish efficiency in different purposes, significantly resource-intensive duties like video enhancing or gaming. Equally, extreme reminiscence consumption can scale back the accessible RAM for different processes, inflicting system slowdowns and even crashes. Furthermore, community latency induced by inefficient information transmission may end up in noticeable enter lag, undermining the supposed seamless management. The implementation and configuration of the software program, in addition to the {hardware} capabilities of the macOS methods, contribute to the noticed efficiency results. Some consumer feedback point out that much less highly effective machines expertise extra pronounced efficiency degradation, emphasizing the need of evaluating system specs earlier than deployment.
In conclusion, the efficiency influence of keyboard and mouse sharing software program is a major consideration for customers considering its adoption in a dual-macOS surroundings. Evaluating CPU utilization, reminiscence consumption, and community latency is important to determine whether or not the advantages of centralized management outweigh the potential efficiency drawbacks. Prioritizing software program options optimized for minimal useful resource utilization, coupled with cautious configuration and monitoring, can mitigate hostile results and guarantee a passable consumer expertise, as indicated by shared experiences inside the Reddit neighborhood.
6. Enter Lag
Enter lag, the delay between a consumer’s motion (e.g., shifting a mouse or urgent a key) and the corresponding response on the display screen, represents a crucial concern when contemplating software-based options designed to share a single keyboard and mouse throughout a number of macOS computer systems. The perceived latency immediately impacts the consumer expertise and workflow effectivity, rendering an answer much less sensible if the delay turns into extreme. Person discourse surrounding software program choices similar to Synergy, significantly on platforms like Reddit, continuously facilities on stories and experiences associated to enter lag.
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Community Latency Contribution
Community latency, the time it takes for information to journey between the 2 macOS methods, considerably contributes to enter lag. Options like Synergy transmit keyboard and mouse enter information over the community. Community congestion, distance between machines, or using Wi-Fi as a substitute of a wired Ethernet connection can improve this latency. The dialogue round “does synergy work with two macs reddit” persistently highlights the significance of a secure, low-latency community to attenuate enter lag. Customers typically counsel wired connections and optimizing community configurations to mitigate this impact.
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Software program Processing Overhead
Software program processing overhead refers back to the computational sources required by the keyboard-mouse sharing software program itself to seize, course of, and transmit enter information. This overhead introduces a delay, because the software program should carry out numerous operations earlier than the enter is mirrored on the distant display screen. The effectivity of the software program’s algorithms and its optimization for macOS affect this processing time. Inside the “does synergy work with two macs reddit” conversations, customers typically examine completely different software program choices primarily based on their perceived processing overhead and ensuing enter lag.
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{Hardware} Limitations of Goal Machine
The goal machine’s {hardware} capabilities, together with CPU processing energy and graphics card efficiency, can exacerbate enter lag. If the goal machine is underpowered or burdened by different processes, it might wrestle to render the enter shortly, resulting in a noticeable delay. Posts on “does synergy work with two macs reddit” continuously point out that older or much less highly effective Macs are likely to exhibit increased enter lag when used because the goal machine in a shared enter setup.
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Working System Degree Interrupts
Working system stage interrupts, primarily, the way in which macOS handles and prioritizes completely different duties, can affect enter lag. If the system is continuously interrupted by different processes demanding consideration, the keyboard-mouse sharing software program could expertise delays in capturing and processing enter. Customers discussing “does synergy work with two macs reddit” have prompt that minimizing background processes and optimizing system settings will help scale back the influence of OS-level interrupts on enter lag.
These aspects collectively exhibit that enter lag in keyboard-mouse sharing software program similar to Synergy represents a multi-faceted challenge. It isn’t a singular downside, slightly, a convergence of community situations, software program effectivity, goal machine {hardware}, and working system habits. The conversations present in “does synergy work with two macs reddit” present an area for customers to share their experiences, suggestions, and potential options for mitigating these delays, underlining the importance of enter lag in consumer satisfaction and total practicality of such options.
7. Software program Updates
The connection between software program updates and the efficient operation of keyboard-mouse sharing options throughout two macOS computer systems, as typically mentioned on Reddit underneath the key phrase time period, is basically interdependent. Software program updates, encompassing each the working system and the keyboard-mouse sharing utility itself, immediately influence compatibility, safety, and efficiency. Failure to keep up up to date software program can introduce vulnerabilities, efficiency degradation, and outright incompatibility, thereby negating the utility of such options. For instance, Reddit threads continuously element cases the place a macOS replace rendered a beforehand purposeful keyboard-mouse sharing setup inoperable, necessitating a corresponding replace to the sharing software program. This cause-and-effect relationship underscores the significance of software program updates as a foundational element of a secure and safe dual-Mac surroundings using such options. Sensible significance lies in proactively addressing updates to forestall disruptions.
The sensible ramifications of neglecting software program updates are manifold. Safety vulnerabilities in outdated software program can expose each macOS methods to potential exploits, compromising information integrity and system stability. Efficiency degradation may happen, as newer working methods and purposes typically incorporate optimizations that depend on present software program variations. Moreover, software program updates continuously tackle compatibility points arising from modifications in macOS APIs or community protocols. A standard state of affairs, as illustrated in Reddit discussions, includes a macOS replace that modifies community settings, requiring a subsequent replace to the keyboard-mouse sharing software program to re-establish communication between the 2 computer systems. Consequently, a constant replace technique isn’t merely a matter of routine upkeep, however slightly a prerequisite for making certain continued performance and safety.
In abstract, the steadiness and effectiveness of keyboard-mouse sharing options working between two macOS computer systems are inextricably linked to diligent software program updates. The challenges posed by compatibility points, efficiency degradation, and safety vulnerabilities might be largely mitigated by sustaining each the working system and the keyboard-mouse sharing software program at their present variations. Recognizing this connection is essential for customers searching for a dependable and safe multi-machine workflow. Failing to prioritize software program updates introduces pointless threat and undermines the very function of using such options.
8. Different Options
The inquiry “does synergy work with two macs reddit” continuously initiates searches for software program offering keyboard and mouse sharing throughout a number of macOS computer systems. Nonetheless, the very phrasing implies an openness to the chance that Synergy could not operate optimally or could current compatibility challenges for some customers. As a direct consequence, discussions invariably result in exploration of other options providing comparable performance, representing a crucial element of the overarching subject. The validity and effectiveness of such options are sometimes assessed primarily based on comparisons with Synergy by way of value, options, ease of setup, and efficiency, knowledgeable by anecdotal proof and consumer opinions disseminated on platforms like Reddit.
The spectrum of other options mentioned usually ranges from commercially accessible software program to open-source initiatives, every exhibiting distinctive traits. Some options could prioritize ease of use, providing streamlined setup procedures and simplified configuration interfaces, interesting to customers much less technically inclined. Others could give attention to superior options, similar to clipboard sharing, file switch capabilities, or cross-platform compatibility, catering to customers with particular workflow necessities. Moreover, sure options could exhibit superior efficiency traits, delivering decrease enter lag or diminished useful resource consumption, addressing frequent criticisms leveled in opposition to Synergy in sure configurations. The exploration of those options empowers customers to make knowledgeable choices primarily based on their particular person wants and technical capabilities.
The exploration of other software program options represents an indispensable side of the broader dialogue surrounding “does synergy work with two macs reddit”. By evaluating and evaluating numerous choices, customers can verify whether or not Synergy represents essentially the most appropriate answer for his or her particular necessities or whether or not another providing improved compatibility, efficiency, or options would show extra advantageous. The challenges recognized inside the preliminary question necessitate the analysis of other options.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Keyboard-Mouse Sharing on macOS
The next questions tackle frequent considerations and misconceptions relating to using keyboard-mouse sharing options between two macOS computer systems, drawing upon discussions and experiences shared inside on-line communities similar to Reddit.
Query 1: Is software program, similar to Synergy, suitable with all variations of macOS?
No. Compatibility is version-specific, and older variations of software program could not operate accurately on newer macOS releases, or vice versa. Customers ought to confirm compatibility with their particular macOS variations previous to set up and utilization. Reviewing the software program’s documentation and neighborhood boards, similar to Reddit, can present insights into reported compatibility points.
Query 2: Does community connection sort have an effect on keyboard-mouse sharing efficiency?
Sure, community connection sort considerably impacts efficiency. Wired Ethernet connections usually present decrease latency and higher stability in comparison with Wi-Fi, leading to diminished enter lag and improved responsiveness. It’s typically advisable to make use of wired connections for optimum efficiency, particularly in environments the place exact management is paramount.
Query 3: Are firewall settings a typical explanation for points with keyboard-mouse sharing software program?
Sure, firewall settings continuously intervene with keyboard-mouse sharing software program. macOS firewalls can block the community communication needed for these options to function. Correctly configuring firewall guidelines to permit incoming and outgoing connections for the software program is essential for establishing and sustaining a secure connection.
Query 4: Does keyboard-mouse sharing software program influence total system efficiency?
The influence on system efficiency varies relying on the software program’s effectivity, the {hardware} capabilities of the macOS methods, and the depth of different operating processes. Some options could eat vital CPU and reminiscence sources, probably resulting in efficiency degradation in different purposes. Monitoring system useful resource utilization and optimizing software program settings can mitigate this influence.
Query 5: Is enter lag unavoidable when utilizing keyboard-mouse sharing software program?
A point of enter lag is usually inherent as a result of community latency and software program processing overhead. Nonetheless, the extent of this lag might be minimized by way of numerous optimization strategies, similar to using wired community connections, lowering community congestion, and deciding on software program recognized for its effectivity and low latency. Periodic testing and changes could also be needed.
Query 6: Are software program updates crucial for sustaining compatibility and safety?
Sure, software program updates are important for sustaining compatibility with evolving macOS variations, addressing safety vulnerabilities, and bettering efficiency. Common updates to each the working system and the keyboard-mouse sharing software program are strongly advisable to make sure a secure and safe multi-machine surroundings.
In abstract, the profitable utilization of keyboard-mouse sharing options on macOS is dependent upon cautious consideration to compatibility, community configuration, firewall settings, efficiency influence, enter lag, and software program updates. Addressing these components proactively can considerably enhance the consumer expertise and guarantee a dependable and environment friendly multi-machine workflow.
The next part will discover strategies to troubleshoot points when keyboard-mouse sharing between two macOS computer systems.
Troubleshooting Suggestions for Keyboard-Mouse Sharing on macOS
This part gives sensible troubleshooting recommendation for resolving frequent points encountered when utilizing keyboard-mouse sharing software program, similar to Synergy, throughout two macOS computer systems. The following tips are primarily based on consumer experiences and proposals continuously shared inside on-line communities, particularly on Reddit.
Tip 1: Confirm Community Connectivity: Guarantee each macOS methods can talk with one another throughout the community. Make the most of the `ping` command in Terminal to check community connectivity. Profitable ping responses point out primary community communication is established. Examine firewall settings if pings fail.
Tip 2: Look at Firewall Configurations: Scrutinize firewall settings on each macOS methods. Affirm that the keyboard-mouse sharing utility is explicitly allowed to just accept incoming connections on the server machine and set up outgoing connections on the shopper machine. Make sure the firewall permits site visitors on the precise port utilized by the software program, typically TCP port 24800 for Synergy.
Tip 3: Affirm Software program Model Compatibility: Confirm that the keyboard-mouse sharing software program is suitable with the macOS variations operating on each machines. Incompatibility can manifest as connection failures or unstable efficiency. Seek the advice of the software program’s documentation or the developer’s web site for compatibility info. Overview “Reddit” posts for insights.
Tip 4: Overview System Permissions: Be sure that the keyboard-mouse sharing software program has been granted the required system permissions inside macOS System Preferences > Safety & Privateness > Accessibility. These permissions are required for the software program to seize keyboard and mouse enter. Revoking and re-granting these permissions can typically resolve points.
Tip 5: Examine Enter Lag: If experiencing extreme enter lag, prioritize wired Ethernet connections over Wi-Fi to attenuate community latency. Shut pointless purposes consuming community bandwidth or CPU sources. Alter the software program’s settings to optimize efficiency, similar to lowering the display screen refresh charge or disabling options like clipboard sharing.
Tip 6: Look at Software program Configuration: Make sure the keyboard-mouse sharing software program is correctly configured with the right display screen names and relative positions of the linked macOS methods. Incorrect configuration can result in the mouse cursor leaping unexpectedly or failing to transition between screens. Double-check the software program’s configuration file or graphical interface for errors.
Tip 7: Overview Log Information: Look at the keyboard-mouse sharing software program’s log information for error messages or warnings. These log information can present priceless clues about the reason for connection failures or different points. Seek the advice of the software program’s documentation or on-line boards for steerage on deciphering log file entries.
Efficient troubleshooting of keyboard-mouse sharing points on macOS necessitates a scientific method involving verification of community connectivity, firewall settings, software program compatibility, system permissions, enter lag components, software program configuration, and log file evaluation. Making use of the following pointers can considerably enhance the chance of resolving frequent issues and reaching a secure and environment friendly multi-machine workflow. Usually the “does synergy work with two macs reddit” questions resolve right down to above troubleshooting.
The next part will present a conclusion and total abstract.
Conclusion
The exploration of “does synergy work with two macs reddit” reveals a fancy panorama of compatibility, configuration, and efficiency issues. Success is dependent upon addressing macOS model alignment, community stability, firewall settings, and potential efficiency impacts. The discussions on Reddit underscore the necessity for meticulous configuration and troubleshooting, particularly relating to community connectivity and system permissions. Different software program options additionally warrant consideration, as customers typically search choices that higher go well with their particular wants or provide improved efficiency.
The continued reliance on multiple-computer setups suggests a persistent demand for seamless enter gadget sharing. As working methods evolve and community infrastructures change, the continued analysis and refinement of those options will stay important. Considerate consideration of each potential advantages and inherent challenges is important for these searching for to optimize their multi-machine workflows and the necessity to guarantee if does Synergy work with two macs, or if various strategies should be explored.
