By Ean McDonald - October 21st, 2020

As the title says, Barrier is an open source program that allows you to use a keyboard and mouse connected to your main computer, across other computers (such as a laptop off to the side) that are connected to the same internet network.

This is especially handy because the computers can be different operating systems. I haven't tested with Mac OS, but I've set this up on a Linux host computer, and it works across to my little Windows laptop.

This is how you install and use the program.

If your host (main) computer is running Windows or Mac OS, you can go to This Github Page and scroll down to the Readme portion pictured below for the link to the install files. If you are running Linux, you should check the software manager in your OS to see if Barrier is available for installation from there.

Once you have the program installed, you can open it and you should be presented with a screen somewhat like this (if you're running Windows it will look more like my client image below)

Host:

Client:

BEFORE SETTING THIS UP:

Make sure that both computers are connected to the same internet network. My Host computer is connected via cable to the router, while my laptop is connected via WiFi, and it works. If for instance you're using your cell phone to connect your laptop to the internet, this likely won't work.

On your main Host computer, you'll want to select at the top that this will be the "Server". Take note of your IP Address listed just below that. You'll notice that I blurred out my SSL Fingerprint so that no hooligans can use my computer for shenanigans. I did leave my IP Address uncensored as that'll help show how to connect.

On your secondary Client computer, you want to select the second option for Client. You can also deselect "Auto Config" and type in the IP of your server in that box.

Back on your Host computer, you can click