# Basic Usage

This page explains how to use SX Virtual Link.

1. Starting SX Virtual Link

2. Connecting/Disconnecting to/from a USB device

## 1. Starting SX Virtual Link

How to start SX Virtual Link:

1. Click in the task tray.

   In Windows 7, click the button in the notification area (tasktray) on the bottom right of your desktop so that the hidden icons are displayed. If SX Virtual Link is not running, click Start - All Programs - silex Device Server - SX Virtual Link - SX Virtual Link.

2. The SX Virtual Link's main window appears. The USB devices running on the network are displayed in the device list.

   When displayed in device server view

   When displayed in USB device view

To switch the view mode, click in SX Virtual Link's main window. SX Virtual Link can be set to automatically run at startup as a minimized application in the task tray by changing the optional settings. For details on optional settings, refer to SX Virtual Link Optional Settings.

## 2. Connecting/Disconnecting to/from a USB device

Basic usage of a USB device:

1. Select the USB device in SX Virtual Link's main window and connect to it.

2. When successfully connected to the USB device, Windows Plug and Play will run and the USB device will become ready to use.

3. When finished using the USB device, disconnect it using SX Virtual Link.

How to connect:

Double-click | Double-click the USB device in SX Virtual Link's main window.
Use a button | Select the USB device and click the Connect button in SX Virtual Link's main window. If you select two or more USB devices, you can connect to them at once.
Right-click | Right-click on the USB device in SX Virtual Link's main window and click Connect in the menu displayed. If you select two or more USB devices, you can connect to them at once.
Use a keyboard | Select the USB device using the up/down arrow keys and press Alt + C on your keyboard.

How to disconnect:

Double-click | Double-click the USB device in SX Virtual Link's main window.
Use a button | Select the USB device and click the Disconnect button in SX Virtual Link's main window.
Right-click | Right-click on the USB device in SX Virtual Link's main window and click Disconnect in the menu displayed.
Use a keyboard | Select the USB device using the up/down arrow keys and press Alt + D on your keyboard.

If a USB device is shared among several users, make sure that each user disconnects from the USB device after they have finished using it. Otherwise, other users will not be able to connect to the USB device. When the device server supports the USB connection password feature, the password entry window is displayed. When the entered password matches the one configured on the device server, you are allowed to connect to the USB device. If Save the password is checked, the password will be saved and this window will no longer be displayed. However, if the printer auto-connect function is enabled at the properties window, the Save the password option is not displayed.

If you use a printer or USB device with a printing capability, you can utilize the printer auto-connect feature to skip the Connect/Disconnect process. For detail, refer to How to Use a Printer. It is impossible to connect to a USB device that is in use by another user. SX Virtual Link has a feature allowing you to ask a user to disconnect from the USB device that you wish to use by sending a remote message, so that the right of use is passed down to you. For details, refer to How to Request for Disconnect. If you will be the only one using a particular USB device, it is recommended to set SX Virtual Link to automatically connect to that USB device when it is detected. For details, refer to USB Device Operational Settings. SX Virtual Link has a feature allowing you to automatically start a designated application when a USB device is connected. For details, refer to USB Device Operational Settings.

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