Remote Desktop or Similar Software Required...I think

[Leonardo]

What I want to do: control a remote computer on my home network

Details:

Network: Wireless G router on DSL, mix of wireless G computers and Ethernet

Control computer: WinXP Pro, Wireless G card

Computer to be controlled: WinXP Home, wireless G card, no monitor, mouse and keyboard not permanently connected

What I want to do is setup a dedicated Folding rig from components in my parts bin. I don't want to buy another KVM and/or monitor, keyboard, and mouse. All this computer needs to do is sit there and fold. But I will need to monitor what it's doing. I could just hot swap keyboard, mouse, and monitor (monitor turned off, of course), but I'd rather avoid that. To my knowledge, I won't be able to use Remote Desktop because that is XP Pro-only.

Solution: so am I looking for Go To My PC or something like that? Can you manipulate software, change settings, and start and stop the computer with such software?

The computers will actually be within a few feet of each other. Is there a hardware solution, such as running a crossover cable from the control computer to the remote computer. (still though, second computer will not have monitor, mouse, or keyboard)

[Kinetik]

Have you tried Real Vnc? it works and its free! :) I'd post a link but I cant yet :(

[RWB]

Remote Desktop... it comes with windows. I think Pro allows you to control another computer but home lets you be controlled.

Looks like you should be fine... http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx

[Thrax]

UltraVNC. Allows file transfer, which most other VNC clients do not.

[Leonardo]

UltraVNC. Allows file transfer, which most other VNC clients do not.Bear with me here, Thrax. So are you implying that UltraVNC, in addition to full control of the remote computer, to include startup and shutdown will also allow file transfers?

[kryyst]

Bear with me here, Thrax. So are you implying that UltraVNC, in addition to full control of the remote computer, to include startup and shutdown will also allow file transfers?

Correct.

[Thrax]

Startup: No. You'd need WOL for that.


Everything else: yes.

[Leonardo]

I took a look at the site you linked. Looks exactly like what I need. RWB, I'm not ignoring you.

Thrax, Kryyst - what's the difference between VNC and Windows XP Remote Desktop? Given my intended use, is there an advantage of one over the other, such as dependability or user friendliness? (keep in mind that my total network admin experience is very small office or home network - pretty basic)

[Thrax]

XP's RDP is LAN-only. VNC can be done anywhere. Both are easy: Supply an IP, and hit connect.

[primesuspect]

XP's RDP is LAN-only. VNC can be done anywhere. Both are easy: Supply an IP, and hit connect.

not true. You can forward RDP over a router and control XP home desktops from the tubes. I do it for home clients all the time.

Leo, I use both VNC and RDP and I find VNC to be more "native" in that you are literally controlling the mouse and keyboard, pixel for pixel. It feels more natural, but it's a little bit laggier than RDP.

RDP is extremely fast. Sometimes you forget that you are on a different computer, it feels like you're right there.

When I haxx0r my kids' computers from the basement, I use VNC. When I want to control my home computer from my office, I use RDP.

[Thrax]

Yes, yes, cue forwarding semantics.

VNC is simply easier to set up.

[primesuspect]

not semantics:

XP's RDP is LAN-only.

just not true.

They are exactly the same. If you want VNC, you forward port 5900. If you want RDP, you forward port 3389. Same exact amount of effort.

[Leonardo]

Thanks, guys. Seeing that there isn't much interest in my Asus board and Pentium D in the Deal Depot & Trading Post, I'll probably use it this weekend for the basis for an additional Folding rig. I got to thinking about, and I've got all the components in my parts bin for a strong computer with basic video capability. But I don't need or want another monitor, mouse, and keyboard cluttering any desk area. Also, I don't want the cable hassle of another KVM (or the expense). So I should be trying either VNC or Remote Desktop this weekend.

To be more specific, which of those two do you think would be the simplest to install and setup for Folding monitoring and the occasional file transfer? I need to ask these basic questions because I have no experience with remote anything outside video teleconferencing - stuff already set up by someone else.

[Kinetik]

If memory serves me correctly (which it might not as I just spent 3 hours in a hot attic running Cat5 cable) XP Home cannot be controlled remotely using RDP. I would recommend VNC for your remote sessions as its pretty fast running on a LAN and file transfers are a breeze.

[Thrax]

Thanks, guys. Seeing that there isn't much interest in my Asus board and Pentium D in the Deal Depot & Trading Post, I'll probably use it this weekend for the basis for an additional Folding rig. I got to thinking about, and I've got all the components in my parts bin for a strong computer with basic video capability. But I don't need or want another monitor, mouse, and keyboard cluttering any desk area. Also, I don't want the cable hassle of another KVM (or the expense). So I should be trying either VNC or Remote Desktop this weekend.

To be more specific, which of those two do you think would be the simplest to install and setup for Folding monitoring and the occasional file transfer? I need to ask these basic questions because I have no experience with remote anything outside video teleconferencing - stuff already set up by someone else.

Install UltraVNC on the computer you want to monitor and record its IP. It installs a shortcut called "Install VNC as a service." Do that, then use another icon in the same menu called "Default administrator settings" or something to that effect, and change the password in the box to whatever you want. Hit apply, hit okay, close the windows.

Install UltraVNC on the computer you want to connect from. Launch the VNC viewer application and type the IP you saved, then hit connect. Provide the password.

Bam, you're into the other computer. If you want to connect from outside your LAN, forward port 5900 to the PC running the server, and connect to your WAN IP instead.

[Ultra Nexus]

I use Kavoom! software KVM to control my dedicated folding rigs (2). They only have the power cord and the network cable attached. I then use TinyVNC to connect to the VMs (Linux) running in them but on the host itself (Windows 2003 server) I use the KVM.

[Leonardo]

Alrighty then! Thanks again.

Mr. U. Nexus, I am sure both Linux and Win 2003 are wonderful software...but that's all over my head. Some other time, I suppose.

[scott]

Hey Leo

I have used both Real VNC and Windows Remote Desktop. I have 6 boxes with no keyboards or monitors. I gave up on Real Vnc it was just to much trouble over the long haul. My router would hand out different Ip's on occasion and I could not find the box I had to set them all up with static IP's. I also found it was real laggy. I now use Remote Desktop only. It works great and it is already installed on pro. Just type the computers name in the "connect to" box then username and password click " Remember settings" and you are one click away from that box on your main rig. Just remember to set up the remote computer "To allow remote connections" ( System properties/ remote tab ) You can also check the options for modifying files.

It is already there and works great !

Scott

[Kinetik]

Since everyone keeps recommending RDP even though its not natively supported on XP home. Try this

http://www.geekport.com/2007/08/15/enabling-remote-desktop-in-xp-home/

[scott]

Since everyone keeps recommending RDP even though its not natively supported on XP home. Try this

http://www.geekport.com/2007/08/15/e...op-in-xp-home/

it is easier than that

From the link in RWB's post above

Note The Remote Desktop Connection software is pre-installed with Windows XP. To run it, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection. This software package can also be found on the Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition product CDs and can be installed on any supported Windows platform. To install from the CD, insert the disc into the target machine's CD-ROM drive, select Perform Additional Tasks, and then click Install Remote Desktop Connection.

[bschie]

I use UltraVNC to connect to my home computer for work. It is one of the few solutions that have worked for me since I had to get around my work firewall.

It's really easy. All you have to do is open the correct ports and install UltraVNC server and I would run it as a service so you dont have to have your account logged in. Then install UltraVNC viewer and connect. The only thing that I dont like is that it does not support fast user switching. So if anyone is trying to use my comp at home, it will disconnect me.

[Leonardo]

Ultra VNC is running now like a champ. I just did a Google search and the second or third link was an easy to follow, simple instruction guide for setting it up. My first attempt was successful. I now have No. 5 (freshly built) in my signature under control from the computer I'm posting from.

Awesome software! I highly recommend. This is so....WOW....nothing connected to number five except a power cord. I love it.

BTW, I did not have to set a static IP and did not have to open any ports. I did not have to open the router's configuration at all. I merely set up the controlled computer to be identified by it's computer name. So simple! But yes, I did set up a strong password to connect to the controlled computer.

Thanks very much guys for your advice.

[Kinetik]

Glad its working well for you!!

[mmonnin]

We also use TS WEB at work and it doesnt have the lag like VNC does. Its full screen no matter if resolutions match or not. Use IP or computername to log in. Real easy.

[Leonardo]

Thanks, if it turns out that VNC is not satisfactory - so far it is, then I'll give TS Web a try (if it's freeware).