Remote Desktop or Similar Software Required...I think
Leonardo
Wake up and smell the glaciersEagle River, Alaska Icrontian
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)
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)
0
Comments
Looks like you should be fine... http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx
Correct.
Everything else: yes.
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)
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.
VNC is simply easier to set up.
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.
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.
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.
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
http://www.geekport.com/2007/08/15/enabling-remote-desktop-in-xp-home/
it is easier than that
From the link in RWB's post above
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.
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.