Remote operation of a computer

[drm7]

I know a guy that owns a storage rental place. He has a PC that runs the rental and electronic gate system. He would like to be able to access this machine from the road. I've used VNC across a network before but I don't know if it works using a modem to dial into the machine. What about WinXP, will it do it? He is looking for an inexpensive way to do this. He would be using a laptop with a modem and the rental PC has a modem.

Thanks!

 

[pitzel]

WinXP has an excellent remote access setup. As long as you can make some sort of TCP/IP connection between the two machines, Remote Desktop works beautifully.


In WindowsXP, go start-->settings-->control panel-->network connections --> create a new connection --> Accept incoming connections and then select the modem.

Enable remote desktop by right-clicking on My Computer, properties, and then changing the settings in the Remote tab.

 

[Tree Hugger]

WinXP has Remote Desktop standard.
Works like magic. I use it all the time.

 

[wwillson]

Yes, the remote desktop in XP works very very well. One word of caution, if you leave the PC exposed to the internet, set up windows update to get the latest security fixes automatically.

Wayne

 

[drm7]

I don't have access to these machines at the moment but WinXP Remote Desktop will work via modem, right? I don't think the desktop PC is hooked to the next but has a modem. His laptop has a modem as well. Will this work if he leaves the machine locked via password? Does the connection run as a service that will all him to get around the login screen?

Thanks for your help. I have ordered a Dell laptop and it won't be in until next week. Once it arrives I'll try it on my desktop and see if I can get this to work.

 

[pitzel]

I don't see why Remote Desktop wouldn't work through a modem. There are even options for 56k use which essentially truncates things like the wallpaper.

It runs as a service, and doesn't require anyone to be logged in. If the machine is logged in, the tool basically shows whatever is on the desktop.

If he happens to have an ISDN line/service available, he can buy an ISDN modem that will support X2 or V90, which will speed up the connection as well, since with conventional modem technology over phone lines, 33.6k is the limit.