Remote Desktop Help

[Vibr8tr]

I was wondering if any one can help. I understand Remote desktop to a point, and can use it, but not well. I am trying to set up something for the wife.The Situation: Mother in law owns a moble dog grooming business, but can't take her computer with her in the truck. So she wants my wife (who is at home watchign the baby) to act as a secritary from MY house. But she would need to access the mother in law's computer at HER house.What I want: To be able to have a remote desktop setup so my wife and be at our house with the baby, and just log on and control the computer at the mother in laws house. I am not concerned with "super security". The only way I have found, is someone has to be at the mother in law's computer to connect them.... My questions:1. can I set it up to be able to connect without someone being there?2. will there be a problem using it through DSL, where the IP changes?3. How would I set up the computers by way of Name and Network?Any information would be great from all you computer GURU's. Thanks to all....

[Jahntassa]

Honestly the easiest thing is to use GoToMyPC. Otherwise because of the DSL IP issue, you would need to get a DDNS (Dynamic DNS) service that would update a domain name each time the IP changed. Then you could use free software such as WinVNC to connect.http://www.dyndns.com is one such Dynamic-DNS provider.The 'remote desktop' within windows may work as well, but again, you would have to have that DDNS setup, as well as have the firewall open to it. Keep in mind that people DO sniff ports, and it may be found, so the computer may be hacked if there are any vulnerabilities (Such as Windows not being up to date)

[northvibe]

I use windows xp built in remote desktop and it works great from my apple laptop or my work pc to my home pc. all you have to do is if the pc you want to control is on a router, port forward the ports to that pc's ip addy inside the routers software so it knows which pc to send your remote access to. Or try VNC works a little faster and doesnt log off the host.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Honestly the easiest thing is to use GoToMyPC. Otherwise because of the DSL IP issue, you would need to get a DDNS (Dynamic DNS) service that would update a domain name each time the IP changed. Then you could use free software such as WinVNC to connect.http://www.dyndns.com is one such Dynamic-DNS provider.The 'remote desktop' within windows may work as well, but again, you would have to have that DDNS setup, as well as have the firewall open to it. Keep in mind that people DO sniff ports, and it may be found, so the computer may be hacked if there are any vulnerabilities (Such as Windows not being up to date)Jahntassa, that is exactly what i'm setting up at our house right now! we're going to use a PVPN to log in with a dynamic DNS. it's private and not opened so people can't hack into it. my IT guy at work is helping me finish setting it all up, hopefully today. we want to do some testing since i have our MCE computer downstairs and i've got a good amount of TV and movies recorded thru the DVR.

[vibe-04]

As previously mentioned, you need a quasi-static IP address (http://www.dyndns.com) . I use http://www.realvnc.com/ for all my 80+ remote connections. It allows remote connections with very little overhead. Very effective but you must use the latest version. I can run a Pc over dial-up successfully!!! And it is free!!!You can configure Real VNC to run automatically in the back ground as a service -or- as a link on the desktop to initiate on demand. As also previously mentioned, you will need to port forward (VNC uses port 5900 or choose your own) to your local IP if you are on a private subnet (i.e. have a router between you and your MIL [mother-in-law] DSL modem.).Good luck.Andrew

[AKLGT]

not sure what he's having me do, but i know i've already registered for my dyndns.com account. set it up under dynamic DHCP hosting thru a linux based router and VPN. i'm supposed to install some software (free online) on each PC/laptop. I'll most likely be adding another one maybe 2 for the new business as i get it up and running. the great thing about this all, pretty much free!

[Vibr8tr]

Sounds like I need to look into a DDNS. The whole thing is we don't want it costing alot, cause then it's not worth it. I was just going to go the easy way and get GoToMyPC, but that was $20 a month. She is already going to be paying for our internet and phone line, so if we start throwing in that, it's not really worth it for her.I like the looks of that realVNC idea. I may give it a try tonight. I set up a "remote desktop" using windows XP today at work, and boy is that a pain for what it's worth. Thanks every one for the suggestions, I will give it all a try and see what works best. And if any one else has ideas, shoot them out there.Oh and hope, that set up sounds awsome. You guys are going to have one up to date house.... but it won't be as crazy as the LGT..... Mav, you better look out, she is trying to make it cooler than the Vibe

[AKLGT]

LOL. well, hopefully he'll have his STI soon (w/in 6 mos). with me getting my own business up and running here in the next month, i think we'll have a lot more freedom (sorta) to work on various projects.