How can I shutdown or reset my pc wirelessly?

[bupkus]

I have a special application where I have 12 computers used in a school environment. I would like to provide one teacher with an IR remote to shut down the computers both individually and collectively. It would be cool if I could do this with the monitors as well.
I don't know where to begin.

The reason is, the kids manage to break everything, and if I can shelter the pc's under the desktops I would need a way to turn them on and off.

 

[nineball9]

Perhaps a power strip that has each plug switched ... I bought one of these (with a 12 foot cord) for a friend's lighting system a few years ago. Would not be a clean shutdown solution though.

Maybe a Clapper - "clap on, clap off"?

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: nineball9
Perhaps a power strip that has each plug switched ... I bought one of these (with a 12 foot cord) for a friend's lighting system a few years ago. Would not be a clean shutdown solution though.

Maybe a Clapper - "clap on, clap off"?

lol you could code different claps for different computers!

 

[bupkus]

Please don't waste my time. This is the general hardware forum not the comedy forum.

 

[twitchee2]

i think what they are trying to say is that there is not a way that i personally know of. strong possibilty i am wrong though.

 

[Green Man]

If you think comedy is a waste of time, you don't know bupkus. Oh, wait...


Anyway, I first considered WoL capability but it's not wireless obviously.

What about rewiring the front power button. If you hold it for a second, the computer will shut down. Hold it for another second and the computer will boot. All you need is a momentary closed switch. If you need individual control, you'll probably need 12 RF channels.
Maybe someone has a better idea.

 

[jondl]

I don't know if this is the same but i worked for a 'lan center' about 5 years ago and one of the applications they had was one that enabled control to every single computer from 1 central computer. I could easily close programs, turn off computers, and what not. I don't think i can be much help finding the program but i do know it exists.

 

[poisonthewell]

Originally posted by: bupkus
Please don't waste my time. This is the general hardware forum not the comedy forum.

Sorry mister try changing your Depends . . .

 

[MDE]

You could use XP's Remote Desktop to reboot machines but not turn them on.

 

[daweinah]

Couldn't you just get longer wires and move the power/reset switch to a hidden spot behind the desk? Or perhaps all the way to the teacher's desk or a central box with a lock on it?

 

[bupkus]

Originally posted by: daweinah
Couldn't you just get longer wires and move the power/reset switch to a hidden spot behind the desk? Or perhaps all the way to the teacher's desk or a central box with a lock on it?

yes, but those kids crawl around and find everything.
Here's a post about the technology but it's beyond my training. I'm thinking of contacting him for tips. Of course, his TV is already set to recceive which my computers aren't.
I had originally planned on attaching momentary buttons to a control box next to each computer but the kids can and do push them repeatedly.
A remote would be the absolute best control solution.