• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

how to set up a second pc to operate as a 'remote'?

D

DeeKnow

Platinum Member
I want to get a second PC, suitable for video editing etc, so something in the >2500MHz range. Now the kids access the current PC all the time, installing games and downloading stuff from the web, so I'd like them to continue having a mchine to play with..

Trouble is, there's not enough space to get two desktops in what we have.. so I'm thinking get the big box, wire it up and hide it someplace where it gets ventilation but cannot be touched. No kbd or mouse or display on it. Just a fast CPU and lotsa HD space.

How would I go about setting something so I can access this box over the net from the current machine, in a way that's secure, but does not exact a high performance toll? I would sit athe current machine (when the kids will let me, damn!), just log into the second machine, set up edits/renders etc and log out, then let the kids get back to whatever they were doing while my second machine spends all night rendering or whatever...

Guess what I'm asking for is something like PC Anywhere, but not sure..

any ideas where to start??

I'm familiar with networking (wired and wireless), USB, firewire etc, so just point me in the right direction
 
If I remember correctly, I believe you could do this with Windows XP Professional through a router or hub. I read an article to do this in a recording studio environment setting up a laptop to control the main recording rig.

Found it.

http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/articles/F5C489059130C9B486256DAA000EC101

This is using a wireless connection, but I'm pretty sure this could be done using a regular router/hub. Hope this answers your question.
 
Errrr... how well do you know Linux? Could you possibly do your work from command line? Most Linux distros (Fedora is the one I'm currently using because its relatively hassle-free) set up ssh by default. You can even tunnel the X11 connections and run graphical apps if need be. I currently have two "headless" (w/o keyboard, mouse, or monitor) Linux boxes on which I do computational analyses 24/7. (you can also leave the actual machine "logged out" and just use the SSH as a log-in... preventing your children from accessing it)
 
Are you behind a router? If not, get one so you can network your two computers and have internet access on both (assuming you have broadband). Install Windows XP Pro on your new computer (I'm sure you would anyway) and use Remote Desktop. It's incredibly simple and secure and it lets you use your remote computer just as if you were sitting at the console.

If you have any questions about Remote Desktop, just ask away.

*Real VNC or Tridia VNC is what I use for non-XP Pro computers*
 
Originally posted by: FishTaco
How about securing XP with a password and using a kvm switch? Keeps the kids off and you get zero performance loss.
Click to expand...

Good thing I read the thread. I almost posted this exact suggestion. 😀
 
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: FishTaco
How about securing XP with a password and using a kvm switch? Keeps the kids off and you get zero performance loss.
Click to expand...

Good thing I read the thread. I almost posted this exact suggestion. 😀
Click to expand...

mmm, KVM
 
thanks very much for all the responses, people...

Win XP RDC appears to be the way to do it, except that I really would like to remain with Win 2000 on the video machine (now I don't want to start another thread but Win 2000 is clearly THE os for dedicated video work)

think I'll give Real VNC a shot ... whatever I've read sounds good so far
 
done. it took me all of about 10 minutes to install and configure Real VNC on 2 machines, and it works like magic... this is what I needed thanks whattaguy1!!!!

another Q while we're at it... if i start up the host machine without a keyboard and mouse connected, won't i get the "no keyboard found' error??
 
Originally posted by: DeeKnow
done. it took me all of about 10 minutes to install and configure Real VNC on 2 machines, and it works like magic... this is what I needed thanks whattaguy1!!!!

another Q while we're at it... if i start up the host machine without a keyboard and mouse connected, won't i get the "no keyboard found' error??
Click to expand...

theres bios options to mask bios errors and keep booting.

i still think a KVM and a password would be a better choice.
 
Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy

theres bios options to mask bios errors and keep booting.

i still think a KVM and a password would be a better choice.
Click to expand...

I agree a KVM would be 'cleaner', but the network option allows me to place the second machine literally anywhere in the house
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top