How to Use PC Remotely?

[Belial88]

So I have a few questions about this stuff, and not sure where to start.

i7-4770K
Z87X-UD3H
W7 Ultimate 64bit
Belkin F9K1001V4 router

I run a lot of stress testing and mining, so I'd like to be able to, from my phone or somewhere else, be able to turn the pc back on and restart the stress test, and possibly even access the BIOS to change settings.

I'm also curious how I would, say, download a movie on this computer, and then watch it on another computer via remote access? Or what about from another computer hooked up to the router?

Is there a way I can test it's working on my own computer? I'm not sure if I'm supposed to use the router-assigned IP address or like my real world IP address, can I test it from another computer on the network (for online access, that is).

I've tried to set up the whole port forward method, not sure if it's working.

Finally, is there any security risks? Or would it be pretty impossible for someone to guess both my IP address and account password?

Thanks

 

[JackMDS]

If you want to access your computer without 3rd party involvement this page might help.

http://www.ezlan.net/vnc.htmlhttp://www.ezlan.net/vnc.html

Or use Windows Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise native remote control

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/remote-desktop-connection

Otherwise, there is few good 3rd party site that offer remoter control through their systems.

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

https://secure.logmein.com/

You can read the info on their sites and choose the one that fits your needs.

P.S. Remotely manipulation BIOS and other setting on a Computer before the OS is loaded and working is Not an option for regular End-User.

 

[Belial88]

Is there any security risk using the port forward method? Do I use my router IP or my actual PC IP to connect to said PC over the internet (and over a router?).

Is there any way to test this... yea you didnt answer my questions TT

I'm also confused on 'user accounts' to add. So I have to add user accounts to allow viewing of my pc from the internet? How do I do that? So like if I want to connect from 'John PC', i have to add that as a viewer? Aren't there millions of 'John PC' out there? I don't get that.

edit you answered the bios question actually, very helpful (and dissapointing).

 

[NesuD]

Is there any security risk using the port forward method? Do I use my router IP or my actual PC IP to connect to said PC over the internet (and over a router?).

Is there any way to test this... yea you didnt answer my questions TT

I'm also confused on 'user accounts' to add. So I have to add user accounts to allow viewing of my pc from the internet? How do I do that? So like if I want to connect from 'John PC', i have to add that as a viewer? Aren't there millions of 'John PC' out there? I don't get that.

You are asking for answers to to many things that are technically unrelated. No one has time to write you a training manual here for networking 101. Be a little more courteous and try thanking Jack for the help he has offered.

 

[Belial88]

Okay, next time I'll make 4 different threads for 4 different questions instead of one big thread.

There are basically 4 questions:
1. Is there any major security risk of port forward?
2. How to test RDP is working on computer with said computer?
3. How to access BIOS remotely?
4. Slightly confused on login with RDP (using account name)

Setting up RDP isn't the problem (or it may be, I wouldn't know since I can't test). I am not going to thank someone for not answering my question at all and posting a basic video.

If you aren't going to make a helpful post, don't post. Pretty straightforward. I'm going to give a huge thanks to someone who can answer my questions. If you can't answer them, I'm not going to go "Omg thanks so much /thread!' just for charity. There's a reason one appreciates good posts and answers...

I am well aware that most of my questions are too advanced for most people here though. I don't expect answers every time.

 

[Enigma102083]

Okay, next time I'll make 4 different threads for 4 different questions instead of one big thread.

There are basically 4 questions:
1. Is there any major security risk of port forward?

Yes, there is always inherent risk when opening up ports in your router/firewall. Use strong passwords, use the highest level of security you can support, follow best practices.

2. How to test RDP is working on computer with said computer?

Easiest way to test is get another computer, plug it into your network and attempt to RDP into your desktop internally.

3. How to access BIOS remotely?

There are some motherboards that allow remote access to the bios, such as Intel AMT support on Intel mobos. I don't know enough about your system to tell you if it's possible for you.

4. Slightly confused on login with RDP (using account name)

RDP uses your local system account for logging in.

Setting up RDP isn't the problem (or it may be, I wouldn't know since I can't test). I am not going to thank someone for not answering my question at all and posting a basic video.

Don't be an ass when people are trying to help.

If you aren't going to make a helpful post, don't post. Pretty straightforward. I'm going to give a huge thanks to someone who can answer my questions. If you can't answer them, I'm not going to go "Omg thanks so much /thread!' just for charity. There's a reason one appreciates good posts and answers...

See above.

I am well aware that most of my questions are too advanced for most people here though. I don't expect answers every time.

Again; see above.

 

[JackMDS]

I am well aware that most of my questions are too advanced for most people here though. I don't expect answers every time.

LOL.

Your question about open ports would be similar to One asking: "I heard that there are Car accidents on the roads, should I buy a Car?".

---------
In general the questions indicate that you know close to nothing about Networking and Remote Control. Thus giving you a detailed answer would be beyond the scope of a Forum post.

In an attempt to help I gave you few links to pages that will provide with some some basic to mid. level info about the subject and hopefully you would be able to take it from there.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Okay, next time I'll make 4 different threads for 4 different questions instead of one big thread.

There are basically 4 questions:
1. Is there any major security risk of port forward?
2. How to test RDP is working on computer with said computer?
3. How to access BIOS remotely?
4. Slightly confused on login with RDP (using account name)

1. Yes

2. Test locally with another RDP workstation

3. https://www.google.com/search?client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=IP+KVM&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

4. RDP logins are for user names?

I am well aware that most of my questions are too advanced for most people here though. I don't expect answers every time.

including yourself.

You'll catch more flies with honey.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

To address point number 3 explicitly, as ch33zw1z pointed out, there is no method to use something like RDP to access the BIOS because programs like RDP and VNC run on top of the operating system. To access a system before boot, you either can use A. Something that can let you do raw keyboard and mouse input + monitor display, externally from the system, or B. Have a motherboard or proprietary add-on card that supports Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).

B, just doesn't apply to you. IPMI, ILO, iDRAC, and all the remote access management systems are limited to server motherboards.

So A is your only option using IP KVMs. IP KVMs are complete proprietary full systems, and as such, are expensive, and again relegated mostly to the business and enterprise market.

You can expect to pay $300 and up for IP KVM cards capable of being powered externally (and thusly being able to remote boot or reset the computer), or $500 and up for external solutions.

 

[Enigma102083]

Actually an IP KVM would be a pretty good solution for him if he really is doing a lot of mining, he'll be able to manage multiple systems.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

That's very true, but even a basic 8 port IP KVM would run over $1,000 and wouldn't even have remote boot control at that price level.

 

[Lifted]

That's very true, but even a basic 8 port IP KVM would run over $1,000 and wouldn't even have remote boot control at that price level.

A switched PDU would solve that. $50 on ebay.

I see remote remote IP KVM's for $25 used, and these are new for < $100.

 

[Enigma102083]

That's very true, but even a basic 8 port IP KVM would run over $1,000 and wouldn't even have remote boot control at that price level.

Lifted is right, he could get a used Web Power Switch for a decent price.

 

[Belial88]

Yes, there is always inherent risk when opening up ports in your router/firewall. Use strong passwords, use the highest level of security you can support, follow best practices.

What password? At what stage of RDS is there a password involved? I know for local network you might have a password on your user account, but for online network are you using a password? Or do you mean logoff my computer when not using it, and when I want to connect RDS, I would have to login. So a hacker might possibly access my computer, but he can't figure out my account password?

There are some motherboards that allow remote access to the bios, such as Intel AMT support on Intel mobos. I don't know enough about your system to tell you if it's possible for you.

How would I find out?

LOL.

Your question about open ports would be similar to One asking: "I heard that there are Car accidents on the roads, should I buy a Car?".

I did not know there were car accidents, but thanks, I've figured out how to change the default port forward in the registry and used a random number generator to pick one.

In general the questions indicate that you know close to nothing about Networking and Remote Control. Thus giving you a detailed answer would be beyond the scope of a Forum post.

I don't, but I did at least google the topic and I think the OP shows I clearly know how to set it up, even if I don't know what I'm doing.

Thanks cheezewiz. And I'd rather not catch mosquitos is the issue. Seems I've found my quality answer :thumbs:

Also, it seems a lot of people lost the humor in my 'advanced question' post. The point was to attract attention, hopefully an answer, and it worked, and I could care less if people are 2 srs.

I'm getting a bit lost on the PDU control, what's that exactly? I'd love remote access to bios while running 24 hour prime95 stability tests so I could change OC settings and retest instead of just a single run a day (which might just fail in 5 minutes anyways). It's not terribly important but it'd really be quite awesome.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Used is always an option

Would I do Lifted's IPKVM? Not personally, as the review of it is atrocious and mirrored by a coworker's experience with it. The jumping mouse made anything that couldn't be simply be keyboard accessed literally unusable. And what's the point of buying a KVM if you only have the KV part?

Anyways, if the OP wants to go that route, he needs to keep in mind that except for a few 1 port devices that have discrete keyboard / monitor / mouse hookups, many multi-port KVM's use proprietary pinout KVM adapters that you buy. So when choosing a multi-port KVM, take into account sourcing of the KVM adapter (CIM) itself. Sometimes other companies will function with each other, but we at work find this doesn't happen often

Anyways, I see $100 for a switched PDU on ebay, $15-50 for a good (albeit loud) Avocent IP-KVM, and then about $70-$100 for a set of 5 raritan dongles (which I know from first hand experience will work with Raritan and Avocent KVMs, but will *not* work with Cyclades KVMs)

So he can get several machines covered for a could hundred bucks and putting up with a little noise. For people like me with a separate room for this stuff, that's highly tempting compared to a $1,000 new IPKVM

That being said, don't cheap out too badly, or you'll find it a real pain depending on how much you're using it.

Also for what its worth, iKVM applets (even Java ones) are mostly proprietary. If you want something that works on a mobile device, you'll have to get a KVM that supports it. Raritan makes the Dominion KX II that supports iOS apps (too bad those are serious money). Maybe some other posters have will have some cheaper options.

 

[Enigma102083]

What password? At what stage of RDS is there a password involved? I know for local network you might have a password on your user account, but for online network are you using a password? Or do you mean logoff my computer when not using it, and when I want to connect RDS, I would have to login. So a hacker might possibly access my computer, but he can't figure out my account password?

That would be your actual user account password, the one you use to login to your computer with. If you do not have a password set, then you cannot enable RDP access for that user, as having a password set is a requirement.

How would I find out?

Well your computer would be running a server motherboard for one, that would be the first clue.

I did not know there were car accidents, but thanks, I've figured out how to change the default port forward in the registry and used a random number generator to pick one.

And a port-scan will tell the hacker exactly which port that is. Your RDP is still exposed directly too the Internet. The only things standing between your computer and the whole damn Internet is your Windows password.

I don't, but I did at least google the topic and I think the OP shows I clearly know how to set it up, even if I don't know what I'm doing.

Yes.

Thanks cheezewiz. And I'd rather not catch mosquitos is the issue. Seems I've found my quality answer :thumbs:

At this point I'm just quoting everything say by paragraph, I may have OCD.

Also, it seems a lot of people lost the humor in my 'advanced question' post. The point was to attract attention, hopefully an answer, and it worked, and I could care less if people are 2 srs.

Humor doesn't translate well via text, especially when the surrounding context of that text is arrogance and entitlement.

I'm getting a bit lost on the PDU control, what's that exactly? I'd love remote access to bios while running 24 hour prime95 stability tests so I could change OC settings and retest instead of just a single run a day (which might just fail in 5 minutes anyways). It's not terribly important but it'd really be quite awesome.

He's basically talking about a power strip that you can remote into from the Internet and turn outlets on and off, so that equipment can be power cycled remotely. He's suggesting this because cheap IP KVMs don't have switched outlets like the big expensive ones. It's a work-around to try and save you some money. As is the IP KVM, and IP KVM is another piece of equipment, much like a KVM but can be accessed via a web interface or a client application. This runs independent of the machine its controlling so that you can still see and manipulate inputs before the OS has booted up, thus you can remotely view and control a BIOS.