I need a recommendation on remote admin/control software (preferably free)

[Arkitech]

I have several PC's on a home network that I would like to be able control from a laptop. I've tried using remote admin but had so many problems with it that I just gave up trying to configure it. (oddly enough I use it at work and never have any problems)

Anyone have suggestions on decent remote control software?

 

[FrustratedUser]

WinVNC is one of them.

 

[Loop2kil]

any of the VNC variety should do what you want. my personal choice is RealVNC

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

UltraVNC :thumbsup:

 

[prochobo]

TightVNC for me.

 

[ivwshane]

How about remote desktop which is built into windows xp.

To be able to control all of them you need to customize their rdp ports (simple registry change) and then to login you would type: computername:customerport#
It's secure, highly configurable, free, and if you are using XP pro, it's inlcuded already.

 

[prochobo]

Remote desktop is SLOOOWWW. . not to mention it locks the computer upon connection.

 

[ivwshane]

Since it's just his computers he's controlling I don't think locking a computer is an issue.

I'm not sure why you think it's slow (unless you have desktop backround enabled), of the remote admin software I've used it provides the smoothest experience.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Remote Desktop is probably best if it's just over LAN, but you'll need xVNC if you're going anything over the internet.

 

[ivwshane]

Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
Remote Desktop is probably best if it's just over LAN, but you'll need xVNC if you're going anything over the internet.

Why?

 

[Penth]

Originally posted by: ivwshane
Since it's just his computers he's controlling I don't think locking a computer is an issue.

I'm not sure why you think it's slow (unless you have desktop backround enabled), of the remote admin software I've used it provides the smoothest experience.

I agree. I use realVNC and Remote Desktop regularly. RealVNC for when I don't want to lock the computer up and Remote Desktop if it doesn't matter. Remote Desktop is MUCH smoother than realVNC. It's integrated very well with windows. I can't say for sure, but from using it I would guess it only updates the parts fo the screen that change, where your xVNCs refresh the whole screen.

 

[lordbob99]

UltraVNC with the display plugin gives me the smoothest experience of all the remote control programs I've used. Without the display plugin, I can see where people could find Remote Desktop to be smoother. CPU usage is extremely low with the display plugin as well.