Remote Control

[jay75]

This is what I have in mind...

I have two computers on a LAN. Computer "A" is the one i am using and "B" is the other one. From "A", i want to play an MP3 which is stored on "B", but through the speakers on "B". Is this possible, and how can it be done?

 

[Cyberclark]

You have to options I can think of immediatly to accomplish your task.

Option 1 is using Remote software:

Connect to Computer B through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) which is now built into XP Pro. Being that it is on your internal LAN you shouldn't have to worry about any ports or what not.

On the host computer, computer B in this case, just right click on My Computer and click properties. In the systems properties dialog you should see a remote tab on top. Click the box to allow users to remotely connect to this computer. You may have to set up a login anad password here as well.

On the client computer (Computer A in your example) Just go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection. In the dialog that pops up type in the IP or hostname of ComputerB. Then type in the login and password you specified above and blamo you will have full control just as if you were sitting at that machine.

If you don't have XP Pro you could do the same thing with VNC which is an Open source download of a remote control app. More details on VNC can be found here


The other option would be to purchase a hardware KVM and just switch to the other unit when you want to start up the MP3 player or whatever. You can get little cheapy 2 port KVM's for less than $40. Here are some options

Good Luck and hope that helps somewhat!

 

[JackMDS]

This will do it for you.

Link to: Ultr@VNC (Remote Control for your Network/Interent) - Installation, and Settings

:sun:

 

[jbritt1234]

On XP's built in RDP, I believe the default option is to bring the sounds from the remote PC to your PC. If so, you will just need to go into the options on the computer you are connecting from and tell it to leave the sounds at the remote computer.

Not sure how UltraVNC handles that, but i'm sure it is easy to do also.

 

[InlineFive]

I have a question, can UltraVNC allow a person to connect and not kick off the current user like for RDP? So they could both view the screen?

 

[Cyberclark]

Originally posted by: PorBleemo
I have a question, can UltraVNC allow a person to connect and not kick off the current user like for RDP? So they could both view the screen?

That feature is built in to Windows XP as well just have to use Remote Assistance rather than Remote Desktop. With the remote assistance feature the user that asks for help can drive and you can shadow or they can hand control over to you but they still see what you are doing.

In the end it is still using RDP protocols they just made it easier by making it work via, IM, Email or a sent file. More info on remote Assistance is here

But to answer your ?, VNC will let you shadow users as well. Not sure about UltraVNC but the original VNC says this on it's info page

VNC can also be used in educational contexts, for example to allow a distributed group of students simultaneously to view a computer screen being manipulated by an instructor, or to allow the instructor to take control of the students' computers to provide assistance.

So being that UltraVNC was based off the original I am sure it should do the same.

 

[jtusa]

There's also a webpage Winamp control plugin. Lets you control winamp on the remote computer via a simple web interface.

 

[InlineFive]

I'll look at VNC. The main thing is that I need to be able to initiate the connection remotely without user intervention.