Remote Desktop

[nordloewelabs]

I'm new to Remote Desktop and I'm in search of suggestions... I run Windows 2000 and the machine that I'll be controlling (a friend's computer) runs Windows XP Home. I'm looking for a freeware solution that is both easy and secure.

I have read through the forum and realized that there are several free RD tools on the web. some people recommend the Remote Desktop program built in Windows XP. others recommend UltraVNC, TightVNC, LogMeIn, etc. Since I'm new to this kind of software, they all sound a bit daunting....

my main concern (probably unjustified) is creating a security hole in either PC during the RD session. I dont want to open the doors of either system (especially mine!!!) while trying to help someone out. also, encryption of data sent and received between the 2 PCs would be a very welcome bonus!

my PC can boot into PCLinuxOS 2007 as well, but unless this can be easily (very easily) done under PCLinuxOS, I'd rather stick to Windows 2000. again, my friend's PC runs XP Home.

any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[Allanv]

Use logmein. its starts with a secure webpage and stays secure. create a free account and then send your friend the link to install the client software. Then have him set an access code or if he / she uses a password it will not ask to set a password. But you will need it to access their pc.

No ports are required to be open on any pc yours included

 

[DrGreen2007]

I have 3 customers using Remote admin from http://www.famatech.com/

1 in Florida, 1 in AZ and another in CA...no problems here, did have to open a port on the router/firewall on there end though

 

[nordloewelabs]

I have done some more reading on the subject in the last days and LogMeIn does seem to be the easiest ones to setup. Even though they use 128 bit encryption, the fact that all the traffic goes through their server makes me wonder how and secure that is. has anyone else here had any experiences with it?

GoToMyPC, though not free, is web-based too, right? well I will stick to a freeware solution.

 

[jonmcc33]

UltraVNC

http://www.uvnc.com

 

[septiroth]

Use Tunnelier =) It automates ssh port forwarding

need an ssh server though

http://www.bitvise.com/tunnelier

 

[Metron]

Nothing to buy... Win2000 client from Microsoft available

As long as the target computer is XP (or Vista), you're set!

 

[nordloewelabs]

i know all versions of Windows can be used as the client, but from my reading on the subject, it seems that XP Home cant be used as server....(?)

 

[SandEagle]

i use VisionApp Remote Desktop. free and secure. you can set up credentials, etc. the nice thing is that it has tabs similar to firefox when you have multiple remote sessions going on

http://www.visionapp.com/141.0.html