setting up remote desktop

[dakota81]

I want to find out what software will be best for remote access, whether it be remote desktop that's built into XP Professional, or PC Anywhere, or possibly VNC software.

We are adding two new computers, and have two existing computers that we want to allow remote access to. So 4 computers total in one location, and we would have to set up port forwarding in the router.

I have never played with remote desktop before, but it seems the best fit in our situation (and more economical than pc anywhere). Port 3389 is the default port, is this customizable so I can use 4 different ports for the 4 different computers?

And the other issue is we want to do is to be able to print either to a local or a remote printer. Does remote desktop allow this?

Thanks

 

[Auger282]

remote desktop doesnt allow you to interact with the other user... when you are logged in they aren not.. when you are logged in they are not..

where as with VNC or pcanywhere you are both working on the same desktop at the same time..

to print local or remote isnt associated with the remote software.. you have to install the software on the computer.. so if you install all the printers on all the workstations .. it wont be a problem.. (I dont know of a program that can share printers dynamically through a remote connection)


VNC is a good way to do it (cheap).. and works...
PcAnywhere is a little more professional .. logging, advanced username/password abilities (I think)

We use software called dameware ....works great (we have 250 desktops)

 

[dakota81]

The point you made about remote desktop not allowing interaction between the two users, I am aware of this, and it would actually be a benifit in our situation. I need to purchase these two computers tomorrow and trying to find out if I should get XP Home or XP Pro.

I am somewhat familiar with using PC Anywhere & VNC software, though the last time I set up vnc software on a windows host (~3 years ago) it didn't work very well. In this situation, I really think remote desktop is the best option, I just wish to confirm some of its functionality.


These are the features I am looking for:
1) 4 computers behind one nat router
2) option to choose local or remote printer when remotely connected

 

[allteltec]

I use RealVNC at 5 sites two and 3 PC's at each site. By seting up static IP's on the PC's and port forwarding 5801, 5802, 5803 to the static IP of the differ PC's and using Java enable IE or fire fox I can access all the PC's and have complete control. I build Hosts files so I can just enter in a name and not have to remember the IP address of the differ sites. RealVNC also has good password ability.

 

[cdogg]

dakota81,
Another disadvantage you might not be aware of in Remote Desktop is that when a user is logged on, they have to give you permission to take over.

This is not the case with PCAnywhere or Dameware, and I'm not sure about VNC. Each have settings that you can put into place to override the user that's logged on.

If you plan on speaking with the end users over the phone prior to connecting, then perhaps that's not a concern for you...

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884