Tech support/Tech lab setup

[cdz25]

Once again as a budding pc tech I have started a small repair business in my town.(Just giving cards/business # out) Ive gotten a few jobs so far(first week launch) So my question is that eventually I want to offer call in support of all (Windows Os'es ) I want to be able to access each os at any given time, I want to be able to go into there default setting) For example if a client calls in about W95 I want to be able to switch to that os and if they are using a default browser I want to be able to connect to the internet or mirror exactlly what there systems would be going through at that time. I hope everyone gets the general idea. Now i know i can use a kvm switch and access each pc from 1 monitor but can we get more specific?

Clients call in and say hey how do i get to control panel in windows xp? I want to use my monitor ,keyboard, and mouse to switch to that Os on a pc in my lab go through the motions with them etc. Like a support call center or maybe even like TechTv's call for help (Or similiar shows )do when showing a viewer step by step procedures.

[Kc2iLq]

More specific? I don't completely understand the question. I came up with two scenarios that I think you're talking about...

You want to run different computers with every OS on it at your shop and use one monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

Or, do you want to run ONE computer with all the OS's and a bootloader and a KVM to use the client's computer at the same time?
Please help me understand what you're trying to accomplish here.

-Kc2iLq

[Nighthawk]

I would suggest VMware to host all the operating systems you want. The only problem is that even the educational rate is over $100, so I'm not sure what it is at full retail price.

[PresterJohn]

<<ow i know i can use a kvm switch and access each pc from 1 monitor but can we get more specific?......
Clients call in and say hey how do i get to control panel in windows xp? I want to use my monitor ,keyboard, and mouse to switch to that Os on a pc in my lab go through the motions with them etc.
>>

what's to be more specific about? you're on the right track...you simply have 1-3 extra machines running various OS's all connected to a kvm. user calls in w/a question, you merely switch to the machine you need and walk thru it.

the kvm route is the most straight-forward. there are other ways such as using virtual machines (using VMware) but those are much more complicated.

[goldenbuddha]

But with all the flavors of Windows... if you want to be really specific and have every version, it will not be very cost effective.

[PresterJohn]

>if you want to be really specific and have every version, it will not be very cost effective

you don't need every version.

not many people run win95. win98 & Me are similar enough to each other...one win98 box should do. w2k and xp are close enough to each other that many tasks are similar or even the same, you could probably get by w/an XP box...

[SeanC]

Yeah, having an XP box with a 98 box. If you can afford it get a 2K Server box. Hey you never know, you may get clients that have server questions.

Sean