Remote Desktop

[Bizkitkid2001]

I don't think my computer will be able to stay running the whole time i am gone, so I would like to setup remote desktop on it. But I don't know how to do this. My computer is running windows XP home. The computer I want to use to access it will either be running windows98 or ME, depends on what computer I use to check it with. Is it possible to use remote desktop with win98 and ME?

How do I setup remote desktop on my computer so that it will start whenever it restarts(thats why i want remote access, so i can start things when it restarts) And what ports I need to forward on my router so that I can get access to it, if there is any thats needs to be open. Also I would like to know any tips on how to speed up the remote desktop on the computer I am accessing my computer with as I think it will only have dialup.


Thanks,
-Biz

[Siliconjunkie]

XP home does not come with remote desktop. Only XP pro. There are lots of other alternatives, I personally only use Remote Desktop tho. And yes, you can install the client on 98/ME and it uses TCP 3389.

it would be easier to set up VNC

[Bizkitkid2001]

So can I download remote desktop from the microsoft web site for XP home?

you can download the remote admin viewer to access winxp machines from other os's, but the remote program itself. no


use this

http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/

easy and free


make sure that you forward any ports if you have a router. or allow the program to access the internet if you have a software firewall

[Bizkitkid2001]

So I need to install VNC on my computer, and then put it on a floppy, then install it on the computer I want to access my computer from?

Also I am getting comfused on what ports I open up when I read the FAQ. I don't really understand what they are saying by 59xx, or 58xx, depends on the vnc numbers and so on. Can you clear this up more for me?

[Bizkitkid2001]

ok works from my second computer, but still need to open up the ports for computers outside of my network.

[strangerstill]

Uh, 'outside of your network'? Do you have DSL/similar? If so you need to get your router to forward ports to the right machine, just like you're running a game server on port 59xx.
A lot of routers only have support for 10 or so port forwards so it's best just to forward 5900 and 5901 - IIRC the 59xx ports are for VNC traffic and when you start up a VNC server it will almost always start on 5900 or 5901

(the 58xx ports start a tiny web server that puts up a Java applet which then communicates on 59xx - that way you can do VNC from ANY computer that has Java - it's a bit slower than the Windows-based viewer though)

[Redwolf]

Use the new version of VNC:

www.realvnc.com

They changed the website.

Also note the nice Java viewer, and the fact that:

a) VNC hates firewalls, so you need to work out thsoe problems BEFORE going on vacation. Ask a friend to help you out by trying to access your machine over the internet.

b) VNC is a security risk. Think up a good password.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Originally posted by strangerstill
Uh, 'outside of your network'? Do you have DSL/similar? If so you need to get your router to forward ports to the right machine, just like you're running a game server on port 59xx.
A lot of routers only have support for 10 or so port forwards so it's best just to forward 5900 and 5901 - IIRC the 59xx ports are for VNC traffic and when you start up a VNC server it will almost always start on 5900 or 5901

(the 58xx ports start a tiny web server that puts up a Java applet which then communicates on 59xx - that way you can do VNC from ANY computer that has Java - it's a bit slower than the Windows-based viewer though)

So I need to have ports 5900-5901 and 5800 open if I want to view my computer from any computer in the world? Would it be easier for me to install windows xp pro? Is the remote desktop that comes with xp pro better, and does it function better with firewalls?