[slypig]

I didn't know if I should post this on Servers or Networking so I posted on both. I apologize.

I work in prepress in the printing Industry. Sometimes the pressmen need changes that I can only achieve when onsite due to dongles and license strings and such, which means I have to drive to my work. IS there a way to use Remote desktop to login to a specific cpu and utilize the applications on that cpu? With a graphical Interface?

I can VPN into the servers but what I REALLY want is to login to a specific cpu on the network from home...wearing pink fuzzy slippers and sitting on the couch. We have an IT guy but he doesn't know how to do it. It would help both of us a bunch if this could happen.

Any ideas, suggestions would be much appreciated.

dave

[John Strung]

Your best bet is Timbuktu Pro. Timbuktu is completely crossplatform so you can even control your Mac remotely from a PC.

There is also a freeware solution called VNC, but it is flaky and light on security.

[Macola]

You may have problems if you're trying to cross two firewalls (i.e., if both your local and remote computers are behind firewalls) and if you have dynamic IPs.

I was trying to implement a similar solution for a client and the only thing that worked was a web-based solution (Go To My PC, but the remote computer has to be a PC). Admittedly, the client didn't know much about their firewall and opening specific ports on their router.

[John Strung]

I have Timbuktu working through firewalls. No problem. Just a matter of forwarding the right ports as per the Timbuktu tech support web site.

[Zim]

VNC would be another option. Runs on just about any platform.

Mike

[albook]

If you want a free solution I recommend VNC.

This is what you have to do:
1. Install a VNC Server on the computer at work.
2. Configure the VNC Server (Password, etc...)
2. Select the listening Port (Usually TCP 5900 + screen number).
3. Install a VNC Client on you computer at home.
4. Wait for the IT guy to do his work (See below)!
5. Start VNC and enter the IP adress or Domain and password, then connect.

This is what the IT guy have to do:
1. Open the ports you specify above in the firewall (TCP 5900 - 5904 ?).
2. Forward these ports to the internal IP adress for your work computer.
3. Give you the external IP Adress or Domain name you should connect to.
4. Stay put if something does not work!

The only downside with VNC is that it does not use any encryption.

Good luck!