Accessing Networked Computers

[Guest]

I have two computers connected by a router, both running Windows XP Home
Edition with Service Pack 2. The computers are in adjoining rooms and when I
perform routine maintenance and security scans I find myself going back and
forth frequently in order to begin and end the various applications.

Is it possible to work on just one of the computers and operate the other
remotely in order to avoid the constant running back and forth? Do I need any
additional software or an upgrade to Windows XP Professional to accomplish
this?

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Sooner Al [MVP]]

I use and recommend UltraVNC for just this purpose with XP Home boxes over
your local home LAN...

http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net/

You can speed up the data link by disabling the rendering of the remote PCs
desktop wallpaper (do this on the UltraVNC server PC) and using the optional
video driver (also on the UltraVNC server PC).

If you use UltraVNC over the public internet I also recommend using the
UltraVNC encryption plug-in or better yet run UltraVNC through a SSH tunnel
with a private/public key for added security...

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/RemoteDesktop/SSH-RDP-VNC/RemoteDesktopVNCandSSH.html

Note the PC you want to remotely access/control over your LAN should have a
static private LAN IP assigned...

http://www.portforward.com/networking/static-xp.htm

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the mutual
benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your assistance. The software you provided the links for seem
to be what I need to save myself some time walking back and forth between my
two computers during maintenance, but obviously there are some security
concerns. As your reply pointed out, there are options available.

I looked over the information on the websites, but I am not all that savvy
and I find it all a bit confusing. Being that you use this software I hope
that your experience can lead me to the best solution.

As I stated in my original post, I have two computers connected via a
router. My only need is to make life a little easier during my frequent
maintenance and security procedures. I only use the internet, during this
process, to update software and download various anti-spyware and anti-virus
definitions, otherwise I have my modem turned off.

Obviously this limits my vulnerability, but I am very security conscious and
I want to avoid creating any problems, that might otherwise not exist, by
using this software.

Once again, thank you for your assistance.