Using a PC remotely
Discussion
I have a PC in the cupboard, connected to the router but no peripherals.
I'd like to have it running as a media server but also to run a few different programs on.
What's the best way to control it? I assume I need to connect peripherals the first time to get it going, then I can use some app to remote in to it?
I'd like to have it running as a media server but also to run a few different programs on.
What's the best way to control it? I assume I need to connect peripherals the first time to get it going, then I can use some app to remote in to it?
Which operating system?
If it's any recent flavour of Windows professional, you just need to use Remote Desktop. Shouldn't normally need a keyboard, mouse or monitor connected once you've had it all setup and tested the connections remotely. Windows Home edition is a little bit more faffy but it can be done. Alternatively just install something like TightVNC and use the VNC client to connect.
I'm doing that right now using a small form factor PC sat next to my main machine which I use as a photo editing station. Just tap the power button, give it a minute to boot and then remote desktop in.
If it's Linux then you have several options available to you, from bog standard ssh to VNCServer/VNCViewer.
If it's any recent flavour of Windows professional, you just need to use Remote Desktop. Shouldn't normally need a keyboard, mouse or monitor connected once you've had it all setup and tested the connections remotely. Windows Home edition is a little bit more faffy but it can be done. Alternatively just install something like TightVNC and use the VNC client to connect.
I'm doing that right now using a small form factor PC sat next to my main machine which I use as a photo editing station. Just tap the power button, give it a minute to boot and then remote desktop in.
If it's Linux then you have several options available to you, from bog standard ssh to VNCServer/VNCViewer.
Edited by eltawater on Thursday 6th June 22:59
As above really. Swerve TeamViewer, they've started wrongly identifying personal use as commercial and crippled accounts and their 'support' to appeal it is non-existent.
I've been trying AnyDesk as an alternative and it's OK; a few things I wish it did that TeamViewer used to but then AnyDesk actually works which is a start...
I've been trying AnyDesk as an alternative and it's OK; a few things I wish it did that TeamViewer used to but then AnyDesk actually works which is a start...
What are the programs you want to run? I they're all servery things, have a look to see whether any of them aren't available on something like UnRaid and just set up your box properly as a server. You then access the programs via a browser. I discovered my Asus router has a free Dynamic DNS service included, so you can access the server anywhere in the world too.
You could run other programs on a Virtual Machine too, but we're getting a bit complicated now.
But like I say, it depends what the other programs are.
You could run other programs on a Virtual Machine too, but we're getting a bit complicated now.
But like I say, it depends what the other programs are.
Calza said:
Both are windows 10 pro, so remote desktop looks the best.
My only concern is that it seems to require a password to log in - but if I put a password on the remote PC, how am I meant to restart it without peripherals?
RDP into the cupboard PC and restart it My only concern is that it seems to require a password to log in - but if I put a password on the remote PC, how am I meant to restart it without peripherals?
You have the option to remember password in RDP connection too.
Calza said:
Both are windows 10 pro, so remote desktop looks the best.
My only concern is that it seems to require a password to log in - but if I put a password on the remote PC, how am I meant to restart it without peripherals?
When you use the remote desktop client on your local machine to connect to be cupboard machine, it will prompt you for the username and password. This can the also be saved so you are not prompted in the future. My only concern is that it seems to require a password to log in - but if I put a password on the remote PC, how am I meant to restart it without peripherals?
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