[Ham-Computers] RE: Question

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Probably not the way you're intending.  You can use remote control software (such as pcAnywhere) or Windows XP's "Remote Desktop Connection" (RDC) to connect to the "server" and then run the app as if you were sitting in front of the "server", but only one RDC can be made at a time.  In other words, when somebody is already logged-in remotely via RDC, no one else can (and the local console (the "server", aka "host") is also locked and blanked).

Microsoft's Terminal Services will allow multiple RDC's at a time.  However TS requires a Microsoft Server OS (Win2K Server or 2K3 Server) and CAL's (Client Access Licenses) for each remote connection.  You can imagine that it's cost prohibitive for most.  TS is good if you're a large company where a large number need access to an application, but not everyone will be using it at once - install it on a TS server with 10 CAL's and 10 people can use it at any one time.

The alternative to Microsoft's TS is Citrix...a lot more extensive and flexible than TS.  But it's also geared (and priced) for large companies.

If you want to "play" with WinXP's RDC, all you need to do is to turn on "Remote Desktop".  Right-click "My Computer", select the "Remote" tab, and check the "Allow users to connect remotely...".  BTW, RDC "host" is only available in WinXP Pro.  After turning it on, you can assign access using the "Select users" button.  By default, the "Administrators" group has access, so you don't need to add Admins.

To remotely connect to the RDC host, goto a Command Prompt and enter "MSTSC" to start the "Terminal Services Client".  At the RDC connection prompt, enter the hostname or IP address of the computer you want to connect to.  TSC will then connect you to that system and present you with a logon banner for that system.  You can do just about anything you want as if you were sitting at the system itself from this point.

If you wish to connect from a Windows 2000 system, you can download the RDP 5.1 client from Microsoft to initiate this connection.  Once installed, start MSTSC and follow the same instructions above.  You can also connect to an RDC host using an ActiveX control available for Internet Explorer.  It can be downloaded from Microsoft.

Word of warning...RDC can be a security risk!  Turn it on only if you know your network is relatively secure.  Specifically, RDC uses port 3389, so if you're network is not behind some type of firewall that blocks TCP traffic on port 3389, then you're opening up your computer(s) to possible hacking - especially if you don't have passwords assigned to your Admin accounts.  I would not recommend enabling RDC on any computer that uses Dial-Up connections as these connections are not firewalled.  Nor would I recommend enabling RDC on a computer that is connected directly to a broadband connection without a router - an example is a connection using PPPoE software on the computer itself, or, a computer connected to a DSL modem that forwards all port traffic (aka isn't firewalled).  The SpeedStream 5100b DSL modem issued by SBC is an example - it's a NAT router, but it forwards all port traffic to your PC on IP 192.168.1.64 (it works more like a plain modem than a router).

Anyways, let me know if you have any questions about this.  I can also answer questions about SBC's version of the SpeedStream 5100b pseudo-router.

73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O (ex-KD6DAE)
    {nn6o}@arrl.net
    {aaron.hsu}@nbcuni.com
    No-QRO Int'l #1,000,006
    . -..- - .-. .-   ".... . .- ...- -.--"
 





-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 2:54 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Question


I have 5 computers networked, all running Windows XP PRO.

I have one computer as a "server" and I wonder if there is a way to run some of the installed programs that I have installed on the "server" on the other 4 computers?

I use a lot of shareware and freeware software and it would be a lot easier to just install the software on the server instead of all of the others. Any help will be appreciated very much!

TIA

73
Gene, WØQFC
Spring Hill, Florida
WEB SITE:
http://www.w0qfc.com