Remote Administration

 

What is it?

If the prior materials seems a bit much for your technical patience, this page is for you.Ê Remote Administration is an option that permits you to allow access to your machines from a trusted remote administrator.Ê The Windows XP OS has this functionality built-in so that when you call Microsoft Tech Support, they can access your computer to help you.Ê However, remote administration can be performed by anyone if you set up the proper access levels.Ê

 

Setting Up Windows XP Remote Administration

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gomobile/remotedesktop/default.asp

 

How does it work?

Basically, you install a server program, such as PC Anywhere, on your computer that listens for someone trying to access the computer remotely through the network.Ê The remote administrator must have a compatible client program installed on his computer in order to access your machine.Ê Within this client program, the remote administrator selects your computer from his list of available servers, then types in his credentials to access your computer.Ê Within remote administration, there are several viewing options.Ê The administrator can temporarily lock you off your computer while he performs maintenance such as patch updates or he can allow you to view what he is doing (perhaps while speaking with you on the phone) in order to actually show you how to do something,

 

What is VNC?

VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. It is remote control software which allows you to view and interact with one computer (the "server") using a simple program (the "viewer") on another computer anywhere on the Internet. The two computers don't even have to be the same type, so for example you can use VNC to view an office Linux machine on your Windows PC at home. VNC is freely and publicly available and is in widespread active use by millions throughout industry, academia and privately.

 

Where can I find it?

In addition to programs that may come pre-installed within your Operating System, there are many free Open Source Solutions for remote administration.

 

Real VNC: http://www.realvnc.com

 

TightVNC: http://www.tightvnc.com/

 

Ultr@VNC: http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net/

This packet as well as the Conference CDRom was made possible in part by contributions from students at the LBJ Graduate School of Public Affairs, participating in a Policy Research Project:Ê http://www.communitynetworking.org