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Remote Controling Servers/Desktops

X

Xan

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Mar 15, 2001
Messages
1,156
I am an admin of a small company (25 users). I have 3 servers and 25 desktops. I make all the *final* decisions and I built all of the desktops .

I would like to be able to control ANY server and also ANY desktop from my couch if I wanted (needed) to.

I'm looking for some [H]ard recommendations...

what would you use if you were in my situation?

Let me tell you a little about my network infrastructure. All servers are 1gbps w/ a 1gbps backbone through the switches, and all desktops connect to the switches 100mbps.

We connect to the internet w/ a full T1.
 
I personally use VNC to remotely control some of my machines. The again, I only have 9 computers in my house and only need to be able to control 3 of them, 2 servers and a media PC. VNC is free and fairly easy to use, but youll have to set it up so that users on the workstations can't change settings for VNC such as password. It may not be the greatest thing to use on the internet since I have heard of bruteforce password cracks for it. All you need is the IP and password to use VNC. A client program isn't even required, it has a built in little webserver that can serve it through a java applet. I know it may not be exactly what you are looking for but I hope it helped with letting you know whats out there and your options.

-Robert
 
For Win2k server th RDP client and terminal server works wonders. On the desktop VNC is great. But ifyou got the money PCAnywhere is also good and the licensing is pretty cheap for host only.
 
Another vote for Remote Desktop/Terminal Services.

It's free and is very easy to use.
 
I am tossing in another vote for vnc. It is great for desktop control and is fairly fast over a network. Vnc also has Linux compatability but it dosent bring up a gui like the Windows version. Rather it brings up the linux shell.
 
Doesn't remotedesktop/terminal services have licensing that you need to pay for? Im not sure.

I use UltraVNC which is an offspring of the original VNC. It supports encrypted connections, and they have developed a new video hook driver which drastically improves the responsiveness over the network. I noticed zero lag with Ultra, whereas with the original VNC there tends to be a little bit.
 
A vote for VNC here too. I also use a VPN to tunnel to my network, then VNC to any system within.
 
Xan, As long as the servers are 2000/2003 just use terminal services. Nothing else even comes close...

for the workstations, as long as they are NT based, check out Dameware's Mini-remote. It is a "pushable" service-based client that will do what you want. It's like VNC only not having to install the client before hand.
 
Originally posted by Nate7311
Xan, As long as the servers are 2000/2003 just use terminal services. Nothing else even comes close...

for the workstations, as long as they are NT based, check out Dameware's Mini-remote. It is a "pushable" service-based client that will do what you want. It's like VNC only not having to install the client before hand.
Click to expand...

winner
 
Terminal services in administration mode is free. Only administrators can connect, 3 concurrent connections I believe.
 
Sorry I forgot to mention my OS's :eek: :eek:
I'm running Native Windows 2000 Servers, and all my desktops are Windows 2000 Pro.

I've have zero experience w/ Terminal Services. How difficult is it to setup?
 
Cake, absolute cake.

Go back into the "Add/Remove Windows Components" and add "Terminal Services"

You'll want to select "Administration" mode And follow the prompts.

As you reboot, then download the newest RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) client from MS. It's 5.2 I think. (Hit google and search for RDP 5.2) It's Preinstalled in XP Pro, also. START-->Programs-->Accessories-->Communications-->Remote Desktop

Install the Client, and run it. It'll take IP, Computer name, FQDN, etc...

And by default only members of the Administrators group in the AD have rights to Remotely log in.
 
Great! It sounds super easy to setup and connect, but what exactly happens? Do I get a terminal prompt? Or full screen just like I was sitting there on the actual PC (server)?

also is there a way that I can control my desktops w/ terminal services or is this a server only thing?

I've setup and used TightVNC before and I was very pleased with it, but its been so long since I've last used it - I'm not sure if it would be the best thing to use...
 
It's like VNC only, ON CRACK! You can if your Desktops have XP Pro, and you Enable "Remote Access." The only problem with that is It'll Take over the desktop session and Lock the desktop for the direct user. Not so good for guiding users through stuff.

The Mini Remote rocks and is works like VNC/PCAnywhere where Your users will see what you change/config. The difference is that you don't need the client pre-installed.
 
I changed my mind to UltraVNC...that seems to be the best one out there at the moment.
 
after rereading this entire thread I got a little more out if it than the first time :). Sound to me like I should install Terminal Servies on all of my Windows 2000 Servers. Desktops its another story - I'll download and install TightVNC. I want to be able to control desktops just like I was sitting there on the computer, and also show them things if need be (very cool).

For controling the servers I dont care ever about showing anyone anything, so if TS blanks the screen out thats cool with me.

what do you all think? Good plan?

anyone know how secure TS is? What about TightVNC? I want to be able to remotely do this from outside the corp network also....in case something quick needed a fix (add a user account, etc.)
 
Originally posted by Xan
what do you all think? Good plan?

anyone know how secure TS is? What about TightVNC? I want to be able to remotely do this from outside the corp network also....in case something quick needed a fix (add a user account, etc.)
Click to expand...

yes, good plan. security? just make sure you're tunneling in through a VPN, and then connect to whatever you want w/ TS. since it'll all be sent via the VPN your connection is secure.
 
service pack 2 for xp will allow 2 connections, one local and one network, or two network.. i have the beta a fixed the reg to do this and am runnin it on a test machine, it seems to be pretty smooth
 
i dont know jack about VPN. Most of the time I'll be using TS/TightVNC inside the building so I dont have to run all over the damn building all day long ;)

what do I need to do to secure my remote access?

edit: we have a full T1 here at work, and I'm using a Sonicwall PRO firewall, that supports (IPSec?) and 25 VPN connections, but I believe that you have to download and use their "client" software....?
 
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