Remote PC configuration tips

Jamalkowayess · May 31, 2021

Heyo!

So I need to be on the move substantially for the next year, going from one country to another every two months. Currently I have a full tower PC (1070Ti - Ryzen 5 2600) as my only computer, so taking it with me is a No.

Yet I need to have a computer on me since there will be some code dev. work going on, and I feel like selling my PC at this time is gonna fetch me a very bad price, and the laptop selection recently is meh. So am planning on placing my PC in the basement, hooking it up with an Ethernet port, and buying some old iPad or Chromebook to use it remotely via TeamViewer. I run linux on it (Elementary OS) so I don't mind it being on all the time.

However, I am still unsure if that is a wise decision, and I am posting here to see if someone ever tried to do the same kinda setup. Mainly: is TeamViewer the ideal way to do it? is there something am overlooking that might be an obstacle later on (keep in mind that there would be no one at home to look over it)? Is it safe to leave my PC in a basement (it tends to get a bit damp/moldy, but no condensation)? If I wanted to turn it off and on, would that be possible remotely?

Any feedback/experience/links on my situation would be highly appreciated :)

Anghammarad · May 31, 2021

I VPN/RDP into my desktop at home from everwhere I need to.

Teamviewer may be expensive... I used it for family/friend support and could only use it for a minute until it shut down and told me to get a license.

putting a computer in a damp environment isn't a good idea, it will start to rust.

Try to get a laptop would be my adivce, even if a "meh" one... sell it after you are done.

clinkydoodle · May 31, 2021

If you're going to keep your place where the pc is currently, keeping it online where it is sounds like a good idea.

Might be worth installing a VPN server on it and a ddns client to make the VPN easier. I run OpenVPN in a docker container at home for exactly that, so I can remote into my desktop when I want (I also have both docker and the container set to auto start on boot so I can reboot if required)

This will mean you'll have to do some port forwarding on the router though. Could then vnc into it whilst on the VPN though (I assume you'll be using vnc rather than RDP as it's running Linux).

DDNS wise I use cloudflare to do it (again in a container on the same box) as you can use your own domain and it doesn't have monthly renewals (without paying) like other providers I've used in the past.

Would definitely recommend getting something with a keyboard and mouse to take with you tho, I hate trying to use a touchscreen instead of a mouse and on screen keyboards are a nightmare imho. Have had some luck with an old galaxy Tab with a keyboard and mouse case to then RDP into my windows box.