Remote Desktop for Windows?

[AndersT2]

What software do you guys recommend for remote desktop?

I have a Win 8 pro server I want to control from my Win 7 Home Premium PC over local network.

It have to be easy to use and setup. Don't mind if it cost a few dollars, but nice if one can try if before buying.

[GoodBytes]

Windows Remote Desktop. Secure, Fast on slow connections, works with UAC dialog boxes, solid, and reliable. Also, its built-in Windows.

Super easy to setup (it's a check box).

On Windows 8 Pro (the system that you will connect to)

Do Win+S and type Remote, and select: Allow remote access to your computer. A panel will open, click on Allow remote connections to this computer, click on Apply

On your Windows 7 computer, open Remote Desktop, and enter the Windows 8 network name, OR its IP address, and now you are connected to that computer.

[BoomLiam]

And if you want to control your server from somewhere else in the world, then Team Viewer is an amazing application. I have it on my desktops, laptop and phone so no matter where I am, if I need to control any one of my computers in the house, I can. It's also great if you're helping friends with software related computer problems. (I am not a hired representative for Team Viewer :P I just think it's awesome)

[GoodBytes]

You can do this with Windows Remote Desktop and Windows Remote Assistance (that last one is available for all editions of Windows).

Remote desktop on a phone is stupid. Screen too small to do anything.

[AndersT2]

Windows Remote Desktop. Secure' date=' Fast on slow connections, works with UAC dialog boxes, solid, and reliable. Also, its built-in Windows. Super easy to setup (it's a check box). On Windows 8 Pro (the system that you will connect to) Do [b']Win+S and type Remote, and select: Allow remote access to your computer. A panel will open, click on Allow remote connections to this computer, click on Apply On your Windows 7 computer, open Remote Desktop, and enter the Windows 8 network name, OR its IP address, and now you are connected to that computer.

Thanks, I'll try that.

When allowing the remote access, how do I know nobody outside my network can't take controll over it?

[GoodBytes]

Simple, don't open port 3389 on your router, and no one from the outside can connect to any of your computers remotely. So you are safe.

If you do want it open, be sure to have a strong password. Keep in mind though that your home IP address may change over time, as you don't have a static IP address. Also, you need Windows 7 or 8 system to connect on your Windows 8 system. Vista won't work, and not XP either, as Microsoft has improved the security system of remote desktop in Windows 7.

[AndersT2]

Any tips to how I easily can check that the port is unopen?

[AndersT2]

Windows Remote Desktop. Secure' date=' Fast on slow connections, works with UAC dialog boxes, solid, and reliable. Also, its built-in Windows. Super easy to setup (it's a check box). On Windows 8 Pro (the system that you will connect to) Do [b']Win+S and type Remote, and select: Allow remote access to your computer. A panel will open, click on Allow remote connections to this computer, click on Apply On your Windows 7 computer, open Remote Desktop, and enter the Windows 8 network name, OR its IP address, and now you are connected to that computer.

Thanks this worked great. The commands didn't work, but I'll guess it's because I run a norwegian version of the OS.

In the boks where I checked for allow remote connection, I unchecked the remote help at the top of that page. That OK to do?

[GoodBytes]

Yes that is perfectly OK to do. This is if you want to get help from someone, with Windows Remote Assistance. This is like remote desktop, but the person that you connect to, will see what you are doing, and it it requires sending and accepting an invitation in order to work. This is great if you need to help a friend, or get help from someone. If you uncheck this box, you can still help people with it, but you can't get any help (other people connect to you, even if you accept the invitation)

As for the port, you need to access your router settings. This varies, but by default this port is blocked on all routers. If you want to test it, simply write down your home IP address (https://www.google.ca/search?q=what+is+my+IP - see what good gives you on top) , and go outside of your home, to somewhere else were you have an internet connection (school computer, or coffee shop or friend place), and enter that IP address in their remote desktop. If the port is closed, you won't be able to connect to it.

[TheAsian1337]

And even though that the port may be open you can close it of course but you would still have to know the username of the computer that you are trying to connect too.

The Asian is Everywhere

[GoodBytes]

That is correct. And because there is no Administrator.... well that user name can't even be used as a starting point :)

[AndersT2]

This have worked beautifully.

But I had to have a password on the server to be able to log in. But I now also have to log in when starting up the machine.

Any way to get around this?

[GoodBytes]

If you remove the password... then your system is open to security issues. So, no remote desktop software allows you to do this.

As for auto-login. That you can do easily. It's a Windows option:

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/09/16/windows-8-how-to-automatically-log-on/

[AndersT2]

New question. Is there a way I can use my android tablet to control the server?

I have the Asus TF700. All I really need is a way to turn the server off easily from my livingroom.

I'd like it to be from the tablet, if not, I'll just set my HTPC to remote it in stead.

[chrispeterson]

Try using gosupportnow (www.gosupportnow.com) remote support tool. It is very easy to use and costs only $19.95 / month, which is next to free. 

 

 

[IdeaStormer]

New question. Is there a way I can use my android tablet to control the server?

I have the Asus TF700. All I really need is a way to turn the server off easily from my livingroom.

I'd like it to be from the tablet, if not, I'll just set my HTPC to remote it in stead.

 

Yes, there's an app named

2X Client RDP/Remote Desktop, Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tux.client&hl=en

 

that will do it and its free.

[fredghostkyle]

Over Local i use VNC Viewer (Link: http://www.realvnc.com/download/viewer/ ). If you need it over the internet use Team View (link http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx ). Both are free.