Looking for a windows app but I don't know what it's called
 

We have a PC (Win7) in our break room which displays various system stats/dashboards that people can stare at while they're getting their coffee or having a snack. Basically it's a carefully set up session with a couple of browser windows. Every now and then, something goes wonky - the browser crashes, some other app pops up and takes over, etc - and it needs to be set up again. It's a PITA to drag out the keyboard and mouse every time this happens.

What I'm looking for is a way to set up the screen remotely, ie via a remote desktop session. I tried googling for a solution, but I have no idea what such an app would be called or what keywords to use. Everything I came up with was for Windows Mobile stuff.

Vnc?

Remote desktop, which should be built into Windows.

An old one is pc anywhere

Exactly. Well, almost - Remote desktop, is built into Windows.

Click Start, All programs, Accessories, Remote desktop Connection

Type in the IP address. (should pop up)

You'll likely want to set the window to open to the native size of the remote monitor.

I set up desktop short-cuts for the various remote computers. (faster)

Oh wait, your trying this from a Mac, eh?

Ok, I wasn't very clear on the exact nature of the problem.

The problem is, when I log in remotely, I "lose" the display on the monitor that is local to the box; it drops out to the login dialog because I now 'own' the console via RPD. To get it to display the stats again, I need to log on from the keyboard at the machine.

I know this is possible, I just don't know what this type of app is called. You see this stuff all time; for instance, the flight boards at the airport use this sort of setup.

I didn't think to try to use VNC; that might do what I need.

Name of Windows app? Probably call it a virus. ;)

I use logmein for work when I'm home and need to access my work desktop. It turns off the monitor at work but there is a way to configure it to leave that monitor on.

Darn, beat me to it... some guys at work use logmein... I had to ask around.

Try TeamViewer. I use it to support users around the world, and handful of the PCs are Ops monitors like you're describing.

dameware will work as well. Also if it is a windows server os you can try running: mstsc /console Not sure if that works on windows desktops.

I use Teamviewer as well.

Should do what you want.

Does not Teamviewer require that the remote PC confirms the access?


Set it up and take a screenshot and show the screenshot as screensaver! :D

Another easy option is to set up a wireless mouse and keyboard. Just turn them off and store them in a cabinet close by.

I bought the Logitech keyboard and mouse that both pair off of one single USB dongle.

No, you can set it up for unattended access, you just need to know the password.

I set up TightVNC and it pretty much does what I needed.

Thanks!

I know that VNC will do what you want, but I haven't seen or used it in 10 years, but back when I did, you could use it to control a pc while someone was sitting in front of the pc watching what you are doing.

oops, didn't see your response. That's good news.

Yeah, I hadn't used VNC in quite some time, so I completely forgot about it. Thanks for jogging my memory!

VNC is a great tool for support as well. Especially when that someone forgets you are watching (OK, I didn't really mention that I was but they should have known) and every time they get close to where they need to click you touch the side of the VNC window so the mouse shoots over to the side and now they start cussing about the mouse and forget the original problem while they try to explain what is going on with the mouse. Sometimes you can just drag slowly the opposite direction and when they complain have them "clean" the sensor on the mouse.

Oh yeah, it should do what you need as well.