Easy Access with Remote Desktop v.1.0

[John Walkosak]

Have you ever had trouble getting connected to your desktop remotely? I just can’t seem to get Terminal Services Client working. It’s embarrassing, but there it is. :oops: But when I found Remote Desktop (version 1.0), from <a href="http://www.pdautilities.com">Soft Agency LLC</a>, I knew I was in for a treat. Talk about ease! After downloading it I was controlling my desktop PC from my IPaq - all in about 5 minutes! Read on to find out how I did it.<br /> <br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/jwrdfig1.jpg" /><br /><br /><!><br /><i>Remote Desktop is a great utility allowing you to run your desktop system using your Pocket PC. </i><br /><br />Remote Desktop - Run your Desktop from your Pocket PC!<br />Ok, I’ll admit it. I just can’t get Terminal Services Client working. It’s embarrassing, but there it is. <br /><br />Since I got my WiFi setup, I have been experimenting to see how much I can do wirelessly. Email and web browsing are the obvious actions, and it is really cool to surf the new with my backside glued to the couch, but I want more. I want to be so lazy that I might never have to leave the couch. I want to control all of my computers from my IPaq. So I tried to use Terminal Services. I just couldn’t make it work. I might just be me, because sometimes I’m mentally all thumbs, but I couldn’t get the terminal services server to work on my Win XP box. <br /><br />So I searched the Internet for an alternate solution and I found Remote Desktop, from Soft Agency LLC (<a href="www.pdautilities.com">www.pdautilities.com</a>) Talk about ease! After download I was using my desktop PC from my IPaq - all in about 5 minutes<br /><br /><span><b>Really easy to use...</b></span><br />Here’s how it works. You install a small server program on your desktop. Once you start the server, the only thing you need to do on the server is to set up a user name and password that you will use to log in from your Pocket PC. No sweat - this is really easy. The catch is, to sign in from the Pocket PC, you must enter the IP address of your server machine. Sometimes finding this may be difficult, but you can use "winipconfig" from a command prompt to query your server machine. Once you have set this address in Remote Desktop PPC software, you simply enter your username and password (which you set on the server) and you are in control.<br /><br />The first image you get is that of your desktop, resized to fit the screen. Pretty hard to read. But you can zoom in, and the program provides scroll keys to move around (in user definable increments) Since you are using a stylus and not a mouse, tap-holding on icons on the desktop will give you options to click, double click, right click, etc. You are literally controlling your desktop from your Pocket PC. <br /><br /><br /><img src=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/jwrdfig1.jpg border="1"><br /><i>Figure 1: When you sign in you see your entire desktop (which can be a bit small on a PPC screen )</i><br /><br /><img src=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/jwrdfig2.jpg border="1"><br /><i>Figure 2: Using the controls at the bottom of the screen, you can zoom in and pan around.</i><br /><br />Need to send a word document to your fax modem, but don’t want to get off of the couch? No problem. Want to use your desktop’s Internet Explorer 5+ to update your blogger.com postings? Piece of cake. I have even logged on to the desktop and started a session of Windows movie maker to capture a TV show via my desktop’s TV tuner card, and then edit the clips, and save the TV show, all while sitting in the back yard (not in a couch, but close enough).<br /><br /><img src=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/jwrdfig3.jpg border="1"><br /><i>Figure 3: There are an almost unlimited number of things you can use the software to do. </i><br /><br /><b><span>Gotchas</span></b><br />While this program is the epitome of ease to use, it a version 1.0 level product and there are a few rough edges.<br /><br /><li>While on a WiFi connection, the program often gives me a failure when panning. I can simply log in again and continue working, but it is a bit annoying.<br /><br /><li>I would also like to see the product work with Nyditot Virtual Display - Viewing my entire desktop in 240 x 320 is a bit limiting, and changing the resolution thru Nyditot would make it easier to control some programs. <br /><br /><li>Lastly, programs which require a lot of keyboard input (such as CAD or Graphics programs which require the user to hold down the shift key while using the mouse), are impractical if not impossible to control.<span><b>Where To Buy</b></span><br />The software can be <a href="http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&platformId=2&productType=2&catalog=0§ionId=0&productId=29185">downloaded from Handango</a> (affiliate). Remote Desktop is available for $14.99. A demo version is also available.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusions</span></b><br />This program is a breeze to use and greatly extends the usability and the fun of my IPaq. Plus, it’s really great to do things like control my MusicMatch Jukebox from the couch!

[Jonathan1]

LOL Does it come with a magnifying sleeve? that has a fold out magnifying glass that hovers over the screen? ;) Seriously though. This is cool.

PS- Is it just me or is the parade of apps that kicks the crap out of the default ones on the Pocket PC growing longer and longer? What’s the point of having these built in apps if you are going to end up replacing them in the end? *shrugs* Just a thought. :?

[portus]

I have tried the Terminal Services Client and it was working but I always wonder the usefulness of a remote desktop utility on such a limited small screen with low resolution? This category of utils only seem practically useful with at least a 5" screen with a VGA resolution to do some real job on the remote host computer.

[rommels]

PS- Is it just me or is the parade of apps that kicks the crap out of the default ones on the Pocket PC growing longer and longer? What’s the point of having these built in apps if you are going to end up replacing them in the end? *shrugs* Just a thought. :?

Let's just hope that the next version of Pocket PC will impress as all.

As for the application. I think I will hold off until the panning is fixed.

[medic119]

If you need something like this why not use VNC?
Granted the PocketPC client needs updating, but it works well and is Free.

I use it on all the work machines and my home machines since I can't afford WinXP Pro for all my PCs.

[don dre]

For me this is worth it just to control Musicmatch on my desktop. I also like the idea of being able to set your video capture with it. Hopefully they will listen to your idea on NyDot. Isn;t there a new portait/landscape utility for the 5450 that lets you change without a soft reset?

[Jason Dunn]

PS- Is it just me or is the parade of apps that kicks the crap out of the default ones on the Pocket PC growing longer and longer? What’s the point of having these built in apps if you are going to end up replacing them in the end? *shrugs* Just a thought. :?

Well, Windows XP comes with Wordpad, but most of us buy word processing software, right? :wink: It's the Microsot way to include basic applications in the OS, but rely on third-party developers to create rich apps. That's how you create a true platform - you give developers the opportunities to make a living writing better software.

[heyday]

VNC works great for me...... although Terminal Server and Citrix Metaframe clients are much faster on Pocket PC. With Metaframe you could actualy write applications to run in seamless mode that were sized to work on PocketPC..... not that is cool.

heyday

[pocketpcdude1024]

You mention 'winipcfg' which can be found on post of the "older" operating systems (95, 98, ME, etc.) but I can't find that app on Windows XP. Does anyone know how to find your IP on WinXP? If not, I think that this app would be pretty much useless to me. :?

[Jonathan1]

You mention 'winipcfg' which can be found on post of the "older" operating systems (95, 98, ME, etc.) but I can't find that app on Windows XP. Does anyone know how to find your IP on WinXP? If not, I think that this app would be pretty much useless to me. :?

Click on START -> RUN -> Type CMD and click OK. Alternately open up a command prompt.

Type ipconfig [Hit enter]

For more info on ipconfig type:
ipconfig /?

To get all the info on your NICS in your system type:
ipconfig /all


To release renew like you would on Win9x type:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

[pocketpcdude1024]

You mention 'winipcfg' which can be found on post of the "older" operating systems (95, 98, ME, etc.) but I can't find that app on Windows XP. Does anyone know how to find your IP on WinXP? If not, I think that this app would be pretty much useless to me. :?

Click on START -> RUN -> Type CMD and click OK. Alternately open up a command prompt.

Type ipconfig [Hit enter]

For more info on ipconfig type:
ipconfig /?

To get all the info on your NICS in your system type:
ipconfig /all


To release renew like you would on Win9x type:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

I went run>ipconfig and a command prompt briefly flased on my screen. 8O Any suggestions?

[Steven Cedrone]

start, run, type "cmd" (without the quotes), at the command prompt type "ipconfig /?"(again, without the quotes)...

Steve

[patwoods]

go to start menu click RUN

type CMD

then you get a DOS window that doesn't disappear.
then do the ipconfig stuff.

[kagayaki1]

Go to Run and type "cmd" Then, in the DOS box, type "ipconfig /all" You'll see your IP address for the network adapter you are using.

-Jason

[pocketpcdude1024]

Ok so I went to the command prompt and typed what you suggested. (and it works) Why would Microsoft put this as a DOS program in the GUI-galore Windows XP?

[kagayaki1]

Ok so I went to the command prompt and typed what you suggested. (and it works) Why would Microsoft put this as a DOS program in the GUI-galore Windows XP?

It is available in the network adapter settings, but it's not nearly as convenient as just opening the dialogue box and typing a few short commands.

Also, worthy to note the VNC server program you run on your computer to connect to can provide the IP address very easily. Open the server program and it will be in the taskbar. Then, hover over it and it will give you the IP address.

-Jason

[Jonathan1]

PS if you are a GUI addict that doesn't like the command line you could open up notepad and enter the text:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
pause


then save it as ReleaseRenewIP.bat to your start menu.

Do the same with:

ipconfig /all
pause

then save it as IpInfo.bat or something.

The reason for the pause is so that you can confirm that an IP renew has truly been renewed from your DHCP server.

[pocketpcdude1024]

Wow. I can't believe the informed responses that I got, and the speed in which my query was answered was incredible! Thanks, guys! :D

Edit: Uh-oh. The BAT file went haywire and didn't execute the statment properly. It looks like an infinite loop or something. :( I don't need it, but it would be *handy* to have it to save me from typing over and over ipconfig/all :P

Another Edit: It's working fine now. Sorry to be such a bother. :x

[Jonathan1]

Ok so I went to the command prompt and typed what you suggested. (and it works) Why would Microsoft put this as a DOS program in the GUI-galore Windows XP?

Keep in mind that XP is based on 2K that is based on NT that is based on a OS touched by the hand of god :lol: That could be overstating things. But trust me. The power of ipconfig is better then what you had with winipcfg.


Oops off topic. :lol:


Ummm. So I'm guessing this software works perfectly fine in landscape mode too huh? :)

[pocketpcdude1024]

Oops off topic. :lol:

Quite right. Perhaps we ought to beg for forgiveness... :werenotworthy:

[TECHIUM]

Have you ever had trouble getting connected to your desktop remotely? I just can’t seem to get Terminal Services Client working. It’s embarrassing, but there it is.

John after looking at your desktop pics, I wonder if the problem you were having had more to do with your 9x OS than the built in Terminal Services Client. W2K Server and XP Home/Pro are the only terminal services/Remote Desktop compatable OS's. As others have posted you could install a VNC server and the corresponding VNC client for remote communication, which BTW uses the same username/password esque format as the app you found. Read their faq for a better explanation. Citrix works perfectly, however that's generally not a viable "home" solution as it requires a fairly expensive server side app. However, not to slight Microsoft, I've never had a problem with the built in Term Serv. Client when connecting to an OS that supports it WiFi or wired. But as others have mentioned it would have been nice to see a built in Orientation/Resolution option. That being said, this is my first post, so I hope this helps or at least doesn't detract from the forum.

[griph]

At the (potentially huge) risk of making my self look a complete wally, can someone please explain the benefits of using this facility. It seems that trying to control a PC with a Pocket PC is a bit of W?BIC. What are the benefits?

Regards
Griph

[snazzy]

Is there somewhere where I can find a guide to use terminal services client on my ppc to access my laptop?

[Kati Compton]

At the (potentially huge) risk of making my self look a complete wally, can someone please explain the benefits of using this facility. It seems that trying to control a PC with a Pocket PC is a bit of W?BIC. What are the benefits?


If you're using wireless sync, you can install apps without leaving the couch.

[butch]

Ok so I went to the command prompt and typed what you suggested. (and it works) Why would Microsoft put this as a DOS program in the GUI-galore Windows XP?

If you really don't want to touch your keyboard and do it the XP way, do this:
1- Go in Network Connection (control panel or right-click, properties on My network place or ALT+ENTER after you selected My Network Places, but hey you lose, you just use you keyboard!!!)
2- Double-click (or ENTER, you lose again!)
3- Go to the Support Tab with the mouse (or CTRT+TAB with the leyboard)
4- Click Repair (or just hit P)
5- Done.

[TECHIUM]

At the (potentially huge) risk of making my self look a complete wally, can someone please explain the benefits of using this facility. It seems that trying to control a PC with a Pocket PC is a bit of W?BIC. What are the benefits?

Regards
Griph

First off, what's wrong with wally's :) Second the benifits are definately specific to the individual. If you can't see any use to remotely monitor/control your pc/server then there probably aren't any benifits for you. I can tell you that I wouldn't want to go back to managing not only my home network, but even more so any of my clients any other way. Let me give you a quick scenario which might better illustrate it's potential, at least in the workplace. Assume for a second that you're at a remote site troubleshooting a WAN connection. Instead of calling someone up at the other location to work with you, albeit more slowly as you would have to explain all the steps you'd like them to take, you could remotely enter your main network via VPN tunnel, take over a machine via any remote desktop solution you choose, and run a continuous ping or tracert or any number of other troubleshooting options from the other side of the network. You might say, well If I can ping and tracert right from my PPC then why use Remote Desktop to do all of that. Well, the answer is that sometimes you have to manage a router or any number of networked devices that may require a java enabled device, or one with a more up to date version of IE (even after hacking the PIE), or their may be hardware specific management software, pc installable only. The list goes on and on. That's just one very small example of it's usefullness. Again I won't argue it's universal benefits, but for me it's an incredible time saver.

[Marcel_Proust]

has anyone been able to figure out how to use gotomypc. their site states it should work with java based web browsers, but it doesn't. their customer support is useless at answering questions.

[dbrahms]

has anyone been able to figure out how to use gotomypc. their site states it should work with java based web browsers, but it doesn't. their customer support is useless at answering questions.

i called GoToMyPc to cancel my subscription (free trial) cuz it didnt work on PPC's...they said "we know..and we're working to build a version that works on the PPC"....that was about 6 months ago. This remote desktop app v. 1.0 is a waste...I tried it with my high speed wireless connection and it's barely usable....unless the app you're trying to emulate from fits nicely in a 240x320 window...such as winamp. But all other apps are way too hard to see.

[griph]

Thanks for the explanation. i guess that as I am not in IT management / networking etc as either a hobby or career this kind of high end stuff will always bemuse me. Just trying to keep my head above water.
Regards
Griph

[TECHIUM]

Thanks for the explanation. i guess that as I am not in IT management / networking etc as either a hobby or career this kind of high end stuff will always bemuse me. Just trying to keep my head above water.
Regards
Griph

Ahh sorry if that was a little over the top then... As a home example it might be useful to use a desktop app to remotely monitor your home security system; check doc's, spreadsheets, etc. or check in on a friends pc if they needed help. Of course, as you said there's always a little bit of W?BIC :lol:

[Marcel_Proust]

one thing i did like about gotomypc is that the data is encrypted and they have taken more security measures. vnc hardly seems to have any security measures. does anyone know how to increase security on vnc and the pocketpc? what about this new program - does it have better security than regu8lar vnc.
p.s. although customer support from gotomypc sucks, it has improved since version 1.0 and is better than vnc, but thanks for letting meknow you've managed to speak to them about pocketpc su8pport at all.

[PHactotum]

does anyone know how to increase security on vnc and the pocketpc?

Well, this is just theory, but if you had all the right pieces it could work.

ssh client on the ppc
vnc client on the ppc
ssh server on the pc
vnc server on the pc

ssh connection to the pc then run vnc in the ssh session, thus encrypting the data stream. You might want to check out the article Making VNC secure using SSH (http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/sshvnc.html)

Now the fun thing with SSH is finding the clients for it. I use Putty for my desktops, but I think it is a client only. I've seen a few links here on Pocket PC Thoughts for SSH clients for ppc.

[John Walkosak]

8O WOW! 8O
This is why l love this site so much-you guys are so hard core!
I think I got more from your comments and suggestions than I did from the software!
Thanks for all of the detailed info regarding Terminal Services and VNC.

[Janak Parekh]

If you're using wireless sync, you can install apps without leaving the couch.
... or in a boring meeting. I have actually done this several times.

--janak

[merlin]

On my XP machine, I need to type:

c:\>winnt\system32\ipconfig/all


What is this, a 5 minute tral?
It keeps popping up to tell me it's a trial every time I click the screen!! :evil:

[alexar]

I'm new to the wireless thing but I'm really interested in getting a wireless receiver hooked up to my stereo system and play mp3's from the computer. It would be great to use this app as the remote control to the desktop but my question is can I have two wifi connections to the desktop at the same time?

[griph]

Thanks for the explanation. i guess that as I am not in IT management / networking etc as either a hobby or career this kind of high end stuff will always bemuse me. Just trying to keep my head above water.
Regards
Griph

Ahh sorry if that was a little over the top then... As a home example it might be useful to use a desktop app to remotely monitor your home security system; check doc's, spreadsheets, etc. or check in on a friends pc if they needed help. Of course, as you said there's always a little bit of W?BIC :lol:
Hey! No apology needed! I must remember to use smilies. Years ago I used to access Cix's Bulletin board with my Psion 3 Classic! I didn't have a PC then, and everyone else was obviously using a PC - it was tough sometimes keeping up - but I recon that my message throughput far exceeded what I now achieve on a PC - (I guess the years are catching up). But I guess that as a side effect, I never really used emoticons much.

Thanks for the explanations, they were appreciated. I am no stranger to W?BIC either, it's just that sometimes I am amazed how people can use something in a way that just would never have occured to me.