Remote Virtual Terminal

[grandpa]

On a LAN, is it possible to connect remotely to one machine from another within the network and access files and applications - while allowing the (connected to) machine to still operate independently from the remote and vice versa?

In other words, the capability of something like PCAnywhere, but with virtual terminals.

[coopster]

Are you using Windows XP Professional? Search your help for "Remote Desktop Connection".

[grandpa]

Thanks coopster. I'm looking at that solution and it may not work. The host system is running W2KPro, the client is a laptop with XP Home. I'm digging deeper into the documentation - lest I spoke to soon.

We want the client to connect to the host, without interrupting the host. OK, I know this probably isn't normal, at least from the perspective of using a PCanywhere type solution - where the host would be sitting idle in a darkened office after hours. Our host is rarely idle and the office lights rarely out.

[bill]

Any solution that uses a VNC type connection like Remote Desktop Connection, GoToMyPC, PCAnywhere, RealVNC, TightVNC, Ultr@VNC, etc. is going to interrupt the host somewhat. All of these solutions let you work on the remote machine in the same way as if you were at the terminal itself. If someone else is using that terminal at the time it will be noticeable on the remote screen to some extent. I guess it really depends on how you define interrupt.

[grandpa]

Interrupt needs no further definition. Ideally, the remote session would operate as a virtual terminal, leaving the host terminal free from any interference.

This is leading back to my original assesment of what we should be doing over here - pretty much what everyone else in the world does.. Set up a network server with net-aware applications and let the various net nodes access the applications thru the network.

The man just won't listen! :O

<aside>
I wonder if I would have more credibility if I

cut my hair, and shaved

wore a suit, a tie, and had shiny shoes

charged him 85K - 155K/yr for my expertise
</aside>

[mattur]

Microsoft Terminal Services [microsoft.com] appears to do what you want, Citrix Metaframe does something similar, though both AFAIK require setting up a terminal server box.