PC monitoring software

[rallynavvie]

With the addition of two more PCs to my GbE network, as well as the existing two desktops and two laptops, I'm finding that it woud be very nice to be able to monitor them all from one machine. I've used RDP in the past when I really only needed to be connected to one at a time, but now I'd like to be able to monitor all of them at once. I'm thinking there has to be an app out there similar to a security camera DVR in that you can see multiple displays from one window and then simply click to select a certain PC and maximize its window to take over its controls. I know our help desk contractors can remotely operate the computer while I watch, I can even interrupt them if I need to. Something similar to that except able to take on several computers.

I'm guessing I'll have to pay for this software but depending on the price I may be able to expense it. The ability to handle Windows 2000, XP, and Media Center would be a plus (since Media Center doesn't like RDP at all). It doesn't need to stream video content, I'm more interested in progress bars and general usage being monitored.

[Soopafresh]

If you use UltraVnc and the standard version of SmartCode VNC Manager, I think you'll have what you need. http://www.s-code.com/screenshots.aspx?menu=screenshots

Not bad. $30.00 I haven't tried it, but I've been looking for the same and I'll probably download an eval for work.

Here's some additional free utils for VNC as well which might come in handy.

http://www.sysworksoft.net/products/vncnbhood.html

The only current caveat is that VNC Will NOT work on Windows 64. I learned that one the hard way. Spent a LONG morning after an all nighter setting up render nodes trying to figure out why the new machines I installed were running like cr@p. The client couldn't even provide me with a monitor to look at the status of the local machines.