Recommend a free Virtual Desktop software?

[Des]

Well, like the title says, I am looking for a virtual desktop software, preferably freeware or real cheap, to be abale to access a server at the shop from time to time. The monitor died on it and really it has little reason to bother me getting another one for it. The box just sits there and does it's job (unlike most of my staff It would be used within the LAN and I don't really have a need to access it via the internet though that would be handy about twice a year.

Any suggestions? I'm not sure where to begin looking.

Thanks.

--dES

[redwudz]

I would say 'Remote desktop', but you list W2000 as your OS. I think that's only in XP or higher, AFAIK. You might try VNC or a freeware version, Tight VNC: http://www.tightvnc.com/

[jimmalenko]

Remote Desktop is able to be used on a Win2K "host" - you just need to DL the client (XP has it out of the box). However what OS you are trying to connect to is more important - I think that you can only connect to the Server versions of Win2K, WinXP, or Win 2003 Server variants (presumably Vista also but not sure).

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx


TightVNC is good also.

[Robert Simandl]

I'm not the OP, but many thanks for recommending TightVNC! I've been using logmein.com for months thinking "there's GOT to be a program like this that doesn't require going through the internet first!"

[Des]

Hi, thanks for the quick responses. Tightvnc looks interesting, I'll check it out tomorrow.

At work everything is W2K, which is where I want a virtual desktop.

At home things are a bit more diverse, Vista 64 on the desktop because I wanted to see what the big deal was about. It works (for me); no big deal. XP on one laptop and W2K on another. Wife uses Macs. Quite a kennel here.

I have to check my profile, I think the Hardware specs are my current desktop without the Vista listed.

Any way, I will give the software a try and report back.

Thanks again.

--dES

[jimmalenko]

Is the server running Win2K Server, or Win2K "workstation" (Pro) ?

[Des]

Is the server running Win2K Server, or Win2K "workstation" (Pro) ?

The Server is running W2K Workstation Pro, as are the other machines at the shop.

--dES

[Des]

I just installed tightvnc and all I can say is, Thank you Redwudz! this is exactly what I am looking for.
Took about 10 minutes to set it up because I didn't want to read the directions.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

--dES

[redwudz]

I should admit that I haven't used TightVNC. But I now have a situation where I need remote control of a PC over my LAN connection, so I plan to try it. I'm glad it's working out for you.

I also hate to read directions. But I always think a well written program shouldn't need too much in the way of direction. Directions are used when you need the 'fine tuning'.

[JohnnyMalaria]

In pre-Remote Desktop days, I used NetMeeting (a.k.a. conf.exe). Though hidden, it is on XP. Naturally, it's on W2K (without being hidden).

[SCDVD]

A side note - TightVNC doesn't yet support Vista.