Windows remote desktop

Dist · 25 Apr 2009 at 15:27

Just a quick question, Is the remote desktop feature in vista home premium limited to connecting only to other windows machines? I ask because what i would like to do is be able to use my PCs keyboard, mouse and monitor to controll my laptops ubuntu desktop, as it is easier then having to unplug my keyboard and mouse from my pc and into my laptop, then back again later.

I have remote desktop enabled on ubuntu, but it seems that windows cant connect to it, so i assume it may be limited to connecting to other windows machines, is this right?

theheyes · 25 Apr 2009 at 16:13

AFAIK Unbuntu remote desktop uses the VNC protocol. Download a VNC client for Windows and try connection with that. uVNC, RealVNC etc.

Dist · 25 Apr 2009 at 18:38

theheyes said:
AFAIK Unbuntu remote desktop uses the VNC protocol. Download a VNC client for Windows and try connection with that. uVNC, RealVNC etc.

Thankyou. I just downloaded realvnc client and it works fine

slightly laggy but i didn't realy expect it to be perfect considering what its doing over the LAN.

theheyes · 25 Apr 2009 at 18:41

Wired LAN or wireless? Wired it should be pretty quick - wireless... I suppose mine can be a little iffy at times. Try uVNC as it gives you a few more options which might help.

Dist · 25 Apr 2009 at 21:06

Im on a wired LAN. The lag is not with the keyboard or mouse input, with my laptop open i can see the keyboard and mouse moving perfectly. The lag is with the video, as if it is running at 5fps or less. Its not a big problem, since im only doing this to learn my way around linux, so nothing video intensive, and its just easier using my main keyboard and mouse then it is operating my laptops keyboard/trackpad at a funny angle (due to the way its positrioned on my desk).

Raumarik · 25 Apr 2009 at 21:22

What about getting a KVM switch mate? and hooking the laptop up to your monitor/keyboard/mouse. Just flick between them as you need.

Dist · 25 Apr 2009 at 22:32

Kami said:
What about getting a KVM switch mate? and hooking the laptop up to your monitor/keyboard/mouse. Just flick between them as you need.

That was going to be my original plan, as i also have a 2nd PC that i would ideal like to control along with my primary PC and laptop. The problem is, i use a USB keyboard and mouse, and from what ive read the KVM switches that OcUK sell have issues with them, such as having to unplug the keyboard and replug in for it to recognise that a keyboard is attached, or shutting down one PCs stops the keyboard working on others etc...

I have tried to look for other KVMs that OcUK dont sell, but there seem to be very little, if any, reviews of USB KVM hardware.

Raumarik · 25 Apr 2009 at 23:19

I use one at work mate, granted I don't switch much between the PCs but we don't really have any issues with them. Think it cost about £15, all USB + monitor + audio. I can't say where though but I'll try and get the model details when I'm back at work.