Networking desktop PC (no monitor) and laptop

[supanth]

Hi, I just bought a new desktop PC (It's still in the box).. I didn't buy a monitor because of space constraints.. I have a laptop, which I'd like to use as a monitor for the desktop PC.. I also need to be using the laptop while accessing the PC simultaneously.. What I have in mind is a window on laptop that could serve as monitor to the PC and can be controlled by laptop's keyboard and touch pad..

A friend suggested installing VNC server on the desktop and VNC viewer on the laptop and networking these two via the router.. However to intall VNC on the desktop, I need a monitor which I don't have.. How can I connect laptop and desktop in the first place even to install the necessary software in the desktop box..

Thanks in advance for your tips..

-supanth..

[rendrag]

In order to use your laptop as a monitor to your desktop, you need to use remote control software (VNC, MS Remote Desktop, pcAnywhere, etc).

That means you either need to buy or borrow a monitor, keyboard and mouse to install/configure the software on the desktop PC. You would also want to configure the desktop PC to not halt on mouse/keyboard errors, because when it boots up, it won't have those devices present.

If you plan on getting online w/ either device, then a router is the way to go, otherwise you can just buy a cross-over network cable and directly connect the 2 computers.

[allen2]

You can remotely configure remote desktop or install vnc if at least you have network and firewall configured and know the login/password for the remote computer. You could also use dameware remote control which will autoinstall and allow you to remote control your computer.

[desrtfx]

As my predecessors here said, you will definitely need a screen, keyboard, and mouse to install the desktop.

A very good remote control software - which is even free and Opensource - is UltraVNC

http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net/

http://www.ultravnc.com

very easy to install and configure! Just keep safety in mind and use NT Authentication for the remote login to the desktop PC.

I have tested serveral remote control solutions like DameWare MiniRemote, PcAnywhere, Radmin, etc. Finally, I've ended up using only UltraVNC on all the machines I need to remote contol.

Going online requires either 2 NICs in the desktop (unless the DSL modem has an USB output), Internet connection sharing on the Desktop and a crossover network cable (pins left to right 1x3, 2x6, 3x1, 4-4, 5-5, 6x2, 7-7, 8-8) or a router (DSL-in -> NICs or WLAN out)

Regards,

desrtfx