Linux controlled by Windows Machine

[Janusian]

I am thinking of getting an old machine and setting it up with Linux. I then want to plug into my home network.

This machine will not have a monitor keyboard mouse attached under normal circumstances.

It is possible to then control this PC from another Windows machine on the network - if so how?

(Apologies of this has been asked before - I couldn't find anything on it)

 

[TdC]

when you install you'll need a keyboard and monitor. after you've done that and configured your network you should be able to use SSH (puTTY is a good free windows client) to connect to your linux box and do stuff.

remember when removing your kbd/monitor to check your BIOS beforehand that it allows the system to boot without a kbd. there's usually something like "Halt on all errors". CHange this to "halt on all except kbd errs" and you'll be fine.

 

[Athan]

Basically what TdC said. For PuTTY a google search on 'putty ssh' generally has the home site and download links as the first few links (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html). Don't be put off by the lack of installer, just download all the .exe's to, say, C:\Program Files\PuTTY\ and make desktop shortcuts/whatever to run them.

PuTTY is nice precisely because you can just bung putty.exe on a floppy/USBkey/whatever and use it where ever you need to .

If you want some advice about using ssh keys for login (rather than user+password) come to #freddyshouse on QuakeNET IRC and prod me or another of the unix geeks there.

-Ath

 

[Janusian]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a go when I get the old machine

 

[Durzel]

Xvnc is handy too.

 

[logic7]

You could also do a remote X session. Install Linux with XFree86 and a desktop/windomanager or two and install CygwinX on your PC. use cygwin to call a remote X desktop to your PC and you'll be all set.