Re: Connecting via Remote Desktop to another computer

Hi,

I am not at all familiar with connecting to another computer that isn't on the
same LAN.

I have an application that I need to have run on computers from 3 different
locations (WAN), with the database on a central server. Problem is, that
currently, the program is operating with a desktop database (paradox), so the
idea was suggested to me on the Borland newsgroups that I use remote desktop
from each of the three locations. Now, I have various issues.

I don't know how to initially set up the remote systems to connect. For example,
do I need to have an actual server operating system on the central machine where
the database is located?

Secondly, to test whether the application will even run, I need to test at home
first, and at home all my machines are Vista home premium, and one XP Pro
machine. Can I set something like this up at home to test with what I have?

I also have no clue as to how connections need to be set up either on the client
side, or the server side. If it can be tested like this, I need some form of
step by step instructions on getting it all configured.

Finally, since the system is a POS system, will a barcode scanner at the remote
location send the code to the server, and when printing receipts at the remote
location, will the server send the data back to the remote location?

I think that's all for now.

TIA.

--
Will

You can quite easily setup Remote Desktop (RDP) in host/server mode on a
Vista Ultimate/Business or XP Pro/MCE machine for testing. Here are general
guides for setting up Remote Desktop using stand alone desktop PCs.

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.or...endations.html

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.or...eshooting.html

For testing on a home LAN call the RDP host/server PC using its LAN IP
address. Keep in mind that when connecting to a stand alone Remote Desktop
host/server PC you will lock out other users while in the RDP session.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/280828/en-us

You did not say what type of server the database in running on. So, if its a
Windows 2003/2000 server running Terminal Server you would connect with
Remote Desktop and run your application. The Terminal Server would need to
be running in application mode. I suggest posting to the
microsoft.public.windows.terminal_services news group for help with that.

With all that said you also might be looking at a Virtual Private Network
(VPN) connection into the server and running your application from the
remote PCs just like you were on the office/work LAN. For that I suggest
posting to the microsoft.public.windows.server.networking news group.

Good luck...

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows - Desktop User Experience)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...
How to ask a question
http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


"Will" <dragoon136_ns@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ObrbaR5kIHA.2304@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
>
> I am not at all familiar with connecting to another computer that isn't on
> the same LAN.
>
> I have an application that I need to have run on computers from 3
> different locations (WAN), with the database on a central server. Problem
> is, that currently, the program is operating with a desktop database
> (paradox), so the idea was suggested to me on the Borland newsgroups that
> I use remote desktop from each of the three locations. Now, I have various
> issues.
>
> I don't know how to initially set up the remote systems to connect. For
> example, do I need to have an actual server operating system on the
> central machine where the database is located?
>
> Secondly, to test whether the application will even run, I need to test at
> home first, and at home all my machines are Vista home premium, and one XP
> Pro machine. Can I set something like this up at home to test with what I
> have?
>
> I also have no clue as to how connections need to be set up either on the
> client side, or the server side. If it can be tested like this, I need
> some form of step by step instructions on getting it all configured.
>
> Finally, since the system is a POS system, will a barcode scanner at the
> remote location send the code to the server, and when printing receipts at
> the remote location, will the server send the data back to the remote
> location?
>
> I think that's all for now.
>
> TIA.
>
> --
> Will