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Control a PC from Boot via Ethernet

barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member -  
 DrXala -
Hello,

Does anyone know a way to control one (or more) PCs from boot via an Ethernet connection?

I would like to avoid an IP KVM solution, which seems very expensive (it's for personal use). I would also like to avoid a classic KVM switch because I have one PC with a DVi connector on one side and another with a DB-15 connector, plus my keyboard and mouse are USB while one of the PCs doesn't have any. A "classic" KVM switch would force me to add a ton of adapters and cables.

Thank you for your attention.

See you soon.

.CeD.
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0

2 answers

  1.
    jee pee Posted messages 31886 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   9 981
     
    Hello,

    if "from boot" means being able to enter the BIOS through a network connection other than an Ethernet KVM, I don't see (and I'm responding to follow the message if someone has a solution)

    if it's for use once the machine is started, Windows Remote Desktop is an operational solution

    best regards.
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    1. DrXala
       
      Hi jee pee!

      Remote desktop is a solution too, I had forgotten that possibility ^^

      DrXala
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      1. barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member 3 > DrXala
         
        Hello Thank you for your responses.
        Unfortunately, I cannot use remote desktop on the second PC as I will install Fedora there. That's why I want to have control from boot to proceed with the installation.

        --

        .CeD.
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      2. jee pee Posted messages 31886 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   9 981 > barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member
         
        For the installation, why complicate things? You just connect the keyboard and the screen to the CPU and install it. After that, you can install VNC, which is available for Linux, so you'll have remote control access.

        Moreover, I'm not very familiar with Linux, but on all Unix systems, multi-user is default, and you can connect in terminal mode (telnet) or graphical mode (Xwin).
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      3. barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member 3 > jee pee Posted messages 31886 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention  
         
        You are right, it's even simpler. I install Fedora locally and then I install VNC to control it remotely.

        See you soon
        --

        .CeD.
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      4. DrXala > jee pee Posted messages 31886 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention  
         
        Yes, that's true. We have the option to install VNC on a nux.

        So personally, Barrin, I would install Fedora with the input devices from my PC1, and once VNC is installed and configured, as well as the network, I would put my devices back on my PC1. And when I want to switch to Fedora, I will use VNC. Simple as that.
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  2. DrXala
     
    Hi !!

    You can still install and configure RealVNC. I don't think you can access the BIOS, but you can log into PC2 after the boot. You install this small software (a free version is available), and via the IP of the second machine, you can remotely control it.

    On your PC1, it looks a bit like VMware, meaning you have a window with another OS inside. Just that it's not a virtual OS because there's a real PC behind it. That's it.

    It can also work outside of the network. A person possessing your IP can access it. To avoid unwanted intrusions, you have the option to set a password.
    Multiple people can control your machine at the same time, but then it gets a bit chaotic with the mouse ^^

    So I hope I've answered your question.

    Useful links: https://www.realvnc.com/en/ and https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/benefits/ and finally https://www.porciello.com/vnc/vnc.html ^^

    DrXala
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    1. barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member 3
       
      Hello!

      Thank you for your response. RealVNC looks interesting indeed! I will look in this direction because if there is a possibility to control the PC from the BIOS, that's exactly what I need :)


      See you soon

      --

      .CeD.
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      1. DrXala > barrin Posted messages 42 Status Member
         
        Uh, I'm not sure we can access the BIOS with VNC, as it's software like any other. If Windows isn't running, how can this software execute?
        I'm skeptical about it.
        But the story about Windows login, you can access it with VNC, for sure a friend tested it on my computer.
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      2. jee pee Posted messages 31886 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   9 981 > DrXala
         
        You're right, VNC is software that is launched after Windows starts, so it cannot affect the boot process or access the BIOS.
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