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Thread: Can I use remote desktop on a limited-use computer?

  1. #1

    Can I use remote desktop on a limited-use computer?

    Is it possible to use the remote desktop on a computer that is restricted in its use?
    I am inside of a library where the only thing you can do with the PCs is using Internet explorer by launching it in the quicklaunch menu. The Start menu is disabled... well... everything is disabled.

    I want to use my PC from there, can anybody help me?

    The Windows version is Windows 2000 professionnal.
    I have WinXP pro at home.
    Intel Celeron 1.1Ghz 128k
    Asus CUV4X-C
    256m PC-133 SDRAM
    XFX GeForce4 Ti4200 128m
    SoundBlaster PCI (Ensoniq)
    Maxtor DiamondMax 40g 7200rpm

  2. #2
    Ultimate Member omendata's Avatar
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    Unless you can access remote desktop the answer is no
    Library pc's are locked down for a reason!

    To stop people messing wiv em and changing setttings etc!
    This post has been verified as complete b0ll0cks by Microsoft B0ll0ckfilter v1.2344456567 service pack 1001 (c) 2004

    Disclaimer: I apologise in advance if my post is offensive to anyone especially fancyf!

  3. #3
    Mod w/ an attitude Sterling_Aug's Avatar
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    Nope, don't waste you time unless you want to get into big trouble.

  4. #4
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    First off, Win2K doesn't come installed with Remote Desktop, so you'd have to install it (which you can't do on the library computer).

    There is a way around it however. On your WinXP Pro machine at home, install IIS and the Remote Desktop Web connection. Then, just point to your PC from IE in the library (http://your.IP.address/tsweb).

    You'll be able to use IE as the remote desktop client.
    Last edited by tantone; 11-17-2003 at 12:44 PM.

  5. #5
    Mod w/ an attitude Sterling_Aug's Avatar
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    If IE works fine at the Library, then why would he want to use IE from his home PC using remote desktop?

    He wants to run installed programs from his home machine which will NEVER happen at the Library.

  6. #6
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    If IE works fine at the Library, then why would he want to use IE from his home PC using remote desktop?

    He wants to run installed programs from his home machine which will NEVER happen at the Library.
    Sure it will. This setup gives him full remote desktop access to his home PC over a web browser instead of using the Remote Desktop client application.

    I never said anything about him using IE on his home PC. The only way IE is used in this scenario is as the Remote Desktop client since he can't install the actual Remote Desktop client app on the Win2K box at the library.

  7. #7
    Member frnkzks's Avatar
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    Try tightVNC

    http://www.tightvnc.com/

    To remote to your computer, simply type
    http://ipaddress:5800

  8. #8
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    Even if it is possible, I would not fool around with the library computers. I'm sure the administrators would have a fit. Your friend could get permanently banned from the library. I don't think it's worth the risks.

  9. #9
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    Hey guys...

    I totally fail to see how using remote desktop web connection is in ANY way fooling around with the library computer. You're simply accessing a website that lets you control your home PC. It's totally harmless. I mean, he'll be using what the library has given him access to; what's wrong with that?

    All of the configuring is done on the XP box at home.

    As for VNC, that has security holes (more than remote desktop).

  10. #10
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    if he can access his home computer remotely, what's to stop him from trying to access other computers (hacking, etc.)? That may not be the intent, but I'm sure the network admin would look at all possible threats. They limit the systems for a reason, so any unauthorized activity would be frowned upon. I wouldn't try anything unless I got approval first.

  11. #11
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    Can I use remote desktop on a limited-use computer?
    The answer to your original post is:
    a resounding YES!!

    Check out this article:
    Using Remote Desktop Web Connection

    No need to be too concerned about the rules at the library. Until recently, it's been in question whether Joe the Bum can walk in off the street and browse porn sites. I seriously doubt that anyone (even a tard of a net admin--which is what they'd be if they got their hose in knot over this) would be concerned with you taking over your home PC. Not to mention, this is NOT illegal, nor does violate the rules of any library, cafe, public network I've seen. If it does, find another library.

    Anyway, the security risk here is the one being taken by you. You have no way to know what's installed on those library PC's. For all you know, your every keystroke could be monitored, compromising your username and password. Now, I seriously doubt that anything like this is running, but you never know.

    Good luck.

  12. #12
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    if he can access his home computer remotely, what's to stop him from trying to access other computers (hacking, etc.)?
    Nothing. He can stand there and manually enter random IP addresses and hope to connect to someone running Remote Desktop Web Connection. In fact, do a Google search on it, and you'll find a whole truckload of public remote desktop web connection servers running.

    Is connecting to one of those hacking? If he connects to CDW and tries to logon to an e-Account even though he doesn't have one, or tries to guess usernames and password on PayPal, or tries to guess your password here on SysOpt over and over again, is it really a library security risk that needs to be locked down?

    By the reactions here so far, I can only assume that y'all don't really have any experience with Remote Desktop Web Connections.
    Last edited by tantone; 11-17-2003 at 04:11 PM.

  13. #13
    Ultimate Member Ol'Tunzafun's Avatar
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    I agree, there is no threat to the Library computers , but would he not need a static IP at home or a service like DynDNS to do this?
    Last edited by Ol'Tunzafun; 11-17-2003 at 05:20 PM.

  14. #14
    Banned tantone's Avatar
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    Yep. You'll have to know your IP address, or set up a dynamic DNS address to map to it.

  15. #15
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    I wasn't talking about damage to the computers. I was talking about the actions of the user on the computers. I know the RDC is benign, but some administrators might frown upon any kind of remote connections. It was just a friendly warning. There are some real hard@ss administrators out there, especially if they work for a government institution. The system should only be used for what it was intended. Anything else could be perceived as a threat, no matter how harmless it is. I've dealt with some guys from the State and they are a real pain in the ****. They nitpick every little thing.

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