Linking Two Computers

[kylepc]

For various reasons, I've been working at hooking up my old laptop (I think it's a Latitude X3000) and external hard drive to my TV through a VGA port on the laptop dock. I really wanted to use this computer remotely, but now I'm running into some trouble.

I have Air Mouse running currently, which is an app for the iPhone that works as a wireless keyboard and mouse for the computer. However, what I'm aiming for is to use the keyboard and mouse on the laptop I'm using now to remotely control the laptop connected to the TV, while outputting the video to the LCD screen. I've tried using Remote Desktop Connection, which works, but it logs me off on the X3000 and then the output to the TV is lost.

What I need is something that will allow me to use my keyboard and mouse on my current laptop (A Latitude D620) to wirelessly control my X3000, without bothering the current monitor output settings.

To make it a little more confusing, the X3000 only supports a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the D620 has 16:9 support and, of course, the LCD is 16:9. So ideally, I'd like to use Remote Desktop Connection to allow use of the D620's keyboard and mouse as well as it's widescreen display, but then I need a way to wirelessly send the 16:9 display back to the X3000 to output to the LCD.

Any ideas or suggestions the community has to offer would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Devux]

There is a program called TightVNC it allows you to control a computer remotely without kicking the current session out. It works well and it is free.
http://www.tightvnc.com/

 

[TCG]

There is a program called TightVNC it allows you to control a computer remotely without kicking the current session out. It works well and it is free.
TightVNC: VNC-Compatible Free Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software

Agreed, VNC is an excellent program to accomplish this and will work nicely.

Another one to throw into the hat....

I was introduced to Teamviewer a few years ago and have not looked back. This can also do what you are looking for without the need to worry about IP address and port connections that you'll have to verify with VNC. Teamviewer is about as easy as it gets in terms of setup and connection to the remote device. And it's also free if you're using it for personal use, which you would be.

 

[kylepc]

Thanks to both of you!
I went with Teamviewer just because it sounded easy. It definitely was lol! And it's doing the trick, so thanks for the help.

 

[TCG]

You're most welcome! Glad it worked out for you.

Teamviewer has some great features aside from the remote connection. It also supports file transfer as well as vpn, no router/firewall configuration needed for any of it. If you create an account(free) on the website, you can manage all the machines in your "network". You can remote control right from their web interface as well. I have about 12 between home and work computers, all of which I can access from my iphone/ipad if I really have to. Comes in handy when you're out of town and need to reboot a server or get on to your work network in a pinch.

Have fun w/ your new ETPC