Also, I just wanted to get a little feedback regarding what you guys use in order to control your rigs.

While I was working at Intel we used a switch to go back and forth from desktop -> server.

I just recently stumbled upon "VNC" and wanted to know if this was a good thing to use.

Also at Intel, in one of our datacentres, we used a program that literally emulated the desktop, from my redaing I think VNC does the same?.

teh_spazz

that switch is probably a KVM(keyboard video mouse) all it does is switch which comp your keyboard video and monitor control and it doesnt work on remote machines unless you spend lots of money. Definetly VNC!

Get VNC, all the way. Try TightVNC, it's free and it works excellently, and you can remotely control your desktop via anywhere in the world, as opposed to the length of the cable on the KVM. And I am physically in contact (well, with the exception of one, my dad's personal semi-server/linux rig he has at his work) with all of my rigs on my folding. Though, I use it a lot with my docked Dell laptop.

I acutally use both. I have 2 rigs on my desk, 1 laptop and Im getting ready to setup a file server.

The two desktop rigs are on a 4 port KVM switch - the server will be in the closet or similar area and controlled by VNC.

I use VNC to control desktop rig 2 (Media Server) alot from the laptop - ie, Im on the couch browsing and want to watch a movie I just VNC to the media server and start it up.

Sometime I will use VNC others I will switch over - just depends. They both have their place - VNC tends to be a little laggy so if your doing anything involving graphics I switch over but if its just general maintence or to start a DVD ripping I will VNC.

There are also times VNC wont do the trick - for diagnostic you will need to have the machine on a switch so you can see POST screens and such. If my machine is down for some hardware failure you wont be able to install/repair from the VNC - obviously. VNC is a great tool but no replacement for a KVM switch.

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Another question that I have, what about ports on my router. I wouldn't really see a need for opening/forwarding them considering I'm viweing them inside the network. But, is it required to open up a port.

As long as the assigned port is open between the host and client machines you'll have no problems.

I agree completely with Mr. Aaronrkelly. They both have their places. I've recently installed a KVM switch and I find it much more useful with my two machines. One important thing to remember is that if you're using VNC the server software must be up and running for you to access that machine... in other words, if you wanna reinstall your OS on the remote box or change something in the BIOS you'll need to physically connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse.

I actually haven't even launched VNC since getting my KVM.

Thanks for all the help guys. After I get my ribbon cables for the computer I'm throwing up, I'll install the VNC server I got.