Use of remote control software in local area networks
LAN
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link. Typically, connected devices share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area. (Local area network, 2010, para.1). It is usually used in house, office, schools etc. A LAN connects many computers collectively in order to permit many users to utilize and share the same computer programs and data. From a single computer workstation, all the users access the network. It is a system of interconnected personal computers for sharing various resources such as printer, plotter, scanner and so on. LAN provides a high transmission rate to the users when compared to other networks like WAN and MAN. Moreover, it offers very effective communication and is also a cost effective system. Usually cheap hardware is used to make local area network connection like hubs, Ethernet cable and so on. There are different kinds of LANs and among those, the Ethernet is the most common of the local area networks. A big LAN may able to hold around thousands of computers. When several local area networks are aligned into logical group it is known as subnet. LAN allows sharing costly hardware and also helps to share complicated data and computer programs. Through this LAN technology many people can share a lot of computer resources. Besides, LAN offers communication between the computers at a very high speed. It increases the effectiveness of the network for sharing resources by associating the procedures and system. This network is quite suitable for sending urgent messages and data as it offers high transmission speed.
Remote Control Software (RCS)
RCS helps an operator to manage a computer or a server in a network. It provides inexpensive support for server control. Remote-control software is programming in a central or server computer that is used to control other computers (or their users) at a distance, either under the control of an administrator or at the request of the user. Remote-control software can be viewed as one class of application.
These softwares can be used both in public as well as private area networks. It is used to show the screen of one computer on the screen of another computer. Using this, the computers can be controlled from a certain distance using devices like keyboard, mouse etc. It helps to reduce the limitations due to the distance between the computers. The remote control software enables fast and easy access of distant computers. This software also helps in working with several computers from any part of the world. Remote control software is of great significance in todays IT environment. IT departments have the duty to keep all their infrastructure operating all the time. RCS helps the computer administrators to handle their works from a single system. RCS is being used by computer professionals since a long time to interlink desktop servers and to control networks. It has thus nullified the requirement of the operators to travel. The cases of system downtime had shown a drastic reduction with the invention of these softwares. This helps to improve the effectiveness of the IT organizations. Most of the IT organizations are currently opting for RCS due to its multifaceted utility and advantages.
There are a number of remote control softwares that are in use today. One of them is Radmin, which is, a secure remote control software which enables you to work on a remote computer in real time as if you were using its own keyboard and mouse. You can remotely access the same computer from multiple places and use advanced File Transfer function, multi-user Text and Voice chat, Remote Shutdown and Telnet. (Remote control software, 2010, para.2).
Remote desktop
It can remotely manage or control a computer system from any place with by using a remote control software. With this remote desktop it can also manage a computer while traveling. For example, users can access the network resources, files or information in their workplace from anywhere without being at the site or location. Remote Desktop is the new name for the older Windows based Terminal Services Client that (like with Windows 2000), would allow you to connect to and manage a server remotely for up to two connections, allowing you to do maintenance on the server and so on. (Shimonski, 2004, para.4). This technique is user friendly and easy to handle. While using the distant computer, one feels as if he or she is working on a local computer. On a remote desktop, distance is not a limiting factor. Any type of user can handle this remote desktop because it is not much difficult to understand the software task. It also offers good performance and high speed. It can share the resources among other remote computer and local computer by using the same technique.
Remote access technology
Remote access technology enables IT operators to do their organizational tasks and also to perform, their job on a distant computer as if they are working in a computer held with them. This technology is being widely used in the present world due to its practical utilities and effectiveness. Remote access technologies allow entry into a computer network or system when a computer is not part of the network. Accomplishing this requires the right combination of equipment, protocols and applications. These remote technologies are being used to make computing happen over long distances. (LaRose, 2010, para.1). This technology helps to link the professionals of a company working in different parts of the world and render their daily chores easier. The internet or some other software methods can help to interconnect people. Remote access technology can also be used by people in their homes for remote connections. Remote servers enable the operators who are not linked with the local area network to use the LAN. Besides, the technology also helps the operators to have access to the PCs on the local area network. This will enable them to distantly access the applications as if they are on the local area network. The rapidly growing number of computer users all over the world has enhanced the need for remote access technologies.
Today this technology has been widely used in every field as many benefits derive through it. In a business organization, the usage of remote desktop facilitates the reduction of risk and provides better performance. A solitary remote access technology can settle the entire remote access requirements in an organization. Every company will have a wide variety of applications for doing their activities in a smooth way and the elements of time and cost are important considerations in a business. Remote access technology can be discerned as the most effective tool for saving time and cost. This technology enables employees to perform their task in the workplace or from any place. Moreover, it is easy to do the task with this technology. By using RCS a manager or supervisor can observe and report on the complete infrastructure even while he or she is away from the workplace. Therefore, the remote access technology plays an important role than any of the other new technologies.
Some of the remote access technologies are
Web Application Publishing SSL-VPN Application aware publishing of HTTPHTTPS applications.
Layer 3 VPN Tunneling Various networking protocols and tunnels to provide full networking connectivity. On top of the IAG technologies we added SSTP, L2TP and PP2P.
Terminal Services Incorporating Terminal Services Remote Desktop Gateway into UAG to provide application level publishing of remote applications. (Remote access technologies of the world Unite, 2009, para.3).
The other remote access technology is direct access which provides internet connection for full time by combining the Windows direct access technique. Some of the components of remote access technology are terminal service telnet and dial-up remote access. These components enable the user to get remote access to the server more easily and efficiently.
Importance of Remote control Softwares in LAN
The growing use of RCS has made it an integral part of IT in todays world as it is being used widely in the local area networks. In todays computing environment, IT professionals must address business requirements that focus on protecting the security of networks, meeting the needs of a heterogeneous workforce, and deploying solutions across many users. The type of remote control software an organization chooses to implement can have a strong affect on its ability to deliver in the areas of scalability, compatibility, and particularly security. (Insiders guide to evaluating remote control software, n.d., p.1).
Remote control softwares can resolve any issues that may crop up in a local area networking. A computer can be used to transmit files between several systems using the remote control software. Besides, it can also be used for carrying out applications, troubleshooting etc. The remote control software enjoys another benefit that it is financially a viable proposition and is affordable to even small business units, when considering the reduction of cost it can facilitate. Since the software enables speedy resolution of issues, help decrease man power requirement and can reduce support calls etc the company will be in a position to save on costs. The major significance of the Remote control softwares is that it helps to save time in IT departments. These softwares further enable the companies to control the computers safely along more than one platforms to solve the problems at a fast rate. The increasing number of distant users has enhanced the need of remote critical systems. The IT companies are being advised to do more work with fewer resources. They also have to work faster and produce high quality output for the success of their business. All these requirements will become possible to a great degree by the use of remote control softwares. Another reason for remote control softwares continued importance has to do with the IT environment typically found in todays enterprise. That environment is likely to include everything from Windows desktops to Linux servers, Mac OS X-based machines, handheld computing devices, and more. Growing number of organizations are turning to remote control solutions that offer true cross-platform support. (Remote control software and todays IT environment, 2006, para.7).
Use of Remote Control software.
Perform system administration
MERGEFORMATINET
The main aim of the system administrator is to manage all computers present in the remote network. He or she can save time and money due to the ability of the system to provide access to the PCs in any location. The administrator can manage all sorts of small, medium and large network remotely. These incumbents have to play a crucial role in most of the corporates, and they are in charge of all sorts of network operations that have been frequently happening with the help of servers and computers. The main advantage of remote computers is that it provides a convenient platform to perform all sorts of duties in the office including such as file sharing. It reduces labor cost and negates wastage of time. Thus, it can contribute to the success of the company and its leaderships.
Work remotely
(Remote access solutions for home and business, 2010).
With this feature one can access office network or resources that have been presented from any part of the office. Since all the terminals are connected to the system any one from the office can share or retrieve the files, as they wanted.
Provide help desk services
(Remote access solutions for home and business, 2010).
With this feature, help desk technicians can directly assist the clients who are sitting in remote locations. Moreover, one can troubleshoot for their friends and relatives or clients without having to leave their places. Online communications such as text chats and voice chats can be done with remote control software and it facilitates direct communication with other computers that are available remotely. Other advantages are that it can readily increase the productivity by always keeping the PCs and servers running. Service providing from the help desk can be significantly improved through RCS. Maximize end-user productivity and minimize downtime by speedy problem resolution. Monitor employees use of computers for possible unauthorized activities. Increase performance, decrease response times for your Helpdesk technicians. (Solutions for helpdesk providers, 2010, para.4).
Organize online conferences
(Remote access solutions for home and business, 2010).
With remote desktop features one can share online presentations very easily. All can maintain the connection amount different co-workers who are all present inside the company. Organizing live meetings and presentations with office partners can be done effectively with the help of this.
Teaching students
(Remote access solutions for home and business, 2010).
Another peculiarity of this system derives from the fact that it can be used to teach a large number of students. It is also very easy to monitor and assist the students from the PC without actually being with them physically. This helps to maintain better control over the students. The tutor can provide a helping hand to students at any given point of time. Apart from this one can organize voice conferences, carry out discussions and all with variety of options.
Management of Remote desktop
There are several processes for managing the remote desktop in a secured way. Application management, application usage management, operating system management etc are some of the tools designed for this purpose.
Application management
In the case of application management while an application happens to be corrupted, and the user accidentally or mistakenly cancels a file, this process can be carried out through software healing procedure intended for self - recovery. Automatic application management from and administer from remote location on desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. Application Delivery, Installation un-installation, Application update upgrade, Application Configuration Repair. Create single package for multiple application deployment. (Desktop devices management, 2010, para.6).
Application Usage management
Application Usage management manages and computerizes the application management on laptop, mobile etc from remote places. The unused application and uninstalled application will be informed by the application usage management. It also verifies and validates the license conformity.
Operating system management
Operating system management carries out the separation of remote hard disk and arrangement besides the installation of the operation system. It also facilitates to determine automated standards in Linux and Windows system. Operating system management creates standardization of the process in every computer available in the organizations network.
Security Patch management
In the case of Security Patch Management Vulnerability detection and collecting and storing patch information from multiple sources including OS vendor sites as well as third party repositories such as Shavlik. Perform patch administration functions such as preparation, testing, staging, and development. Deployment logistics based enterprise demography, application usage and criticality. (Remote desktop management Approach paper, n.d., p.3). It also facilitates decrease in the administrative cost and eliminates threats related to security management apart from improving the level of service.
Asset Tracking Inventory Management
Another feature of security management is Asset Tracking Inventory Management. This process involves asset tracking process of automatic software and hardware. Asset tracking and inventory management offer exact information related to hardware and software and transmit data to the server and other connected devices.
To use a remote desktop
Even though there are a lot of remote control software available in the market this paper will focus on the most popular one known as Windows Remote Desktop connection in Windows OS.
To use a remote desktop it is a prerequisite that one needs to install Windows XP or home edition software. The computer, which is to be used for remotely operating, is termed as host. The display and other data that are entered through keyboard are sent over a LAN. This is done just to make sure that it works fine and everything is in good condition. This is very important because using a remote Desktop over a slow connection could be a burden. It will work, but it may not respond (Remote desktop, 2010, para.4) as one wants. Similarly, it can be used in low bandwidth connections and it allows one to remotely controls the system.
Requirements for the use of Remote Desktop
A computer in which Windows XP Professional is installed and this computer called as the host computer.
For getting better internet connection, transmit display data and keyboard data to the internet connection.
Get a remote desktop
The remote desktop software is always pre-installed with windows XP software. In order to verify this, one needs to follow the methods enumerated below
First all one needs to click the start icon that is available in the operating system, and then follow these steps Go to Programs Accessories communications Remote desktop connection.
Methods to enable the computer as a host
Before using the Remote Desktop it is necessary that the systems have to be set up properly to allow it to be controlled. (Shimonski, 2004, para.8). One of primary requirement is to enable the remote control system. In order to do this it is necessary that one needs to make some quick setting changes in the system properties, throughout the following steps
Login as administrator, and open the system applet in the control panel. Further processes are as under
Start control panel System applet remote tab.
Once these steps are done a check box will appear in the remote tab, which is for enabling the other users to connect to the system. While doing this it is necessary to make sure that there is proper permission for connecting to the computer remotely. Once these procedures are finished the user needs to click ok.
Screen shot for this has shown below
(Get started using remote desktop with windows XP professional, 2006).
(Shimonski, 2004).
Remote desktop and XP service pack 2
In case of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) the Remote Desktop features the windows firewalls will be automatically enabled. However, windows firewall is configured to allow no exception, this may not happen. To allow these exceptions one needs carry out some procedures. The following is the process Go to the control panel and open the security center applet by double clicking it. When it opens, click on windows firewall. Remove the tick mark exceptions check box.
(Shimonski, 2004).
Start a Session
Once the above steps are finished it will enable the windows XP Professional computer to allow remote connections. After this, in windows-based client computer, it is necessary that one needs to install client software. Once this is done, one can start the Remote Desktop session.
To create a new remote desktop connection, one needs to take the following steps Open the remote desktop connection. These are the steps
Start programs accessories communication remote desktop connection
Type the computer name or TCPIP address of the host, fill the details asked, in the logon settings. The screenshot will appear as shown below
(Shimonski, 2004).
While doing this it is recommended not to check the save check box. This will entail a probability that it may open or become expose to all including hackers. Once all other information is entered then the user can click the connect button and then the request will be sent to the system. Once everything is OK then the remote desktop window will open and it will be possible to view desktop settings file and other programs.
The system that is in the corporate network can remain locked and safe while you are now inside it, working on it. Whatever you are doing cannot be seen by someone watching the console. (Using remote desktop with windows XP professional, n.d.). During this time many problems may occur such as connection being refused or any similar issues. Screenshot for such messages are shown below
(Using remote desktop with windows XP professional, n.d.).
Another example given for remote desktop monitoring system here is LANVisor remote desktop monitoring system. The main intention of this software is to view the screens of the remote computers. This program is mainly used on the local area networks and it can be used to monitor and record different types of user activities. The LANVisor system is compatible with remote control software, which allows you to control the mouse and keyboard of a computer connected to the network. (Introducing LANVisor the system for viewing the screens of remote computers, 2009, para.1). This has different purposes in places such as office, computer class and internet cafs. In the office this has got utilities such as manager and boss of the company can watch employees. By using this system the productivity in the office can be increased. This system will help the teacher keep an eye on the flow and completeness of students tasks. The teacher can see what students do on their computers when the teacher was out of the class. (Introducing LANVisor the system for viewing the screens of remote computers, 2009, para.3). This is advantage of using this system in class rooms. Here also productivity and time consuming are matters of concern. This system also provides advantage and some extra features and benefits to internet caf and in computer playing rooms. The system will help the administrator see the overall picture of what the users are doing. It will let you see system performance information on remote computers. (LANVisor, 2006, para.4). This system consists of mainly two programs client and server. A client is the requesting program or user in a clientserver relationship. (Client, 2010). Server can be defined as a computer program that provides services to other computer programs (and their users) in the same or other computers. (Server, 2008, para.1). The Client program takes snapshots of the remote operating systems desktop once every certain period of time and sends them to the Server program over network. Thus, the server program, by communicating with the clients, allows you to see what is happening on remote computers screens. (Introducing LANVisor the system for viewing the screens of remote computers, 2009, para.5).
Servers basic features
Servers have got different features as explained here. It will provide ordered listing of available remote computer screenshots. All the screen shots have got flexible configurations, size and display order. The ordered screenshot logging for all or individual clients. (Introducing LANVisor the system for viewing the screens of remote computers, 2009, para.5). It is providing compatibility with remotely presented computer software for managing the output devices of the remote computer. The output devices can be mouse and keyboard. It can display screenshots in separate windows with different types of advanced functions. Through this one can send text messages. All the screenshots can be viewed with the help of slide shows. Through this one can mange different individual clients. Apart from this, this will display the hard disk space information of other clients present in the network. besides this has the facility to control the volume level of audio devices that is presented in the remote. Remote power management, Password-restricted access, Remote management of client program settings. (Introducing LANVisor the system for viewing the screens of remote computers, 2009, para.6) are additional features of this system.
Clients basic features
There are some basic features presented for clients and the main among them is that it has got the capability to launch automatically when the system starts up. Another main advantage is when the program starts it will be invisible to users. It can make screenshots for all the monitors that are connected to the computer. The keyboard shortcuts are presented for accessing the program settings. Screenshots presented are adjustable. These are all the basic features and advantages of using the LANVisor remote desktop monitoring system.
The following is the screenshots of LANVisor
Screenshot of server
Actual size of client window
Screenshot of information tip window
Screenshot of remote client settings manager window
Text message window
Conclusion
This paper has attempted to explain about remote control softwares impact on Local Area Network. This paper is expected to be helpful for those who need to know about Remote Control Software and its use on Local Area Network. Also it will be useful for those who want to setup a remote desktop connection using Windows Remote Desktop Connection and the given examples will provide a clear idea about different features of Remote Control Software.
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