bioneural.net » vnc

Remote assistance that works

Bruce — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:18:24 +0000

It can be a struggle to provide remote assistance via Windows Messenger when both parties are behind NAT routers, even when UPnP is supported by both devices and computers, and port forwarding is in use. UltraVNC SC is a custom-configured "single click" VNC server used to initiate a support request; the "expert" runs UltraVNC in listening mode and forwards port 5500 on their router (the novice doesn't need to configure their own router). More here. This worked for me where RealVNC and Screen Sharing (vnc://x.x.x.x) failed.

The utility of WiFi on a handheld

Bruce — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 07:32:01 +0000

From bioneural.net:

WiFi on a handheld? Far from being as much use as mammary glands on a bull, a wireless PDA has additional functionality over its USB-teethered brethren. Aside from wireless synching, potential roles may include downloading, controlling, accessing, communicating, informing, entertaining, printing, and updating. I was unable to establish WiFi connectivity in my first 48 hours with the X50v. It turns out that my router was configured to accept connections on 802.11g only (since I have a Wireless-G card in my laptop). The X50v supports the 802.11b standard only: Shortly after this realisation and switching the router to "Mixed" mode WiFi was up and running using the Odyssey client (which isn't mentioned in the user guide; I gave up on Dell WLAN Utility). Here, mostly for my record (maybe it'll help you too), is how to set it up: Use the Dell WLAN utility to turn on WiFi; Close the Dell WLAN utility and open Odyssey Client; In the Settings menu tap Configure; Tap Add; Tap Scan to find your WiFi network; Select your network when it is discovered and check Infrastructure mode then OK; In the following screen tap Next; Set Association mode to Shared; Set Encryption method to WEP; Uncheck 802.1X then Next; Enter your WEP hex key with hexadecimal checked, then Next; Tap Finish; Tap OK; Select your WLAN from the drop-down menu and check Connect to; Tap OK. Your WLAN connection (Odyssey client icon) and signal strength is displayed on the Today screen: Downloading You can use Internet Explorer to download software and other files. Files of the type .cab can be downloaded direct to the Pocket ...

Visiting the other PDA platform (first 48 hrs)

Bruce — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 14:31:03 +0000

From bioneural.net:

Palm or Windows Mobile? I've been firmly in the Palm camp to date, but have just acquired a Pocket PC together with Missing Sync for Windows Mobile. This is not a review of the Dell Axim X50v, but rather a functional comparison with my Palm T3 from the point-of-view of a Mac user. How did a Palm user making a trial transition to Pocket PC fair when pairing the device with Mac OS X? For given applications and functionality, does Palm or Pocket PC have the winning edge? Will he or won't he become a "switcher"? First impressions count, so I decided to document my experiences during the first 48 hours with a Pocket PC. There will be plenty to revisit in subsequent bloggings... The outgoing Dell Axim X50v Now superseded by the X51v, Dell were having a 20% off clear-out of the previous model, now 1 year old. The hardware is the same aside from double the ROM. Buying direct saved £77 over Expansys (shop around!) and avoided having to fight it out on eBay for a similar price. It cost me less than a Fujitsu Siemens Loox 720 "Grade B" stock which seemed like a similar spec alternative. I chose a "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Second Edition" device because Missing Sync (see below) doesn't yet support Windows Mobile 5.0 (free update pending); Dell has announced that there will be a WM5 upgrade for the X50v (not free), so I have options. The X50v doesn't match my recent wish-list, but then ...

The perfect PDA + phone

Bruce — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:22:44 +0000

From bioneural.net:

I have a Palm T3 paired with a T610 which I'm generally happy with. It's my third Palm with the selling-point of flash ROM, and the third time I've seen the OS develop (slightly) with no upgrade path for existing Palm users. For example, the T3 shipped with VersaMail 2.6 which doesn't work with Gmail; 2.7 does work on the T3 although Palm does not officially support this (I guess they want you to buy a new device). So don't buy a Palm with a view to it maturing with age! What would I want to upgrade to then? A wish list: Things I don't need Flash ROM (Palm at least never deliver on upgradability); A multitasking OS (I can only do one thing at a time on a small screen); A web browser (surfing is costly over a mobile, not to mention slow, cramped, and lacking good CSS support); An IM client (I'll use the phone); An intrared port (there's Bluetooth + WiFi, I have no legacy devices, and prefer dedicated remote controls in the living room); "Push" e-mail (checking it manually once a day when abroad is fine—assuming you can get a GPRS signal). Why have WiFI? A number of apps (Palm and PPC) can update wirelessly—important functionality when there is no Mac conduit for synchronisation; Using a VNC client on the PDA allows control of a desktop computer from another room; Use Skype for PPC to turn your PDA into a wireless VoIP phone; You can apparently stream a DVD via VLC on a desktop to a PPC media player; Software ...

Work on your desktop Mac via your PC laptop

Bruce — Thu, 29 Jul 2004 12:28:09 +0000

From bioneural.net:

Sit in the conservatory with your WiFi-equipped PC laptop, and control your desktop Mac in the upstairs office to check your e-mail, chat via your Internet messaging service, write a letter, or surf the web. As described here: VNC (Virtual Network Computing) software makes it possible to view and fully-interact with one computer from any other computer or mobile device anywhere on the Internet. VNC software is cross-platform, allowing remote control between different types of computer. For ultimate simplicity, there is even a Java viewer, so that any desktop can be controlled remotely from within a browser without having to install software. On the Mac For Mac OS X, download the OSXvnc VNC server software here and place it in your Applications folder.If you're running Mac OS X's firewall (you should be), go to System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall > New... and select VNC from the pop-up list of Port Names; click OK and make sure your firewall is running. Launch OSXvnc and configure it (e.g. add a login password), then push the Start Server button. On the PC Download VNC viewer (client) software here and install it. Use the Run VNC Viewer shortcut to open a new connection. Enter the IP address of your Mac followed by the server password you configured above, when prompted. Your Mac desktop should now appear: Update 10.12.05: If you're running OS X 10.4 (Tiger) you no longer need to download and install a VNC server as it's built right in. As described here, to access this "hidden" feature turn on Apple Remote ...