1

I am looking for a solution to support users by shadowing there desktop so I can see what they are seeing. Am I missing a setting in Microsoft’s remote desktop where is logs the user off? I have used VNC on a home network for testing but did not know about the security using on work network?

Thanks,

Mike

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2

A remote support application like TeamViewer, LogMeIn, or Join.me (http://join.me) should do the trick for you. Stick to the free tools.

3

We use RealVNC. It works very well and has a pretty nice deployment tool. We install it on all worstations, laptops, and servers.

I do not remember the exact cost but it is under $500 for a license for 200 installs.

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4

TeamViewer by design has a constant prompt whenever a remote session is initiated whereas I believe OP just wants something that runs nicely in the background.

We use Kaseya for this purpose.

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5

I recommend dameware mini remote control. http://www.dameware.com/

It’s relatively cheap, very simple to use and has lots of features.

It’s licensed on a pre user basis, so if it’s just you who will be using the software, you only need 1 licence.

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6

Though it’s more designed for remote support, I like ScreenConnect.

7

pjtec.com Goverlan Suite. You can connect with VNC, RDP or Citrix ICA/XenApp. The WMIX component helps in pulling data from systems.

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Thanks for the input but I have few more questions. I am looking for LAN/WAN and over VPN solutions. On the free tools that are out there like the VNC is the a security concern on like saved password on the workstations/servers?

Question for J-Bird on the dameware. If I have one user myself needing to remote into say 50 workstations I just need one license?

Thanks,

Mike

9

VNC is configurable to use NTLogin based on AD groups. In this manner I have it setup on all devices that only the MIS group can VNC into any machine on our network. A select few users and vendors can use VNC for specific machines.

I looked at Dameware and remember liking the features it offers. In my environment I have 7 to 10 different people using VNC to connect to our machines so VNC is a better fit licensing-wise. With only you needing remote access Dameware may be just the ticket.

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These are good option but depends of a Internet conexion.

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Disclaimer, I’m on the GoToAssist team at Citrix.

Technically it’s a lot easier to do (and more options) if it’s over the LAN/WAN/VPN. If it’s over the internet, there are fewer options. GoToAssist and several others work over the internet. If you can’t justify paying for it, then consider using our free version for iPad or Android tablet. I sometimes use my Android tablet (ASUS transformer with keyboard, mouse and 1920 x 1200 resolution) so it’s very similar to a PC/Mac.

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12

If your not trying to accomplish this through the internet we use Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) 2012 with a couple of GPO’s that allow for domain admins to ghost a session without interaction. We manage about 400 clients through this method.

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Have a look at Goverlan Remote Control. It is no where near as complex as SCCM, way more secure than VNC, tight AD integration if you need it and you get way more features than Dameware for a very similar price.

  • Remotely shadow any VDI, RDP & Citrix session.
  • Remote monitor screen activity & performance counters of multiple machines in one view.
  • Integrated, powerful Remote Task Manager during remote control.
  • Centrally manage agent settings such as text customization, image branding & remote control audits.

To read more about Goverlan’s ROI & Benefits

30 day full trial.

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14

TightVNC is what we use.

15

Remote Utilities works that way. You see the same desktop as the remote user and no screen lock occurs. Although you can optionally enable the Blank Remote Screen feature to prevent the remote user from viewing what you are doing on their PC.