I've been using VNC Server to connect remotely to Pro Plus and Application Station, this generally works fairly well with Mirror Driver (hardware acceleration). However, I was wondering if it's possible to use Remote Desktop; if I disable flexlock can I use remote desktop? The reason I ask is, occasionally VNC has glitches (black screen on logins, etc). I'm running WS2008 now for Pro Plus and App Station. I was wondering what everyone else uses for this purpose. Currently we don't run terminal services, everything is a workgroup, and App Station and Pro Plus are on separate computers. I realize I could purchase a "Pro" license, but I really don't need a 2nd session.
In reply to Maarten van der Waal:
You are following NK-1200-0138 with regards to the VNC server/client installation?
I have had to address this issue for several years. Here are your options:
1. RealVNC per the article
2. Buy a TCP/IP KVM (which usually run some flavor of VNC)
3. Remote client for Pro-plus (which doesn't help you for app stations)
4. **Custom scripting**
The **Custom Scripting** solution is one I have developed and use for remote administration of 2008 boxes. I can provide documentation if you are interested.
In reply to Youssef.El-Bahtimy:
Thanks, I am using the free edition of VNC rather than Enterprise. The only other difference between KBA, I've always enabled 'Mirror' driver because it makes VNC respond so much faster (more like remote desktop; mirror install is a bit quirky; you connect over VNC, then install & enable it). I had never read this KBA. I've read up on this and I believe problem may relate to Mirror driver per kb.realvnc.com/.../I%27m+getting+a+black+screen+when+I+connect+to+VNC+Server but have not yet tried the proposed resolution. I also found that if I selected one of the other options other than auto when I connect (e.g. 256 or 16 colors) I would not get a black screen. Black screen would ONLY be on client side. Oddly it occurs at login, AFTER entering credentials. Refresh screen does not remedy. Problem occurs only intermittently.
Will TCP/IP KVM running VNC, be as fast as VNC with Mirror driver? It appears these devices are relatively inexpensive, ~$379.40, any ones you recommend?
I would be interested in #4 Custom Scripting. Some years ago I had Pc Anywhere. Does custom script enable remote assistance or something?
Does Thinsoft's WinConnect Server VS allow login to DeltaV WS2008 console session? www.thincomputinginc.com/support_winconvs64.aspx
I also had another question, related to video. Perhaps this would be better in a separate thread. When we upgraded to WS2008/DV11.3, Pro Plus no longer supported two monitors... Can I use a USB video adapter,or internal video card to allow me to have two monitors? Local rep said this wouldn't work a year ago. It is most useful to see Operate while also running Control Studio or Explorer & I can no longer do this. Has anything changed on this?
In reply to Frank Seipel:
Regarding which TCP/IP KVM to use, the only Emerson supported models are from Adder:
http://www.adder.com/emerson
I believe at least a few of these offer remote console capability.
The custom solution I wrote basically takes advantage of Terminal services ability to
1. Send control of a session to the console
2. Shadow the console session.
Regarding the Proplus dual screen, I would definitely check back with your local rep...I'm sure they would be happy to update you on any and all changes. I would also check the 11.3 release notes (AK-1000-0064), as they describe the supported workstation models for a pro-plus and video cards. My impression is that only the T3400, T3500, and R5400 support dual monitors and can be used as Pro-plus.
Thanks for the info, but have you used point to point KVM’s rather than IP based? I don’t want to start installing another network just to handle KVM’s. Adrian From: Aaron Crews [mailto:bounce-Aaron_Crews@community.emerson.com] Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 8:37 AMTo: DeltaV@community.emerson.comSubject: Re: [EE365 DeltaV Track] VNC with Pro Plus and App Station The data sheet is at http://avocent.com/Resources/Documents/Data_Sheets/HMX_Remote_Access_to_Computer_Resources_over_IP_Network.aspx It looks like it supports USB 2.0 devices other than keyboards and mice. The whole setup gets very powerful (and probably expensive) when you take advantage of the matrix switching (KVM to any station from any station). I've never bought them (I have the luxury of testing them out inside Emerson), but since they are an alliance parter (and an Emerson company) your LBP can get you a quote. It looks like they also sell at places like newegg, etc. AaronOn Dec 19, 2012, at 10:10 PM, "AdrianOffield" <bounce-AdrianOffield@community.emerson.com> wrote:That is impressive, does it support USB2 remote devices or just local keyboard/mouse devices? There are a lot of models listed on the site; if I were to consider this as a replacement for an Adderlink KVM Extender, which model would you suggest? What is the typical retail for these units? Adrian From: Aaron Crews [mailto:bounce-Aaron_Crews@community.emerson.com] Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 6:40 AMTo: DeltaV@community.emerson.comSubject: Re: [EE365 DeltaV Track] VNC with Pro Plus and App Station I use the Avocent HMX stuff without any issues. Handles up to 1920x1200x2.AaronOn Dec 19, 2012, at 9:34 PM, "AdrianOffield" <bounce-AdrianOffield@community.emerson.com> wrote:Which Avocent models support remote USB? We tend to use Adderlink KVM extenders but higher resolutions can be a problem for them. From: Aaron Crews [mailto:bounce-Aaron_Crews@community.emerson.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 8:41 PMTo: DeltaV@community.emerson.comSubject: Re: [EE365 DeltaV Track] VNC with Pro Plus and App Station You can also use KVM solutions from Avocent with DeltaV, FYI.AaronOn Dec 19, 2012, at 8:53 AM, "Youssef.El-Bahtimy" <bounce-YoussefEl-Bahtimy@community.emerson.com> wrote:Regarding which TCP/IP KVM to use, the only Emerson supported models are from Adder:http://www.adder.com/emersonI believe at least a few of these offer remote console capability.The custom solution I wrote basically takes advantage of Terminal services ability to 1. Send control of a session to the console 2. Shadow the console session.Regarding the Proplus dual screen, I would definitely check back with your local rep...I'm sure they would be happy to update you on any and all changes. I would also check the 11.3 release notes (AK-1000-0064), as they describe the supported workstation models for a pro-plus and video cards. My impression is that only the T3400, T3500, and R5400 support dual monitors and can be used as Pro-plus.
In reply to Aaron Crews:
Aaron,
Do you know if there is a way to disable the USB except for things like mice, keyboards, and speakers? I am concerned about possibly infecting the workstation with a virus via a flash drive or external hard drive.
Gareld Butler
Aaron, Do you know if there is a way to disable the USB except for things like mice, keyboards, and speakers? I am concerned about possibly infecting the workstation with a virus via a flash drive or external hard drive.
In reply to Brian Atkinson:
On Windows 7/Server 2008 there are group policy objects that do this. But what we have found in testing our v12 application to disable USB ports is that you have to disable the ability for the PC to load any USB drivers at all. Just blocking USB devices does not catch them all. For example Microsoft does not block a USB from some phones just by disabling USB drives.
Brian,
I have, but really want to keep USB capability at the actual machine as we often use that port when we are doing workstation configuration with a flash drive. The computer itself is kept in a locked cabinet to maintain security.
Gareld