Can you send KVM keyboard commands to a remote computer?

Nikkonine · Post by **Nikkonine** » 2005-02-01 05:54

Sometimes I have to be away from a computer that is going through an install. It would be nice to connect to move the install process along.

There is no way to install a VNC program (since the OS isn't installed yet), but if the installing computer was connected to a computer running a VNC server I could switch to the installing computer via a KVM switch. The keyboard commands for most KVM switches are Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, Arrow Up.

ipsec · Post by **ipsec** » 2005-02-01 19:54

Since VNC is a console emulation it would be required to be run from the machine you wish to connect to.

On the other hand if you have a Hardware KVM that allows remote connection via a web interface then you could then switch to the apppropriate pc via that web page. I dont know one off hand but I know they have KVM over IP and that is how they connect. Or through some proprietary software.

Nikkonine · Post by **Nikkonine** » 2005-02-02 03:06

It is a hardware KVM switched connecting both VNC serving computer and computer installing software. I'm wondering if there is a small batch file or something that I could put on the VNC serving computer. Then if I were at home and I wanted to check on the progress of the installing computer I could connect to the comuter it is physically attached to and run the batch file to execute program that would emulate the Scroll Lock sequence.

ipsec · Post by **ipsec** » 2005-02-02 03:56

Im sorry I must not of been clear.

If you wish to remotely connect to any computer with UltraVNC you must utilize the VNC Server application or service on the "Remote" computer.

I have not heard from anyone that if you use a KVM with a trigger of scroll lock remotely will even show you on the console what the options are. This is something that is only displayed on the monitor you are using connected with the KVM. Because the KVM hardware device is inline with the single monitor it can see what the options are.

Nikkonine · Post by **Nikkonine** » 2005-02-02 04:29

Sorry I guess I was thinging about it wrong. I was thinking the server would see what the monitor saw, but I guess it makes sense now that what you see on the monitor is separate from what the server sees.

ipsec · Post by **ipsec** » 2005-02-02 04:39

only because of the inline hardware.. Mind you .. you do see everything the monitor does.. just in your situation unfortunately it wont yeild the desired results of allowing you to connect to the other computer.

BUT you can use something called an IP enabled KVM.. google that and you will find TONS of stuff out there.. If this is for something you will constantly do, its definately worth a look into... and then from home you can VPN in and use a single web interface or software to control your computer that has no OS on it yet..

Nikkonine · Post by **Nikkonine** » 2005-02-02 04:48

I will check it out. Thanks for your help.

redge · Post by **redge** » 2005-02-05 00:24

I understand your idea
one console (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) with 2;4;8;16;24 physical computers !

hardware solution with software remote control inside
KVM-via-IP Product
http://www.realvnc.com/products/KVM-via-IP/

versus

vmware is few virtual computers and OS in one computer
(Linux, Unix, OS/2, DOS,Win 3.1x, Win9x,NT,ME,2000, XP, 2003)

maybe next build KVM software included in UltraVNC 1.1 ?