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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Operating Pc Through Imac G5

tartanmartin - Sep 18, 2005 - 10:32 am

Hi, I am a student and currently running a pc. I have a powermac at home and am considering getting one for my flat.

I was wondering what options I have as far as operating a pc through the Imac, almost like a monitor. I cannot really give up my pc completely so am seeking your advice as to a solution.

Thanks

bobw - Sep 18, 2005 - 10:39 am

Hi Martin

You can control the PC with a few programs;

Apple Remote Desktop;
http://www.apple.com/remotedesktop/

TinBukTu;
http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/mac/

The above two programs cost $

And VCN (free);

OSXvnc on the Mac;
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/16699

Ultra@VNC on the PC;
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/34163

VNC on the same network works well, across the Internet, it's much slower than the other two programs.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

tartanmartin - Sep 18, 2005 - 10:43 am

How much slower would the pc appear to run in % than it would running it stand alone using either the purchased ones or the mac ones?

I have also seen the microsoft version, how does this compare?

bobw - Sep 18, 2005 - 10:52 am

Martin

I use both ARD and TimBukTu across the web, and I'd guess maybe 25% slower. On the same network, it's much faster.

I haven't use the Microsoft program, so I don't know. Doubtful it would be any better/faster.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

tartanmartin - Sep 18, 2005 - 10:54 am

It would be across the same network wirelessly. Is it possible to run it full screen so it appears to be just running the pc?

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated!

bobw - Sep 18, 2005 - 11:02 am

Martin

Across the same network, use the free VNC first, works very well and you can run full screen.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

tartanmartin - Sep 18, 2005 - 11:40 am

This is so helpful thanks! If I removed the monitor from the pc, would I be able to just switch it on, then access it straight from mac, without having to view the pc first and activate it. For example put pc in a cupboard, switch it on then go straight to mac and get straight into it?

Many thanks

bobw - Sep 18, 2005 - 11:42 am

Martin

You may be able to do that. Some machines won't work that way without the monitor, but once the machine is booted, you could remove the monitor.

Try without the monitor connected first and see if it will work that way.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support

tartanmartin - Sep 18, 2005 - 4:01 pm

Ive been thinking, would there be any way of using my pc video card and sending a vga output to the Imac and import it so as to view it that way in a window. Really Im looking to just use it as a monitor and still be able to use my pc without having a monitor next to an imac. Just swap keyboard and mouse when needed. I know it sounds strange.

bobw - Sep 19, 2005 - 8:05 am

Martin

PC video cards won't work with a Mac.
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Bobw - Macosx.com Tech Support