Remote Control

[Arne]

VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. It is remote control software which allows you to view and interact with one computer (the "server") using a simple program (the "viewer") on another computer anywhere on the Internet. The two computers don't even have to be the same type, so for example you can use VNC to view an office Linux machine on your Windows PC at home. VNC is freely and publicly available and is in widespread active use by millions throughout industry, academia and privately.

This could be used by those who have much expreience with Proxomitron and setting it up, to help beginners set up their Proxomitron and filters so that they can get it to work as they wish.

Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

http://www.realvnc.com/what.html

Best wishes
Arne []

[hpguru]

I think it's not a good idea for various reasons.

First of all I think the idea comes with the best of intentions but I believe it would ultimately open a can of worms.

For example, if the "client" suddenly notices a viral infection, missing or altered files, or the performance of their PC takes a sudden dive, etc. then they may be inclined to blame their helper (the server op). This sort of thing could damage a persons reputation or even open them up to a criminal investigation and possible prosecution.

I personally would never agree to do this without some sort of legally binding agreement being drawn up.

[CoolBeans]

As much as I would [-i10]LOVE[]to have one of you guys help me out with bypass entries and matching expressions and log-on form filters and cookie lists and site specific filters and style sheets and...breath...  Oh, and there's some stuff thats not really proxo related but since you're here anyway...

it sounds like a full time job and you guys do more then enough already! [-ibe]

Proxomitron is easy to use, yet difficult to master!

CoolBeans!

[TEggHead]

Although I voted 'Good Idea' I do see many pitfalls and drawbacks.

First, there's no real chat functionality in VNC, so you'd have to make-do with notepad.

Second, you'd have to allow shared input so the other party can block your actions if they deem fit (always fun, fighting for control of the mouse) and at least to be able to show you where he/she has a problem.

And even then, a certified email pre-send, giving me total absolvement of any possible mishap AAR of whatever possible cause...

But I fear, agreeing with CoolBeans here, the matter is so complex that you can indeed end up spent a lot of time 'helping out'.

BTW, there's also the security part, firewall rules need to be set up allowing only the helper access. Ruling out any possibility for others than the helper to connect. And believe me, you're a target the moment you go online...

as it so happens I experienced it again myself this afternoon. The darn webport was only open to the outside for bout 10 minutes, and still some nitwit managed to fire about a dozen different malformed IIS targeted exploit requests at it (Learned a couple of new ones myself []).

[jor]

This may help some, but I still consider it to be a bad idea. As others posted, VNC is just too much of a risk.