Chapter 10: Remote Control of Client Systems

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Overview

As most of us know from experience, many computer-related problems can be solved only through a hands-on approach. We have to see the error message displayed or re-create the scenario that caused a crash or watch the user perform a task. So it's no surprise that being able to remotely control client systems appeals to the typical administrator. Tools that provide remote access and diagnostic abilities have actually been around for a while. Some are built into the operating system, such as Remote Assistance in Microsoft Windows XP. Some tools are separate applications that provide a broader scope of functionality.

Remote control has long been a key feature of Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) and has been enhanced in SMS 2003. With SMS 2003's Remote Tools, the SMS administrator can remotely diagnose a client, start and stop services, view the user's desktop, run programs, transfer files, and specify how much control to allow the user over the session. The user also can be given the ability to determine who can access the client and what remote functions are made available.

In this chapter you'll learn about the remote control tools available with SMS 2003 and how to use them. We'll look at the configuration of remote control for the client, including system requirements, protocol considerations, and configuring the remote options at the client system. Then we'll take a look at the Remote Tools installation process itself and how to monitor status of the remote client and network performance.

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