So I won a bunch of cool computer parts at a Lan party in Evansville this weekend and I am interested in building a server/media PC. But I am a little curious about it. How exactly do I control a computer across my network? Am I able to login to that computer remotely or do I have to have a screen/keyboard/mouse right at the server. Idealy, I would like to have it across the room and hooked up to my tv. I don’t want to have to add any extra things like a mouse and keyboard.
Remote control is pretty simple using VNC for graphical environments and SSH for command-lines, but first, what operating system do you wish to run on it? Microsoft server OSes are not cheap.
As has been posted, if you have Win2k, XP Pro or Server 2003, I’d use remote desktop. If not, try VNC.
If you’re willing to put in a bit of time, running MythTV gets you quite a bit in the way of ‘Media PC’ functionality. This could certainly be controlled remotely with ssh, VNC, or a remote X Server.
Depending on your needs, you might find a wireless keyboard/mouse more convenient.