# Help me build a server...
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 8, 2006, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858 "2006-08-08T14:45:12Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Surbey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surbey)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2006, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858/1 "2006-08-08T14:45:12Z")
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.
Is there a way to do that?
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### Author:  [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2006, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858/2 "2006-08-08T15:00:07Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2006, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858/3 "2006-08-08T15:42:32Z")
Two good places to go and learn this stuff:
VNC: Useful on most servers running on PC hardware
[http://www.realvnc.com/products/personal/](http://www.realvnc.com/products/personal/)
Microsoft Remote Desktop: Useful on 2000 Server and XP Pro, some other platforms
[http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx](http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx)
If Remote Desktop is supported, use it over VNC for speed and other reasons.
A half-dozen alternatives exist. Most cost money. Good luck!
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### Author:  [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2006, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858/4 "2006-08-08T16:25:16Z")
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](http://www.mythtv.org/) 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.
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### Author:  [@Surbey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surbey)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2006, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-build-a-server/367858/5 "2006-08-08T18:08:51Z")
I will be using W2k3. Thanks for the info guys, I’ll be checkin it out.