VNC Kind Software within VFP Application Software 3

[1010ash1957]

We would like to add a feature like VNC within our VFP Application Software to provide service to our Remote clients. Please advise if this is possible without opening a Port on the client side or similar solution if possible.

We would likt client require some support, can run our application wiht the Remote-support option, we get connected to the users PC and we take the control of users PC.

Please advise.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Not sure if this is what you are asking, but is there any reason why you can't use an off-the-shelf remote control package, like PC Anywhere? Or have I misunderstood your question?

Mike


__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

My Visual FoxPro site: www.ml-consult.co.uk

 

[JRB-Bldr]

We use Windows Remote Desktop and/or Windows Terminal Services to do this task all the time.

It is not FAST, but they are 'free' with Windows and they are functional.

Often, once the Remote Desktop connection has been established, we then use VNC to move to other workstations within the in-house Domain. Again, not FAST, but functional.

And like Mike suggested above, there are a wide variety of other commercial approaches PCAnyWhere, GoToMeeting.com, Webex.com

Good Luck,
JRB-Bldr

 

[Dan Freeman]

We use WebEx, partly because they guarantee properly encrypted file transfers and HIPAA compliance. Since it's all done inside IE, the client doesn't have to open anything special.

 

[1010ash1957]

Thanks Mike, DRB-Bldr, Danfreeman for your valuable comments. Only reason was to add this feature within our application s/w was that many our OUR clients do not want to install third party software or open the port etc. and afraid of using Logmein or other software bcoz of data security.

Anyway thanks a lot for your views and advise.

 

[Steve Bowman]

I include this form of support in all my distributed apps under the help menu. I will explain further

I use UltraVNC including the single_click option. How this works is that the Single_click option is a small compressed vnc server stub it can be compiled into a "branded tool" when executed presents an option to connect to support it has all nessisary info incorporated in the single file exe.
On my side I am always running a VNC Viewer (IN LISTEN MODE) the singleclick "server" is acctulay making an inside to outside established connection thus no need for open ports it calls out to my viewer in listen mode. When the call is made my system pops up a dialoge telling who is requesting support allowing for me to accept or deny. if i accept my viewer connects to the calling server and I take over control of the PC it is fast and tight. I LOVE IT!!!!

no more PCAnywhere and waiting for ports to be opened or forwarded no more pissy IT people holding up the process because of "security"

The BIG plus is that it is FREE open source. I use it 2-3 support situations a day where fast "let me do that for you" instead of talking through it over the phone.
Took me a day to fugure it out and 60 mins to incorporate it and since all my apps do internet code updating rolled it out shortly after and the biggest plus is that my customers once again think i am well worth the money!!

If anyone would like additional info for fast implimentation reply and we can go over in better detail


Steve Bowman
Independent Technology, Inc.
CA, USA

 

[Steve Bowman]

forgot to mention that this can also be setup for secure HIPPA compliance communications via add-on available plug-ins this is a little more complicated to set up but no where near impossiable. I do not use this function because i do not require that secure a connection and am not passing any sensitive information and prefer to loose the overhead and keep it simple. The single_click also cleans up afetr itself and makes no perminante changes and no registry modifications.


Steve Bowman
Independent Technology, Inc.
CA, USA

 

[SnyAc]

Steve... sounds like a great approach... I'm very interested in implementing UltraVNC in my apps... please tell us more.

Andy Snyder
SnyAc Software Services

http://www.snysoft.com

 

[Steve Bowman]

start by going to

http://www.uvnc.com/download/index.html

and download the most current stable release and install on your support workstation. Once installed (you only need to install the viewer) this is an option it comes with a server as well but for this you only need the viewer. Post install you will find a program group with 1 viewer (listen mode) you can modify this program shortcut to specify the listen tcp port it will default to 5500. You will need to forward this port through you internet router so your workstation will respond to support requests. This is the only networking that needs to happen your customers will not need to do anything.

next go to

http://www.uvnc.com/custom.zip

this will download the single_click files
unzip to a folder

http://www.uvnc.com/addons/singleclick.html

will give more detailed information to additional options

BACK TO THE custom.zip unzipped folder
you will find
background.bmp &&alter this file to set color of background i use my company colors
icon1.ico &&this is the single_click icon used
icon2.ico &&this icon is displayed in the system try while connected
logo.bmp &enough said just do not change the size
rc4.key &&used for encryption if needed
helpdesk.txt &&This is the important file it defines the settings to connect to you listener

it looks like this
you can have as many [HOST] sections as needed in my case i also have a helper who also takes support calls so he is listed as well. I have seen as many as 12 or so departmants listed just use seperat ports of ip addresses

[TITLE]
MY Company Name
[HOST]
Internet support
-connect 192.168.1.102:5500 -noregistry
[HOST]Internet support encryption
-plugin -connect 192.168.1.102:5500 -noregistry
[TEXTTOP]
Dubble Click to make a connection
[TEXTMIDDLE]
Before making a connection
[TEXTBOTTOM]
Please Call 56 576896 to get your ticket
[TEXTRBOTTOM]
(empty to clean line)
[TEXTRMIDDLE]
Kasteelpleinstraat 56
[TEXTRTOP]Ultravnc PC support
[TEXTCLOSEBUTTON]
Close
[TEXTBUTTON]
More Info
[WEBPAGE]

http://www.mywebsite.net

once you alter the files per your need zip them all back up to a file and call it something meaningful like abc_company_support.zip

NOTE if you need encyrption read the web page several more steps are required

then go to

http://www.uvnc.com/pchelpware/creator/index.html

this is the single_click creator
the user is foo
the pwd is foobar
this is no secret they list this info right on the page
this page also has a upload button press it and select the NEW zip file you created
you will be directed to a page with a download button to receive you single_click.exe
that is all there is

in my application i just add a menu option that will run the exe and i include the exe with my distribution as well as downloadable from my web and offten i will email it since it is usally < 170k very small

when they click my help option the app starts asking them to call first or they just dbl-click on the support option they want and my PC magicaly pops up asking if i am willing to accept the support request and i am on there pc

if you would like to see the finished single_click you can download and run

http://download.independenttech.net/indetechsupport.exe

dbl click on the independent technology internet support and i might just be home PST. if not it will just timeout and go away. The thing also supports chat,file transfer,full screen, and many other features



Steve Bowman
Independent Technology, Inc.
CA, USA

 

[1010ash1957]

Thanks Steve for your help.

I have one question about the TCP port, my ISP Router opened with DMZ and pointed to my one PC IP address and I do not have access to this router if need to change anything on it.

is it necessary to open a Listen TCP port in the above situation or DM Zone is ok?

Also in the helpdesk.txt what is [TEXTRMIDDLE]
Kasteelpleinstraat 56 ?

Please advise.

Thanks a lot.
ash

 

[Steve Bowman]

is it necessary to open a Listen TCP port in the above situation or DM Zone is ok?

since DMZ should be passing all ports no change should be required except for any firewalling done ON the PC. A simple test would prove it.

Also in the helpdesk.txt what is [TEXTRMIDDLE]
Kasteelpleinstraat 56 ?
This is just an address line I forgot to change it, but it is just a text line displayed in the middle of the right side on the single click app.


Steve Bowman
Independent Technology, Inc.
CA, USA

 

[1010ash1957]

Hi Steve,

Forgot to mentioned that my isp has installed a firewall before the broadband router, also i have a fixed ip ?

For some reason i manage to create single click exe but i tried from a pc which is on my LAN and the support does not get connected?

Any test or suggestion...

Please advise

Thanks

 

[Steve Bowman]

because of NATing most networks can have difficulty coming back on themselvs. Two tests

create a single click using the INTERNAL address of the listener. and test that one to insure you have the thing setup correctly.

second send the single click WITH THE EXTERNAL address to someone outside your network to test for you.

outside of this i would suggest taking this conversation OFF list. This would be networking not FoxPro. I will assist all i can I am just suggesting we use regular email
skb at outbox dot net

Steve Bowman
Independent Technology, Inc.
CA, USA