Two Macs on Home network. Remote Control??

david101david101
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
I want to get a second mac (powermac G5) as a home media server for my powerbook 12".



I want to tuck the G5 out the way, and to be out the way requires no keyboard/monitor and associated peripherals.



Is it possible to control the G5 from my powerbook (e.g control iTunes, or play a DVD through the TV but controlled by the powerbook over airport).



I haven't got big bucks to throw at this idea, so Remote Desktop isn't really an option @ $299!



Any ideas? Is this possible?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 3
    mr. hmr. h Posts: 4,870member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by david101

    I want to get a second mac (powermac G5) as a home media server for my powerbook 12".



    I want to tuck the G5 out the way, and to be out the way requires no keyboard/monitor and associated peripherals.



    Is it possible to control the G5 from my powerbook (e.g control iTunes, or play a DVD through the TV but controlled by the powerbook over airport).



    I haven't got big bucks to throw at this idea, so Remote Desktop isn't really an option @ $299!



    Any ideas? Is this possible?



    Firstly, are you sure that a powermac G5 isn't overkill? Have you considered a mac mini with external firewire hard drive? You can get some nice-looking external hard drives that match the design of the mini.



    To answer your actual question, try VNC. I've not used the server on OS X, but I use VNC server on a PC and VNC client on OS X to remote control a PC.



    VNC Server



    It seems that the viewer app I use isn't available anymore (VNC Thing). Search version tracker for VNC to find a client you like.



    Good luck.
  • Reply 2 of 3
    david101david101 Posts: 73member
    Well the G5 wasn't going to be brand new, it was going to come second hand from ebay, and secondly it was also going to form the basis of a home theatre set-up, so i didn't think it was going to be complete overkill.



    However, on reflection and seeing that ebay G5s are still beyond me, I am going to get a MacMini from ebay and then add the lacie macmini hard disk and just use it as a server for the powerbook. Also, I'm not sure how long the G5 would have made a good home theatre - i want to get an HDTV soon-ish.



    Can you run the macmini remotely from the powerbook without the need for a screen on the mini (after initial setting up I mean). Is it possible to put the mini to sleep and wake it up remotely?
  • Reply 3 of 3
    mr. hmr. h Posts: 4,870member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by david101

    Can you run the macmini remotely from the powerbook without the need for a screen on the mini (after initial setting up I mean).



    Yes. I think that you may have to have a screen connected when you boot up though.



    Quote:

    Originally posted by david101

    Is it possible to put the mini to sleep and wake it up remotely?



    I'd be very surprised if the mini did not support wake on lan.
Sign In or Register to comment.