[Ed62]

Hi Folks,

I don't even have a Chromebook yet, but I do have a question. I understand that it is possible to connect to a desktop computer via a LAN. My question is this: If my wife is using the desktop, and I would like to run a program that is under my user account, would it be necessary to switch users on the desktop, or would I be able to access my account without her having to switch users? Sorry for such a basic question, but if you don't know the answer, it isn't really basic for you. Thanks for any replies.

Ed

 

[callin]

Hi Ed62,
I would need a bit more information, but your user account is specific to your desktop. You could, of course, download your programme to a Chromebook and that would negate switching users.
Hope this helps.
Colin

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Hi Callin...
I've been pondering this question since 6.00 o'clock this morning, wondering if it is actually possible to access a secondary account on a working computer, that's currently running another account, to the one that needs to be accessed... (That almost sounds mumbo-jumbo...)

I know that access to a secondary machine is possible with something such as Teamviewer (or the like) but that's an entirely different concept as far as I'm aware, although with updates coming into being at alarming rates: there's no telling what will be available day by day...

The other interesting equation, is whether or not an external based programme, would be compatible with the CB OS, what with there being so many everyday programs, that the CB cannot handle at any costs...

I'm really intrigued by this topic and will be following it to it's final conclusion...

RD....

 

[Ed62]

Thanks very much for the replies. I dabble a little in genealogy, and I received a newsletter, which I subscribed to. Here is a portion of what was in the newsletter: "While the Chrome operating system will only run Chrome programs, it is possible to use a Chromebook to access programs running on a remote Windows or Macintosh computer. The result is that you see the Windows or Mac program displayed in the Chromebook’s screen, and any keystrokes or mouse actions you make on the Chromebook are sent to the remote application. If you have a Windows or Macintosh computer at home, you can use this method to run Family Tree Maker, Reunion, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, AncestralQuest, and most any other program remotely. " So maybe some of you have learned something from a newbie passing on something in a quest to find answers raised by what he read. I'm guessing the desktop will need to have my user account active, but I'm not sure. If not, that would be great!

Ed

 

[callin]

Hi Robbie,
If the OP wants to access files on the desktop computer I would think Teamviewer or perhaps Tonido but if it's a PC programme specific to a "windows machine" (washes mouth out with soap) I doubt that would be attainable.
I bought my wife the HP Chromebook 14 a couple of months back and I liked the CB experience that much that I bought the Acer C720. We have separate google accounts but can sign in on either CB, also google drive allows file sharing so it's a good arrangement for us.
.....OOps....Rambling Alert....
Colin

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Thanks...

Thanks for the heads up on the main question Ed... It's a fascinating project you're studying... I for one appreciate your sharing of knowledge on the subject... It's good to learn something new every day, and this is a big step in that direction: as far as I'm concerned...

You've given me something to rattle the grey cells, which in my case, tend to fall asleep unless they get something to keep them awake...

I hope you're successful in your quest...

RD....

 

[callin]

Sounds like you're out of luck with this one Ed.
What if you split your PC into two workstations, would that be any help?

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Good set up...

Seems like you and yours have a good set up running there Callin and with the Google system being so user-friendly, you've got everything going for yah... However, if you do find a way to make the required connection (or at least a method of unlocking the door) I for one would appreciate your thoughts on the matter...

From your part comment (which made me smile) I take it you don't appreciate the finer aspect of the windows creation, which is, that without it in the first place, I doubt the CB would have come into being as soon as it has done ~ if at all...

'The mind boggles'....

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Info....

Hey Ed... Just come across this information... see what you think...

Google puts Windows on Chromebooks

 

[callin]

'The mind boggles'

Seems like you and yours have a good set up running there Callin and with the Google system being so user-friendly, you've got everything going for yah... However, if you do find a way to make the required connection (or at least a method of unlocking the door) I for one would appreciate your thoughts on the matter...

From your part comment (which made me smile) I take it you don't appreciate the finer aspect of the windows creation, which is, that without it in the first place, I doubt the CB would have come into being as soon as it has done ~ if at all...

'The mind boggles'....

I may have sounded a bit harsh with Microsoft, Robbie, but I have had my fill of Windows clutter. CB, so far, seems like a breath of fresh air.
"If at first you don't succeed; call it version 1.0"
Using the Chrome Remote Desktop app. seems to be a good way of accessing a PC, although for Ed's user account issue, wouldn't work.
I think a nice new CB for Ed's other half would be an answer, allowing Ed to work on his genealogy programmes.
Colin

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Connect to PC...

If it's any interest to yah Ed, I've managed to connect my Chromebook to my windows 8.1 PC wirelessly and although there are some difficulties with the screen resolution on the CB everything works as it should...

There's no LAN plug on my Chromebook ~ although I do have a LAN/USB adapter... I've not tried that piece of equipment at the moment (it's a bit difficult to get at the back of my all-in-one monitor/comp) but can do so, if it will be of any interest to you...

RD...

 

[callin]

Good work Robbie, did you notice if you can access a second user account on CB while PC is set on first user?

Colin

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Second user...

Sad to say, I'm the only user on that computer, there's not even a guest account...

I could set up a second account for test purposes, but at the moment I'd prefer to wait and see if anyone else can provide an answer before doing so...

Let's see what transpires...

That aside, I made the connection from the CB to the PC but couldn't get a connection the other way around, because the PC was asking for the CB name and that has never been set up: to my knowledge... Nor can I find a way of doing so now... Any suggestions???????????

 

[callin]

I found this information on Google Groups, if it helps.
"There are no device names in Chrome OS. If you want to uniquely identify a Chromebook, use the MAC address of the WiFi adapter."

 

[Ed62]

This has become a very interesting thread. Thanks guys.

While running Windows on the CB is interesting, the additional cost would be a deal breaker for me, and I think a lot of others as well.

So Robbie, exactly how were you able to connect to your PC? And unless I'm mistaken, you were able to run the programs residing in the PC, is that right?

Ed

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Thanks for that info Callin... Haven't got a WiFi adapter plugged into the CB and I've not come across a MAC address in the settings anywhere... But a bit later, I will try the MAC address of the router and/or the router name... That might do the trick... Hadn't thought of going down that avenue... Cheers...
I doubt It'll ever be necessary for me to connect the two machines in that order ~ PC to CB ~ but if it's permissible, the possibilities need to be established...

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Connecting equipment...

Hi Ed...

I downloaded the 'Chrome Remote Desktop' APP ~ after typing those three words into the APP search bar... The APP icon, is slightly rectangular, with the Chrome icon in it with a clear, plain, blue rectangle off-set at the back... That should give you an idea what it looks like, because there are a couple of alternatives...

When I opened that, I typed in the desktop computer's name and created a password... You only need to do that once, so make a note of it...
Entered that and tapped connect... Such was almost instantaneous...

Once connected, the PC responds to any commands made on the desktop imagery that shows on the CB screen... I only tried Skype (which a CB cannot run at the moment) and at that, I only sent a text message to my son, who verified he'd received it... I can and will try working a few other things later today, just to see the reaction...

Bear in mind at this point, that if, during that process, I turn back to the desktop, I can continue with the task in hand using the desk-top, the image on the monitor (whatever I do) being replicated on the CB: screen image...

I did have other thoughts later last evening about the process you were interested in trying... That was using a/the secondary account..
It crossed my mind, that to do that, you would (as is normal on a PC) need to switch users... You could then access the desired account... But, at that, the original user would not be logged into their account... Should they swap users, you will loos your connection...
Should that be the case, I imagine that working in that manner, will be a 'No - No' right from the start... Unless of course ~ there's a way around that...
The only way I can think of, is that if you both used the same account, running two monitors from one computer, that might provide a divisional line that will allow both users to work at the same time... Not going to say it would work, but it might be worth looking into or trying at some time...

 

[Ed62]

Good morning Robbie,

Thanks very much for a detailed explanation. My gut feeling was/is that the user would need to be switched on the PC for things to work as I hoped. Using a second monitor is appealing, but we don't really have any spare room for one.

Ed

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Never mind Ed... It was just a passing thought really... It was also worth the time and effort to write those details, because others might benefit from what has been said... So in that sense: there's more gained than lost...
RD....

 

[Robbie Dalziel]

Looking back over my earlier posts, I forgot to mention that the MAC address of the router (or any other of its reference characters) didn't help me connect my PC to the CB... Not sure if a CB or its programme has a MAC address, or where to find it: if either of them have one...
Thoughts anyone?????????