rory

This is what I was trying to debunk in my last post. There is no server. There is no security risk. The target client connects TO a secure server. The source (requesting) client connects to that same server. That server is a logmein server; a "middleman". When you use logmein from one machine 1 to remote control machine 2, you are not making a direct connection to machine 2. You're connecting to a logmein server to which machine 2 is already securely connected. Logmein does the handshaking for you, and you're in. The connections look like this: Source -> Logmein <- Target Not this: Source -> Target or Source -> Logmein -> Target Programs like VNC that require explicit port forwards are less secure than this connection method. The middleman approach adopted by Logmein does not require port forwards. As I mentioned before, if there was a server, there would have to be forwards. There are no forward requirements because there is no server hosting open ports on the target machine. When the client connects do they get the persons Full Desktop like VNC? Or is this only file sharing? BTW this clears it up more, thanks. Wonder if thomas is actually watching this thread since the question was originally addressed to him ..

11 Years myself If you think so .. I can tell you never left the office and actually used someone elses computer We are not talking web based apps here like asp and asp.net

im leaning towards the Asus P5B-VM .. been going through hardware reviews etc all night and it seems like a good choice ... will keep you posted .. also would be building a vista pc from it .. with just dual core 3.2 though .. alls i can afford as also building a new XP PC .. Rory

I know this is a sticky already, but incase MagaVolt didnt see it .. http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=6122

http://www.sapphiretech.com/en/products/graphics_specifications.php?gpid=174 Not expensive, looking to see if it is anygood .. thanks Rory

Thats all fine and dandy, and that ability has been around for years. But did you read my post on the problems with browser based applications as the current web browsers, remote cafes/computers, and users are concerned? Anyone that makes a half decent client based app can easily make a browser based app, so that is nothing new, been there done that, but the companies that are out there marketing only browser based apps need to realize the flaws with their environment.

I didnt mention YOU'RE .. how safe the client feels is up to them. im talking about a port open on the Security System.

BTW there is a new version of the installer i use, which covers Vista, but I may be using another installer anyway. Will see. I am getting ready to order parts and the OS for a new Vista machine, so I will be able to test that soon.

Cool .. I didnt have time to really get into the OS but i did manage to download and run my program PS. I didnt check the other features but they should work .. Full screen worked .. I think the media shortcut on the desktop might not though (thats from saving images or video), will have to see. Basically it should be a very simple fix when i do it.

Ok an update on Vista. I was at a PC store today and tested my program on it .. It was Vista Ultimate I think. It actually worked, with a small workaround. It errors when installing, probably just need an updated Vista installer, as the Registry no longer exists (as far as I was told), and it is probably using that. BUT, it does install. Okay, so it will actually launch the first time you run it, and you can demo it fine. However, when you close it and try to reopen it, it gives an error, actually one of my own integrated errors. I wont be able to fix that until I have Vista here and in front of me though, so for next release I will do that. Anyway, the workaround to this is ... there is another file in the same program folder as LiveVue, called Update.exe; its actually part of the LiveUpdate feature, which reloads LiveVue. Simply make a shortcut to that file on your desktop (right click Create Shortcut), delete the old LiveVue shortcut from the desktop (Dont delete LiveVue.exe from the program folder!), and rename that new one, LiveVue. Run this shortcut when you want to use the program, and it now loads fine every time.

True, but you can disable the Onboard video, i have a MATX for 4 years now .. with an AGP card .. The new ones come with PCI express Slots also .. However, i didnt notice any difference in quality or speed between an ATI X300 PCIe and the onboard Intel 950 video. In fact GeoVision also uses onboard video in a couple of their ready built systems, i have one in the field with no issues, and I tested the 1120 with onboard video for 3 days straight .. no issues. I only changed that one in that case becuase I figured the 128MB X300 Video card would make a difference, but it didnt. The 965's come with Intel 1300 video .. but also you can add a PCIe card if wanted. These have the X16 and the X1 slots .. as well as the 2 PCI. Will have to live with only 1 or perhaps 2 DVR cards/hardware max though, but in my case it would only be 1 card. Im just wondering if Intel is worth looking at, they seem to have the latest stuff, well since they make the chipsets .. in this case. Asus is also supposed to be good so was looking at that route also. Also, is it worth going with the 965 or just sticking with the 945 .. looking for any opinions on that .. good or bad thanks Rory

I think its just the camera .. i used a IR Dome camera from Eclipse and they (we have tested a few of the same models in different locations) looked just as bad as that .. this was the one that gives the same image as you posted above .. http://cctvco.com/ECL-5HI.html Unfortunately in the Dome area there isnt much out there, unless you use a Decent Day Night Dome with seperate IR .. otherwise in that price range you are stuck with IR Bullets for a decent image with IR. Optionally a decent Day Night vandal Dome like the Sanyo, and use motion lighting instead of IR.

I didnt try the client side .. is it ActiveX or Java? If its ActiveX,. well actually if its any plugin, most Web Cafe's normally restrict the installation of those, as you have to install it on the PC even if it is an ActiveX, it is still installing. If its Java, and the Browser doesnt have the latest or same Plugin for that, you have to install it .. again. When you get to the PC somewhere in the world, and you goto login but find the browser has issues ... what will you tell your client then? If you are travelling that much, and you're a tech with clients who's PCs you maintain, im certain you would have a laptop at least? Like i said, in the old days it wasnt such a problem, though with the added security protection even IE is throwing in there by default, it "could" be an issue. Ive used Travel Agent software that only runs in IE, 100%, uses Flash, Java, and ActiveX .. the users played alot of online flash games, well one of them somehow corrupted the registry flash setting so the Travel Agency software did not work anymore .. had to basically recreate a key in the registry for it to work again .. thats just one example. Just install MojoPac on a USB Jump Drive .. install your remote view software on that .. Ultra VNC .. etc .. and carry it in your pocket ... Anyway, at the least they could also provide a client program, not just browser based. BTW, UltraVNC has a Java Viewer. Bottom line is to use what works best for you and your clients. Rory

There has to be a server, whether it uses port 80 or not ... otherwise you cant connect to it. Anyway ..i wouldn't use it, regardless of any security issues. Its bad marketing if you ask me .. whats the point of it being browser based?? Why not provide the user with a direct download link? It HAS to install on your PC regardless, only difference is the browser initiates the download instead of clicking on a link.

You must have a different copy of logmein .. it installed on my computer, just as i would download a client program, then when i checked open connections, it was logmein with port 80. Whether it uses that port for listening or not, it certainly uses it.

BTW Colin, XP loaded the default MS drivers for it .. though its possible it was left over from a previous Geo Install also .. ill have to test on a fresh install of XP.

Basically im looking for a Remote Control that can work like a Keypad, where you can set up Key combinations like Shift-F8 etc /.. to control certain programs on the PC .. all I have seen so far only work with certain applications, but since this is my own app i coded id want to create my own shortcuts. Doesnt have to be anything elaborate, can look like a standard IR Remote, just need the shortcuts programmable function. Thanks Rory

ahhh .. never mind .. I got it .. check it out .. these are all the top keys 1-8 http://www.bahamassecurity.com/geo/GeoIRKeys.exe just shows it knows what keys are pressed .. next ill do the rest .. pretty easy using keydown in VB6 to get the codes for each button . then once thats done a timer just to check for them .. basically like this .. very rough code right now .. Private Sub Timer1_Timer() If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(49) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY1" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(50) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY2" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(51) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY3" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(52) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY4" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(53) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY5" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(54) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY6" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(55) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY7" If (GetAsyncKeyState(17) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(18) <> 0 And GetAsyncKeyState(56) <> 0 And KEY_DOWN) Then Text1 = "KEY8" End Sub

Colin, im testing a Geo remote now, i can get the keys you mentioned above .. in my code i just check for them .. once i know what to check for .. Can you get me a list of all the Geo button events plleeeeaase ? I installed event ghost but i only have this remote for a day (borrowed it) .. cant seem to get anything out of Event Ghost ..well i dont know how to use it LOL . . Thanks Rory

It doesnt matter what someone else is doing, the point is the port is there and open .. we're talking security systems here, not personal PCs. Regardless, someone asked and thats my opinion. My biggest issue is that it is browser based. They can take it or leave it.

By Default .. but you should change that. Besides, Geo's server isn't open to control the PC. IMO nobody should be using browser based apps anymore, unless that is all there is .. a browser based app still must install on the user's PC no matter what they claim, and hence you are better off installing the client app due to security limitations and compatibility issues with todays browsers.

Most 3rd party developers wont be developing for Vista for some time yet unfortunately, its not just me. I should have said compatibility instead. As for XP Support from MS, i've never needed support from them. I do plan a new PC for Vista very soon, but i cant promise any time line just yet. Someone has tested and said it worked with Vista with a couple minor errors, i can't say for certain though. In any event, the new version wont use the registry and that may fix any error messages you might be getting on Vista. And if I have a Vista PC by then I'll be able to tweak it for that.

It uses port 80 .. by default .. Port 80 is opened by it as a web server. And browser based is just asking for problems. Open up a program that checks which ports are being used, and you will see Logmein's server which is installed on your PC .. using port 80.

No Vista support yet, cant promise anything for that for at least a year perhaps. Its going to be a while before Vista takes off, and becomes stable. Also, Geo doesnt support Vsta and I doubt they ever will.

I just found out how to write software for basic Webcams .. motion detection and all .. so as soon as i get a WebCam and put something together ill post it on the forum .. basic version (beta pro) will be free ofcourse .. Rory