Okay, so I've got a bit of a setup that I believe is out of the ordinary.

2 computers networked together in the usual way, via Cisco-Linksys router using ethernet cables. No problems there, everything is working fine.

Server-side computer is a quad-core running Win7 and Client-side computer is single core running Vista. Swapping files back and forth by sharing Public folders, that all works great. No problem logging in to my sim. I have my instance setup as a stand-alone, un-gridded. I am a know-nothing about Simian and ROBUST, so forget those.

First problem. My ISP is a mobility USB hookup that I keep on my Client-side computer. I do have the system set up to share the Internet connection. The ISP is Bell Mobility in Canada, not sure if that matters. I have not been able to figure out how to get my sim online. I would love to connect to OSG, but will be happy to be able to HG in and out.

Next, I fell in love with having 2 monitors on one computer, but then bought the quad-core and need my #2 for it. I would like to be able to run my Server-side from my Client-side system. That way I can go back to having a dual monitor setup while being able to run software from the Server-side. That is, double click shortcuts on my Client-side to run things that are on my server-side.

FAQ doesn't seem to have relevant info on connecting using teh ISP setup I have. Micro$oft's help on Remote Desktop isn't helping. Perhaps you can?

Sarge Misfit

Hi Sarge,
you could try moving the USB Bell Mobility to the serverside machine, use it as a gateway.
And, get a small KVM setup, simple press of a button to change to the other machine (that is how I run multiple machines) that way you can use a single keyboard and mouse and still run duallies on your client machine.

To get your regions online you would need to forward the ports used to the server machine in your router, with every router being different, the best bet there is RTFM.

Personally, I would run the server on a Linux system - much easier to ssh into - and you only need a headless box once it's set up (i.e. keyboard, mouse, monitor etc are not required)

I would love to run the whole works on Linux if I knew how to run Linux

With all the other things going on, I don't have the time to learn it, either.

Greybeard, I would RTFM if there was a FM to R *grins*. I have no problem with the Linksys router, its the Novatel USB stick that has no manual on how to port forward or anything like that. This is the manual that came with the USB stick: http://images.comparecellular.com/phone ... -guide.pdf
and this is the only other one I have found that even comes close:
http://www.novatelwireless.com/Bell/U547#mobile-connect

Sarge,
Looks like you stuck between a rock and a hard place with that USB device, I suppose you got no other way of getting internet connection?

Not yet. The lack of a published manual, that is a HUGE strike against Bell for me. I will definitely be changing ISPs. I just have some financial issues coming up by the end of the year that I have to plan for. I did receive one idea while talking with a friend. Get a router with a USB port and see if I can run the mobility device through that.

With that problem put off, I will look further into running both systems from one computer. Remote Desktop should do it, I just have to figure out the configuration properly. Micro$oft and "easy-to-configure" are definitely not words to be used together.

Sarge,

As far as using a dual monitor setup, in your configuration I would recommend using the built in Remote Desktop feature of Windows. You can run the "server" in a headless setup, remoting into the server from the client. This is rather simple to do, and doesn't require a lot of tech expertise to setup. This could potentially give you a dual monitor option for the server, although this might take some head scratching to setup, I honestly can't imagine it would be difficult. The key is to configure the "server" to allow remote connections. Usually done, from an administrator account, by right clicking on My Computer, choosing properties, and selecting the Remote tab. Under Win7, the options might be a little different. On the client machine, you must first install the Remote Desktop applet, and then simply setup a connection to the server. If you are using the Home versions of either Win7 or Vista, you may run into the limitation that Remote Desktop is not supported, or even available to install. In that case, go to www.portableapps.com, and look for TeamViewer or RealVNC, both being third party remote desktop applications. Best of all, they are also FREE.

As for the USB dongle, that's more an issue with the provider. Those mobile connectivity USB sticks aren't meant to let you act as a server. They are only to get you connected to the web when you are mobile with your laptop. I'm not saying it cannot be done, but consider that your provider, a phone company, does not want their network clogged with traffic. Besides, the data costs would max out before the month was up. Your current data plan allows only so much traffic, measured in gigabytes, and that would top out very quickly in your scenario. Even if you were to accomplish said feat, the connection speeds would be even less than a WiFi, making any inbound connection to your server less than pleasant for those who manage to connect.

Certainly, the best recommendation for hosting a sim online would be to use a wired connection all the way, and a hosted server, versus a home setup using 3G, DSL, or even cable. Getting your internet service through the local cable company would provide the best connection experience, speed, and reliability. But again, using any provider that is meant for private home use in a "business" type setup will run into headaches. No provider wants a server connected to their network without you paying for it. This would be the same as any business running their website from their home account. The user experience would be less than ideal, and if the provider caught wind of it, they would complain, charge you more, and try to move you to a business account.