trigger execution from a different computer

[tcraig]

Hi all,

I'm hoping some nice, knowledgable person here will have a suggestion to
solve the following problem, or be able to direct me to the appropriate
resources. I have been searching in vain for some time.

Configuration
Access 2000
Windows XP HE SP1


- I have built a small database for my music collection that allows me to
search for files using criteria not supported by any media player that I've
been able to find (e.g. composer, composition, libretist, ensemble type.)
This database allows the user to create a playlist and passes it to Winamp
(which does the actual playing of music) using the "Shell" command. BTW, if
anyone knows of a media player that supports ogg vorbis files and allows
music to be categorized by both "Composer" and "Artist", I would be grateful.
I'd bag the database.

- The database and all the music files are on a desktop computer in my home
office. This computer has an excellent sound card and is wired to speakers
throughout the house. It is connected to the home network via CAT 5 cable to
the linksys router.

- I would like to be able to somehow use a laptop computer that is
wirelessly connected to the network to select music from elsewhere in the
house. Obviously, Winamp has to execute on the desktop computer in the office.

- As I type this, it occurs to me that maybe I could just load the database
on the laptop and use "Shell" across the network to start Winamp on the
desktop, leaving the music files on that machine. Is that possible? If it is
possible, is there anyway to control the media player that would then be
running on the desktop from the laptop. In particular, to control the volume,
stop playing, etc.

- Is remote desktop relevant to this problem?

- Does anyone have an idea for a better solution? I'm open to most anything.
This is driving me nuts.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Regards,

Tom

 

[David C. Holley]

MS has buildt into WinXP the ability to control the PC from another. I
believe that its called Terminal Services Client and/or Remote Access.
This should allow you to accomplish what you want to do. When I upgraded
to WinXP, I immediately forgot that this feature is built in and have
turned it off simply because the thought of MS trying something like
this scarred the dickens out of me. (Unless of course I'm gravely
mistaken about MS's reputation when it comes to security.)

David H