Linux tablets gain slick remote desktop tech

Submitted by k4tz on Sat, 08/02/2008 - 07:40

Source: http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS9009046382.html

LogMeIn announced a beta plugin for Nokia's Linux-based N800 and N810 Internet Tablets. The LogMeIn Nokia N800/810 Browser Plugin enables Internet Tablet users to access and control their Windows PCs or Macs running the free or commercial versions of LogMeIn.

(Click for larger view of WiMAX version of Nokia N810)

LogMeIn is among a handful of companies offering commercialized alternatives to the open source VNC package (virtual network computer), aimed at remote troubleshooting and support applications. The main upgrade, compared to just using VNC, is that LogMeIn uses port 80 (VNC's well-known port is 5900), allowing it to pass through most corporate firewalls. Additionally, a web-based service component brokers the connection, so that users do not have to figure out each others IP address, nor deal with network address translation. Finally, LogMeIn claims to offer significantly better security than VNC.

LogMeIn plugins for desktop remote control, data backup, and file sharing have been available for some time on Mac and Windows desktops, as well as for Windows CE-based Internet-enabled devices. The Nokia N800/N810 plugin, however, is "LogMeIn's first step towards working on all Linux-based netbooks, tablets, and MIDs," says the company. VNC technology has of course long supported Linux and other Unix-like OSes.

LogMeIn offers both free and paid versions of its eponymous LogMeIn software and associated Web service. "LogMeIn Free" is said to give users access to a remote computers from virtually any web-enabled device. By "access," the company means viewing desktops, files, and network resources. "LogMeIn Pro," available for around $70 per year for a single PC, adds features such as file transfer, remote printing, large-file sharing, and guest-invites. Both versions incorporate 128-to 256-bit SSL encryption to prevent unauthorized access, says the company.

Last August, LogMeIn announced a plugin for Palm's Linux-based Foleo UMPC. However, shortly after the announcement, Palm canceled the Folio project.

Stated Marton Anka, CTO, LogMeIn, "As Internet devices continue to evolve, screens get larger and connectivity gets faster, the ability to access 'full' computers remotely becomes a killer app."

Availability

The free plugin is available now as a preview version, here.

Source: http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS9009046382.html