Multiple Passwords for VNC server

[Jonathan Morton]

>I am evaluating VNC for use in my Faculty as a sort of default desktop
>management tool and also to allow staff to check desktop email on machines
>in different buildings.
>What I need to do is to be able to asssign two passwords to each
>server(desktop) one for the administrative staff - this password would be
>the same for all machines in a group, and one for the individual user - this
>password would be unique to the user/desktop/server.
>The platforms we are running are win95/98/NTws and Mac OS 7.5 and up
>Any thoughts or ideas.
>
>
>Jason Hebron


As far as using VNC Servers on MacOS 7.5 goes, you'll have to wait i'm
afraid.  The current semi-stable release of VNC Server only works on MacOS
8 or above - the development version does run on System 7.5.5 but is rather
unstable just now.  Also, if you have any G4s (this includes upgraded
powermacs), the version currently posted on the website will not work on
them (i have a modified version which does work, but it hasn't been posted
yet).

As for dual passwords, I don't think VNC supports this on any platform yet,
except as an X desktop manager under UNIX (where it can use the standard X
desktop login system).  This would require a modification to the VNC
servers for both windows and mac, and depending on your security
requirements would probably need the admin password to be referred to a
central server (to prevent users changing the admin password).  At the
moment, each VNC desktop only uses a single password with no login name.

I'm not 100% sure of the windows server details - i don't use PCs myself
very much, so if anyone wants to correct me....!  :)

--------------------------------------------------------------
from:     Jonathan "Chromatix" Morton
mail:     chromi "at" cyberspace.org  (not for attachments)
uni-mail: j.d.morton "at" lancaster.ac.uk

The key to knowledge is not to rely on people to teach you it.



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