Question:

How can I set up my PC to be remotely accessible for 5 days out of every 9 days, without risking damage or power loss?

I need to access my PC from a different location for 5 days every 9 days, but I don’t know how to turn it on remotely if it is shut down. I have heard that using sleep mode and wake on LAN can enable remote access, but I am concerned that someone might accidentally turn off the power switch or cause a power outage, which could harm the PC. I have two options in mind:

– Option 1: Configure the PC to enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, and use the task scheduler to wake it up every day at 5am.

– Option 2: Leave the PC on all the time, and use the task scheduler to reboot it periodically.

Answer:

Remote access is a useful feature that allows you to control your PC from another location, such as your home, office, or even another country. However, setting up remote access can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid damaging your PC or losing power. In this article, we will explore two possible options for configuring your PC to be remotely accessible for 5 days out of every 9 days, without risking harm or power loss.

Option 1: Use sleep mode and wake on LAN

One option is to use sleep mode and wake on LAN (WOL) to enable remote access. Sleep mode is a low-power state that saves your work and settings, but allows your PC to resume quickly when needed. WOL is a feature that allows you to send a signal over the network to wake up your PC from sleep mode.

To use this option, you need to do the following steps:

• Make sure your PC supports WOL and enable it in the BIOS settings.
• Configure your PC to enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. You can do this by going to the power options in the control panel and choosing a power plan that suits your needs.
• Set up a task in the task scheduler to wake up your PC every day at 5am. You can do this by creating a basic task and choosing the option to wake the computer to run the task. You can also specify the days and times when you want the task to run.
• Install a remote access software on your PC, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop. You will need to create an account and set a password for the software.
• Install the same remote access software on the device that you want to use to access your PC, such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You will need to log in with the same account and password as your PC.
• When you want to access your PC remotely, open the remote access software on your device and connect to your PC using its IP address or hostname. You may need to wait a few seconds for your PC to wake up from sleep mode.

This option has some advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are:

• It saves energy and reduces heat and noise from your PC.
• It protects your PC from unauthorized access when you are not using it.
• It allows you to resume your work and settings quickly when you access your PC.

The disadvantages are:

• It requires a stable network connection and power supply for both your PC and your device.
• It may not work if your PC is behind a firewall, router, or VPN that blocks WOL packets.
• It may not work if someone physically turns off your PC or unplugs it from the power source.

Option 2: Leave your PC on and reboot it periodically

Another option is to leave your PC on all the time and reboot it periodically. Rebooting your PC can help clear the memory, fix errors, and improve performance. You can use the task scheduler to automate the reboot process.

To use this option, you need to do the following steps:

• Configure your PC to prevent it from entering sleep mode or turning off the display. You can do this by going to the power options in the control panel and choosing a power plan that suits your needs. You may also want to disable the screensaver and lock screen for convenience.
• Set up a task in the task scheduler to reboot your PC at a certain time interval, such as every 12 hours or every day. You can do this by creating a basic task and choosing the option to start a program. The program you need to run is `shutdown.exe` and the arguments you need to pass are `-r -t 0`. You can also specify the days and times when you want the task to run.
• Install a remote access software on your PC, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop. You will need to create an account and set a password for the software.
• Install the same remote access software on the device that you want to use to access your PC, such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You will need to log in with the same account and password as your PC.
• When you want to access your PC remotely, open the remote access software on your device and connect to your PC using its IP address or hostname. You may need to wait a few seconds for your PC to reboot if the task is running.

This option has some advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are:

• It does not require a network connection or power supply for your device.
• It works regardless of the firewall, router, or VPN settings of your PC.
• It keeps your PC updated and optimized by rebooting it regularly.

The disadvantages are:

• It consumes more energy and generates more heat and noise from your PC.
• It exposes your PC to potential security risks when you are not using it.
• It may interrupt your work and settings when your PC reboots.

Conclusion

In

conclusion, there are two possible options for setting up your PC to be remotely accessible for 5 days out of every 9 days, without risking damage or power loss. Option 1 is to use sleep mode and wake on LAN, which saves energy and protects your PC, but requires a stable network and power supply. Option 2 is to leave your PC on and reboot it periodically, which works regardless of the network and power conditions, but consumes more energy and exposes your PC to security risks. You can choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.