Welcome to Just Ask Matt! Today, Micky writes:

Are programs like pcAnywhere or Remote Desktop Connection configurable over a Linksys Cable/DSL Broadband router (or Wireless-B/Wireless-G broadband router)?

If so, how do I do that?

Basically, it comes down to port forwarding. Speaking as a VNC user, I am not sure what the port forwarding needs are for remote desktop but the ones for pcAnywhere are 22 and 5631-5632. Once you have the port numbers (if needed) together, you would then log in to your router’s interface and go to the area designated for port forwarding, usually found in the port forwarding section in the advanced area of your router’s setup.

Forward the appropriate port(s) to the IP address that is being used by your PC. Not sure what this is? Just run an ipconfig from the command line on XP and, if on 98, do an ipconfig /all instead. This will give you your IP address information. Once you have this in hand, enter it into your router’s port forwarding area. Set it to save and you are ready to use the software, assuming it is installed.

Yes, this must seem vague. But since every router is different, you will likely have to get some of the need information on router config from the support site for your router. Hope this gives you a starting point.

Do you have an IT-related question? Perhaps you are just burnt out on writing on the walls with crayons? Whatever the
comments may be, drop me a line, and you too can “Just Ask Matt!”