rmation about converting an old PC into a file server?
rmation about converting an old PC into a file server?
Sorry if the question has been asked before.
I own a laptop with limited storage and an older desktop. Although my laptop runs faster than the desktop, I shared some folders from the desktop over LAN using the default Windows network share. I accessed them from my client laptop. My question is: when I run an executable installed on my desktop from my client laptop, where does the program actually execute? Is it on my laptop or the desktop? And if it's running on the desktop, can I launch it on my laptop without installing the program there?
In general, you cannot execute a program from another machine unless it's built to be portable. These applications tend to be straightforward, compact, and contain minimal data. Beyond just files, modifying registry entries is often required, which isn't possible on your remote device.
All software will be transmitted over the network, cached, and then executed on your local laptop. Programs from Portableapps.com may also face this issue due to their extensive file sets (hundreds or thousands).
If your laptop lacks sufficient storage, consider upgrading its internal memory or using a high-speed USB drive such as Samsung BarPlus or Sandisk Extreme. Another option is to utilize Remote Desktop to connect to your desktop and run the program there. If both your laptop and desktop are Windows Home editions, installing AnyDesk or Rustdesk will allow you to access and operate the application remotely for free.
It all hinges on the specific situation.
In a straightforward scenario, you can simply explore the files on your desktop machine using the file managers from your laptop. A double click on the executable will launch it on the laptop.
Other methods require additional configuration. The exact approach depends on how you define "installation".
Some setups only involve displaying the icon and setting the file paths within it, while others involve more steps.
If you decide to install or reinstall an application on your desktop, you can instruct the installer to save it to a shared desktop drive. This would move all files remotely, though a small settings file might remain on your laptop.
For instance, older applications installed on the desktop often searched for the "C" drive for their files. Now, changing the drive letter forces the application to adjust its settings.
Some applications are tightly bound to the CPU or motherboard. This means they must run directly on the desktop. You might need to reverse your plan—move files to the laptop and run it from there—but ensure the program continues to execute as intended.
The software is set up on your desktop and you wish to launch it through a network connection on your client computer.
I don't play games, so I can't confirm. But my gut says it probably won't.
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Perhaps you might succeed. You'll need to give it a shot.
https://www.google.com/search?q=can+you+...er+network
Server requirements are being discussed. Think about turning the old desktop into a NAS with FreeNAS. https://www.truenas.com/freenas/
We'll wait for feedback from gamers and others on whether games will run smoothly.
Where is the steam software located?
If it's set up on the laptop, the game files might come from the desktop. You may need to inform Steam about the game's location.
If only the desktop has Steam installed and not the laptop, I'm uncertain. You probably can locate the executable on your laptop and run it, though I'm unsure of its purpose.
Steam contains many hidden items in Windows folders, such as saved game data. You can modify these files, but doing so requires installing Steam on the laptop.
It's unclear if you can operate Steam and other applications through Steam without installing any components on your laptop. Steam is built to enable sharing games across different devices in your home, but the Steam program itself must be installed locally.
If Steam client is set up on your laptop, you can store the game library anywhere.
I tried this once just for testing.
Running Steam client on my main system, I mapped a drive letter to a folder on my NAS.
I installed a game onto that drive letter.
It functioned, though the performance wasn't ideal.
When you put in the Steam launcher and add all the games you want, you can launch the Steam launcher on the device you plan to use. This way, many or most games should work well from that machine since the game files are stored there. The other device must also be running Steam for it to function properly.