Is it possible to make a Linux server execute a program on a WinXP system?
 

Hi,

I'd like to be able to get a linux server to communicate with a Windows XP pro box and cause an application to be run on that Windows box.

What I actually want to happen is for someone to be able to log on to the Linux server then cause a build (using Visual C++) to be run on the Windows box by executing some command on the Linux box. I'd like them to be able to do this without them having to personally log into the Windows box.

If there is no existing tools for this, then I figure that I'll try writing a program to do the job, but that could be quite a hefty task!

Thanks in advance for your responses!

p.s. apologies if this has been asked before... I've done searches, but found nothing.

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is to have some sort of script that will telnet to the Windows XP machine (running the Windows Telnet Server) and then run a batch file located on the Windows XP machine which will start your build.

Hardly elegant, but you could do it without any special software.

Another way
 

There is - I believe - no elegent way to achieve it.

What I would do is...

Set up a shared directory.

When you execute the command on the Linux box, it creates "run.txt" or equivilent in the shared directory. run.txt contains details of the build.

Set up a Windows Scheduled Task (or VB app, whatever you like) that checks (every 10 secs or 1 minute or whatever) for the existence of run.txt; if it exists it parses it, and -say- takes the parameters and runs your build.

Deos that work for you?

Another way
 

How about writing a lil' proglet that sits on the System Tray and listens to port xxxxx... When you connect with it, it authenticates you (I hope!!), and awaits your requests... Program it to accept requests to *send file *recieve file *ShellExecute *anything else you need.

To use it, just connect (any way you like), authenticate (challenge-response), and command it... :)

This program should be just a hair over trivial... (although you might have some ShellExecute "macros" so you don't have to type the whole command lines...)

EDIT: Don't forget to open a port for it :)

You could always VNC it. www.realvnc.com