How to remote control Raspberry Pi desktop screen from Windows

Aim of tutorial: To remote control / share Raspberry pi desktop screen to your Windows computer or Iphone / Ipad / Android / Windows Phone.

Pre-requisites:
> Raspberry pi running Wheezy raspbian OS and connected to a home network router wired /wirelessly.
> Internet enabled on rapsberry Pi
> Ip address of raspberry Pi (ifconfig command)


Step 1: Login to raspberry Pi via putty or connect the raspberry pi to a TV and start the terminal.

Step 2: You can either login as Pi user or root user. remember to add sudo before using any command if logging in as pi user.Find out your IP address using:
ifconfig eth0 or ifconfig wlan0

Step 3: Use the following command and hit enter:

sudo apt-get install xrdp

after the installation completes your XRDP service should now be able to survive reboot also.

chkconfig --level 2345 xrdp on
(you may need to install chkconfig first)

Step 4: Windows PC users can use the in-built program to access their raspberry Pi screen as follows:

 Press the start button and search for "Remote Desktop Connection"

> Start the program by clicking it.
> Enter the Ip-address of raspberry Pi into the computer field and connect.

> You will be welcomed to enter your raspberry Pi login and password.

> The default login for raspberry Pi is , Login Id: pi and password: raspberry
> After a few seconds your raspberry pi's desktop screen will be in front of your eyes.

It is also possible to access your raspberry pi from remote location by port forwarding your router / gateway with Port number: 3389.

Android Users:
You can download "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app from Google Playstore and configure it the same way to access your raspberry pi screen on your android Phone or Tablet.

Windows Phone users:
You can download "ConnectMe" app from windows market place and configure it by entering your raspberry Pi ip address.

  

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How to turn an old Wireless Router to a Wireless repeater OR extend an existing wireless network using DD-WRT firmware.

AIM of Tutorial: To turn a Wi-Fi Router into a WiFi - Card or WiFi - Extender / Repeater to an existing Wireless Network. OR To extend a Wireless Network, wirelessly using another Wifi Router.

Have a spare or outdated router ? If YES ! then here is how to make smart use of it.
All you need to do first is to check the DD-WRT support and custom firmware which needs to be installed before going ahead.

My Network configuration:

1st Router Model:                   Netgear JWNR2000 (Factory Firmware)
1st Router Access:                  192.168.1.1  (DHCP ENABLED)
1st Router Wireless Network: SSID: SoftwareKing
                                               Security type: WPA2 Personal
                                               Encryption Method: AES only
                                               Security Key: mykey12233221

2nd Router Model:                 D-Link DIR-615 E4   (might work with other H/W versions also)
Flashed DDWRT ROM:        (Non- Factory) v24 Pre SP2 [Beta] Build: 21061  (Default settings)
2nd Router access:                 Default IP: 192.168.1.1
                                             Username: admin
                                             Password: admin

Assuming you have already flashed this custom DD-wrt firmware on your router, we will go ahead..

1. > Make a note of your 1st Router's Security type, Encryption Method, Security Key like I have done above. (No changes have been done on 1st router for this tutorial)

On the 2nd Router :

1.> On the main screen, Go to the "Status" Tab and then "Wireless" tab below.
1.1 Scroll down on this page to find the button "Site Survey"

1.2 Click on "Site Survey" to find the wireless networks available nearby.

1.3 Click on "Join" on the specific network to which you want your 2nd router connect to. Say for example: wireless network SoftwareKing being broadcast-ed from my 1st router.

2.> Joining the Network will take me automatically to the Wireless configuration page having the details automatically filled.

2.2 On the same page: Set "Wireless Mode" to "Client" and SAVE.

2.3 Now go to "Wireless Security" and enter the Security Type as WPA2 Personal, AES and the Key: mykey123321 (that matches your 1st router) and SAVE Only.

2.4 Now back to "Basic settings" under Wireless , you will see Virtual interfaces menu,
2.5 Add a virtual interface
2.6 Select Wireless mode: AP
2.7 Wireless Network Name: Anything you like, apart from the 1st router's ssid.
2.8 Wireless ssid broadcast: Enabled
2.9 Advance settings : Un-ticked
and then go to "Wireless Security" and enter the Security Type as, WPA2 Personal, AES and the Key: 2ndmykey123321 SAVE and APPLY.

3.> Now under "Setup" Tab select "Basic setup"
3.1 Set "Connection type" to "Static IP" and set an IP address of range 192.168.1.xxx ( I have set 192.168.1.8)

3.2 Now, Scroll below and set Router IP address to:
Ip Address :192.168.2.1
Subnet mask :255.255.255.0
Gateway: 0.0.0.0 
Local DNS: 0.0.0.0

3.3 Scroll down to DHCP settings and disable the DHCP Server and then SAVE and APPLY.

4.> Now your router will restart and will be accessible only from 192.168.2.1 in the address bar.

4.1 Assign Static IP addresses to all the devices connected to 2nd Router of range 192.168.2.xxx because we have disabled DHCP server on it. 

Note that: The 2nd router will have its own subnet, but services available on 1st subnet would be accessible from 2nd.

And then you can simply connect your 2nd router to another wall socket, may be in other room and connect your to your extended wireless network, via a wired LAN cable or wirelessly.
You will now be able to access internet and other services on all those devices connected to your 2nd router too.

Scope for improvement: Setting up configuration without having another sub-net in 2nd router.

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How to convert any old LCD / LED / Plasma TV into a featured SMART TV

Aim of Tutorial: To convert any LCD/ LED / Plasma Television into a smart television with built in multimedia applications using Raspberry Pi.

Required:
1.> An Internet connection and a LAN Cable.
2.> Raspberry Pi Computer and case.
3.> A standard micro USB mobile charger (5V, 700-1000 ma).
4.> At-least a 4GB SD card or micro-SD card with adapter.
5.> USB Card Reader if no laptop.
6.> HDMI Cable

Download:
1.> Win32 Disk Imager application
2.> Raspbmc_latest.torrent or Direct download raspbmc_latest


[PART-1]: Installing Raspbmc onto Raspberry Pi.

1.> Connect the SD card to a computer using a card reader.

2.> Run Win32 Disk Imager as administrator and browse the raspbmc-2013-12-23.img file.

3.> Now select the appropriate removable disk drive letter from the drop down list (be careful) and press the "Write" button.

4.> After the process of writing completes, safely remove the USB card reader and the SD card and plug it in the raspberry Pi.

5.> Connect the LAN, HDMI, USB Keyboard and Mouse to your Raspberry Pi computer, and power up the system.

Note that, you can use TV's own USB port to power up your Raspberry Pi, in case you do not have any USB port, you can use a standard MicroUSB mobile charger to power up your Raspberry Pi.

6.> In the initial setup, you will be greeted with  completing configuration menu from step 1 to 2. your raspberry pi will restart several times to finally show the welcome screen.



7.> Select appropriate language and locale, if you miss out you can change it later from settings menu.

 8. > You can change any settings related to your Video / Audio output from "Settings" menu, also if you need to tweak your raspberry pi's performance, it can be done from additional settings under "Programs" menu. (though its not necessary until you are geek)

9.> The best thing about Raspberry Pi is that it comes with HDMI-CEC technology, which allows you to remote control the Raspbmc operating system and TV with help of your TV remote simultaneously.

[Part-2]: Navigation using the TV Remote / SmartPhone.

1.> The Directional keys can be used to navigate through menus in XBMC
2.> The Exit button can be used to return to the previous menu.
3.> The Play, Pause, Forward, Reverse and stop buttons can be used to control all your media playback.
4.> The Power button will turn off Raspberry Pi and the TV simultaneously.
5.> The volume button can be used to increase the volume of the playing media.

You can refer to my other post where, I have explained how you can use your smartphone as a Wifi Remote for your Raspberry Pi XMBC media center.

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How to setup Raspberry Pi computer for Torrent downloading and Network Added Storage.

Aim of tutorial : How to setup Raspberry Pi for downloading Torrents and NAS.

This setup will allow one to access their hard disk drive connected to raspberry pi as a network share in windows or an android phone and also enable raspberry pi to download torrents from the internet and automatically share it on the network.  The tutorial is divided into 2 Parts as follows:

1.] Installing Samba server.

2.] Installing the Transmission Torrent Client.

Login to your Raspberry Pi as default user: pi user and password: raspberry

Use "sudo" with every command.

Type the following commands:

[Part 1]: Installation of Samba and Mounting an external USB Hard Disk Drive.

1.> Install SAMBA on Raspberry Pi:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install samba samba-common-bin
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.copy

2.> Add support for NTFS drives:

sudo apt-get install ntfs-3g
sudo fdisk -l

>> Note down the drive name ( my 1TB drive was listed as: /sda1)

3.> Mount the harddrive and setup mount points:

sudo mkdir /media/WD1TB

4.> Configuring SAMBA:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Look for ############Authentication############## line
under which you need to remove the # symbol from the line: 

security = user 

and also copy paste the following lines at the end of the file:

[WD_1TB]

comment = WD_1TB

path = /media/WD_1TB

browseable = yes

writeable = yes

public = no

read only = no

valid users = pi

Use "ctrl+x" and then "y" and then "Enter" keys to Save and close the configuration file.

5.> Save and restart SAMBA service:

sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

6.> Add Unix users: (no need to perform this step if Pi user is already exists)

sudo useradd pi -m -G users
sudo passwd pi

Enter the password twice to confirm.(Entered password will not be shown)

7.> Add pi user to SAMBA Users:

sudo smbpasswd -a pi

Enter the password twice to confirm.(Entered password will not be shown)

8.> Setup hard disk to mount automatically even if Raspberry Pi restarts:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

Enter the following line in the last and Save:

/dev/sda1 /media/WD1TB auto noatime 0 0

9.> Restart Raspberry pi:
      
sudo shutdown -r

By entering the samba user id and password in windows network, you should now be able to access your hard drive connected to raspberry Pi. 

[PART 2]: Installation of Transmission torrent client and configuration

10.> Installing Transmission Torrent downloader:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install transmission transmission-daemon transmission-cli

11.> Configuring Transmission:

sudo service transmission-daemon stop
sudo nano /etc/transmission-daemon/settings.json

Edit the following lines to your needs:

“rpc-enabled”: true,
“rpc-password”: “raspberry”,
“rpc-port”: “9091”,
“rpc-username”: “pi”,
"download-dir”: “/media/WD1TB/Torrent_Downloads”,
”incomplete-dir”: “/media/WD1TB/Torrent_Downloads”,
”incomplete-dir-enabled”: true,

"rpc-whitelist-enabled": false, 
Use "ctrl+x" and then "y" and then "Enter" keys to Save and close the configuration file.

12.> Creating a Downloads directory for Transmission:

cd /media/WD1TB
sudo mkdir Torrent_Downloads

13. > Start the Transmission daemon service:

sudo service transmission-daemon start

Test if the port 9091 is open:
sudo netstat -antup | grep 9091

14.> Adding Transmission to start-up automatically when raspberry pi starts:

sudo apt-get install chkconfig
sudo chkconfig --add transmission-daemon
sudo /sbin/chkconfig --level 2345 transmission-daemon on

15.> Adding User to transmission-daemon group and set up permissions:

sudo service transmission-daemon stop 

sudo adduser pi debian-transmission

sudo nano /etc/init.d/transmission-daemon

and edit the following:

USER=pi

sudo chown pi -R /var/lib/transmission-daemon/info/ 

sudo chown pi -R /media/WD_1TB/Torrent_Downloads

sudo chown pi -R /etc/transmission-daemon/settings.json 

16.> Start Transmission Daemon:

sudo service transmission-daemon start

17.> Accessing Transmission Webpage:

From any device connected to your same network,
open a browser and type:

http://192.168.2.100:9091

This will open Transmission Web-page where you can add, control and monitor your torrents.
Click on the wrench Icon at the bottom to open settings, Network and edit the port to 9092, save.

18.> Configuring Wifi-Router to forward ports for Transmission torrent downloader.

Check how to forward ports in wifi router here: Port Fowarding

Port forward ports 9091, 9092 for RPC(webserver) and Torrent respectively.

Restart the router if necessary and Raspberry Pi

After the download completes, they will automatically show up in the Network share we created in Part-1 of the tutorial.

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How to access Windows LAN Shared drives or folders on your Android device.

Want to add more gigabytes or terabytes of storage or Stream Videos and music without saving to your Android device ?

Here is the following method to do so.

Requires:
1. WiFi Router (My Router's IP address: 192.168.0.1).
2. Desktop / Laptop Computer.  (whose drives or folders will be shared)
3. Android Phone/ Tablet/ Camera, WiFi enabled and connected to router.

Steps:

1.> Install "ES File Explorer app" on your Android device.

2.> Setup a password protected User or Admin account on Windows PC. (mine is User Account name: Varun, Password:123456)

3.> Now suppose, I want to share whole E: drive of my PC with my android Phone. 

        Right Click on the E: drive.
        Select "Share With >> Advance Sharing".

4.> Click on "Advance Sharing button"

      Tick "Share this Folder"
      Click "Permissions" button
      Tick "Full Control"
      Click "Apply" button
      Click "OK" button

Window closes...

Again Click Apply and close buttons respectively for remaining window.

5.> Open ES file explorer app on android device.

Under "Network" select "LAN"
Press "Search" (magnifying glass icon)

6.> It should show up that PC with an IP address (Say 192.168.0.100) OR you can add it manually and put entries as follows:

7> All right, Now you can access, Read, Write, Stream Files directly from your PC without having to download to your Android device first.

Note: Ignore the drive letters shown as "$D" or "$E" these are shown to indicate these drives are present in your PC but not shared.

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How to install Vodafone K3770-Z USB 3G Modem on Windows 8

AIM of Tutorial: - Installing Vodafone K3770-Z on Windows 8 32-bit/64-bit.


Installing, Vodafone K3770-Z USB 3G Mobile Broadband on Windows 8 is same as installing it in Windows 7.

The difference is that, the new Windows 8 OS doesn't come with intended software framework to Run/Install Vodafone broadband Lite software.

So basically you need to just plug-in the Vodafone K3770-Z dongle and let the windows update for framework update to come up.

 Here is how it looks:-

After searching for required files, It will start downloading this framework.

and ultimately completes its installation, after which your Vodafone Mobile BroadBand Lite Software will start to install automatically.

Note that in case you do not get this update, you can install it manually from this link: .Net Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 

Enjoy !!

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How to create and configure CS 1.6 Server with WiFi Router

Aim of Tutorial: To Create CS 1.6 Server for Wi-Fi Router users.

Wondering.. Why hlds.exe shows 192.168.XXX.XXX:27015 as CS Ip ? not letting your friends connect your own hosted CS 1.6 server ?

Here is, a well explained way to host CS server via Wi-Fi router which will allow your friends to connect your cs server remotely.

Step 1: Find a good copy of CS1.6 Setup and Install as usual.

Step 2: Browse the C:/Program Files/CounterStrike Folder, to find a file called HLDS.exe with a Red-Icon.
 

Step 3: Run this file as Administrator, and "Allow" (OR "Unblock" for Windows XP) this .exe file pass through Windows Firewall Notification for both Public and Private Access (asks you only first time, tick both Private and Public). Then set UDP port as 80 instead of 27015 (default).

  
Step 4: Now, Open your Router configuration Page on a Web-browser. for example, 192.168.0.1 (Dlink) to Port-Forward, the Port number 80 for your System 192.168.0.100 (My system had this IP given to me by Router via DHCP). Visit here to know how to port forward ports in your router.

Step 5: Save the Port-Forward settings in your router and open, http://google.com and search "My ip" to find your External IP address.

 

Step 6: Copy-Paste that External IP-Address to a notepad and put :80 in back of it. For example, 182.239.45.23:80 and save this for your own record.

Step 7: Now, Copy paste the whole IP with port number (182.239.45.23:80) to your friends to let them connect to your own CS1.6 server. Do not worry about the local ip 192.168.xxx.xxx:80 shown in hlds.exe server window.

Step 8: The important thing to remember is to Copy paste the Local Ip for yourself (192.168.0.100:80) if you, yourself also want to connect your own server.

Please Note:- Port-forwarding Port number 80 is very in-secure, so its recommended that you set a difficult password and username to Wi-fi Router. Not doing this will allow a hacker to view and edit your Router page and settings in it.

Enjoy !

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PowerLine Networking

PowerLine Networking a new concept of Network solution for Home and Small Offices.

Its an amazing upcoming technology, with which you will no longer need to lay down costly CAT5/5E cables and Switches to set your PCs and other networked devices such as Smart TV's, Mobile phones, Laptops in LAN to share resources such as Internet, Files, Printers etc.

With this technology, you only have to plug-in a Power Line Adapters (atleast 2 in number) to a Standard Wall Electrical Socket to 2 different rooms or area, tadaaa!!!!!! you are done! the adapters will find each other via Electrical Wires carrying 110V-230V Voltage !! which were already there for years!

What Is A Powerline Network?
Your home already has a network of wires in it that connect every room in the house. These are the wires that provide each room with electricity. Normally, these wires are used for only that task, but it is possible to turn them into a way of conveying data like any other wire.

>> This is exactly what a powerline network does. Power line Networking can be used in a home to interconnect home computers and peripherals, and home entertainment devices that have an Ethernet port.

>> The Powerline adapter sets plug into power outlets and establish an Ethernet connection using the existing electrical wiring in the home. (Power strips with filtering may absorb the power line signal).

>> This allows devices to share video and data without the inconvenience of running dedicated network cables.

>> Doing this has no effect on the normal function of the electrical wires, either – all your power outlets will continue to work normally

Advantages of a PowerLine networking:
 
>> It's inexpensive.
>> It uses existing electrical wiring.
>> Every room of a typical house has several electrical outlets.
>> It's easy to install.
>> A printer, or any other device that doesn't need to be directly connected to a computer.
>> Sniffing can be avoided to some extent in a dedicated link.

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Best Configuration for a Continous Downloads Freak !! "Downloading PC"

Aim: To make a 24/7 Running Downloads/Uploads PC which consumes less power.

Motherboard : Intel Desktop Board D425KT with Embedded Intel Atom Single Core Processor at 1.8GHz ------------------------------------> Rs.3500

2GB DDR3 800 Corsair Value RAM          ------------> Rs.750

Iball/Circle nano cabinet (Mini/Micro ITX)  --------> Rs.1800

500gb Hard-Disk WD/Seagate               ---------> Rs.3500

Belkin USB Wi-Fi Adaptor                   ----------> Rs.650  (optional, if you want this box to be at some other location in your house) 
D-link DIR-600L Wireless N150 Router ----------> Rs.1500

Total ------------------------------>Rs.11,700 (with wireless connection)

 

Note:- 
You can use this configuration with your existing PC's monitor by setting up Team viewer via LAN connection, and then accessing it via Screen sharing.

• It is required that you have Router/Switch to share internet connection with this new PC.
• Obviously you can use your old Cabinet to setup all the components too.
• Connections can be made Wired or Wireless via Router.

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Vodafone ZTE K3770-z USB 3G Modem Unlock

Aim of Tutorial: To make use of Factory-Unlocked Vodafone K3770-Z Modem with any SIM card.

There was no point in creating this post, but because I was affected before due to Useless and Fake Unlocking Methods / Firmwares / dashboards to unlock this modem, posts all over the Web, I am here to warn you about the same.

WARNING:
>>  Please do not follow any tutorial on other blogs, which convey unlocking this PRE-UNLOCKED modem or change its Dashboard !! not following this warning will damage your modem permanently and will no be replaced by Vodafone as your warranty will get VOID. This modem is Factory-Unlocked !

>>  For Surprise, This wonderful Vodafone K3770-Z modem comes Pre-Unlocked from factory, So you need not attempt to flash its firmware with custom one.

>> It is necessary that you let install Vodafone Mobile Broadband Lite Software (Default Dashboard), when u just Plug-in your K3770-z USB Modem for the first time in your Laptop / PC.

So here we go,

>> The  Vodafone K3770-Z modem comes with its on Connection Manager "Vodafone mobile broadband" Which will only accept Vodafone SIM cards.(It is necessary that you use a VODAFONE SIM card only for the first time Install), But if you Ignore (Press Close) the pop-up message shown by it, soon you will discover It starts showing the signal strength which means, it accepts other sim cards explicitly.

>> All you have to do now is, Close this connection manager and Single Left-Click on the Network icon near clock in Windows 7 to show up connections.

>> In  it, it will show all the Connections that your PC has support for, including the K3770-z USB modem with Signals Bars.

>> Right click on this USB Modem Connection and Select Properties, You should see a Window showing up like this:

>> Now Select the "Profile" Tab (2nd), Enter the APN of your Mobile Service Provider (must enter), Username and Password (leave blank if not provided).

>> And hit "OK".   Congratulations ! Now you can Press - "Connect" from the Left click Menu on the Network Icon near the clock. The connection will dial and disappear automatically.

See I just transfered 950mb in just 29minutes on Airtel 3G. hahaha :D :P. This is a Windows 8 snapshot below:

>> Problem :  You will not see the "Profile" tab in Properties. The "Profile" tab will not come, If you used another SIM card (Non-Vodafone) for the First time install.
>> Solution: Put Vodafone SIM card in it, once it is recognized by Vodafone Software, you can then replace it with any SIM cards and use them. This has to be done only once for every new PC / Laptop you plug your USB Data Card for the first time.

If you wish to use this modem on Windows 8 also Follow this link: Vodafone K3770-Z ON Windows 8

If you wish to use this modem on Linux also Follow this link:
Vodafone K3770-Z on Linux Ubuntu, Mint

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