Do you remember how technology advanced so quickly in late ’90s homes that we imagined artificial intelligence could control all our equipment for us with a simple conversation?
It will take some more time to finally optimize our laziness using the computer tool. Even if home automation solutions are already available, they tend to be expensive right now.
Yet can we really not be helped? Solutions for particularly simple tasks already exist and are free. Have you ever snuggled into your bed to realize that you didn’t turn off your computer? Don’t leave your quilt: use your Android phone!
Turn off and restart your computer with your Android phone
Contrary to what might seem at first glance, installing a solution to remotely control your PC is extremely simple. If you only want to have basic functions, the best thing is to use Unified Remote.
The software turns your smartphone into a far for your computer. This includes many features such as using your smartphone as a mouse, but today we will focus on the ability to remotely shut down or restart your computer.
You will need to download two things first: the app on your phone and the server app for your computer. You can find them here:
Two required components, and for good reason: Android app to be used to submit orders from your phone, and the server application will interpret them on your computer. Start by installing the server first.
Install Unified Remote on your PC
Launch the .exe downloaded earlier. If your computer reacts by saying that the software is not validated by Windows when turned on, accept installation. We assure you: the software does not contain any viruses.
Do not tick the “Windows Service” option and continue the installation by saying “Next”.
Again, we recommend leaving the “Enable driver login simulation” option checked, which allows you to control your PC even from the lock screen. However, you are free to uncheck it if you are not particularly interested. Do not check the second option.
The first option allows you to create a folder in the start menu, while the second allows you to create an icon on the desktop if you want. Leave the last two options checked to make sure the procedure works.
Your computer may prompt you to accept the installation of this “firmware”. This is the component that will allow you to control your computer’s mouse and keyboard via your smartphone: accept installation.
Unified Remote server is now installed on your computer. You can see it on your taskbar while you wait for the instructions your phone will send over the air! If it’s not recognized or you’re having problems, right-click > Stop server and then don’t hesitate. right click > start server to restart the machine
Use Unified Remote on your phone
When the server is ready, you can install it. Unified Remote on your smartphone (see above). The principle of the application is simple: the computer and phone must be connected to the same network (your box for short), Wi-Fi or cable.
The application will then take care of sending an order over the network to the server that will interpret it. So, if you tell it to shut down the computer, the application will send the servlet the “shutdown” command and then take care of shutting down the computer for you.
On first launch, the app will offer you to log in with your Google account. Ignore and select “Skip this step”. If your phone is well connected to the same network as your computer, the application should immediately find the installed server (here Desktop-gu886rn).
Therefore, you find yourself in the interface of the application where your “Remote Controls” (remote controls) are accessible. If you find yourself in the same situation as the catch on the left, restart the server by following the steps above.
So you have the option to use your phone as a mouse or keyboard with “Basic Input” or even control your multimedia playback with “Media”. For what concerns us, Choose “Power”.
So here you are in the remote control interface of the application. From here, simply click “Restart” to restart your computer and “Close” to turn it off from a distance! Note that you do not lose your ability to use other features of the application.
Thus, the icons at the bottom allow you to start functions that interest you via the remote control. one click mouse icon, for example you can use your phone screen as a pointer and click by “tapping” your screen. Have fun testing all the features of the app at the same time!
To be sure of your choices, be careful: if you hit “Shutdown” your computer will shut down directly. without confirmation window. You got it: Your phone will have ordered the server application to shut down your computer. Therefore, the server responded by initiating a shutdown of your computer.
Don’t worry: you won’t have to restart the application every time you start your computer. Once installed, Unified Remote it starts automatically when starting up to allow you to use your new remote as you see fit. Now you can sleep comfortably!
