Access Photoshop on other computer

We just connected our two computers so I don't know much about networking. Our main computer runs Windows XP Home, the downstarirs computer runs Windows 98SE. We've got Cable Broadband service with a Motorola SB5100 Modem and a Netgear RP614v2 Router. I've got Adobe Photoshop LE loaded on the downstairs computer, but I would like to do my photo work on the main computer upstairs. But, I haven't figured out how to use the Photoshop program, which is on the downstairs computer, on the main computer upstairs. Right now I'm doing my photo work downstairs and then running upstairs to access the image on the downstairs computer and "copy" it onto the upstairs computer. I would load the program on the main computer but the CD has been misplaced. Any suggestions or advice? Cliff

 

You need to do a little research first.

Software, based on the way it is written, will:
- not run over a network at all
- run perfectly well over a network (but usually this will be a version the programmer modified to do so and will cost more_
- run sorta over a network with some things working and others not.

The same place that give you the above information should give you specifics on how-to.

If you can't find the information, assume it won't work. Sorta like looking for 'how to lower the wheels for landing' instructions for your car. If it can't be done, that probably isn't mentioned in the manuals.

 

You need the sources disks so you can install Photoshop on the machine upstairs. Having a network connection does not allow you to run applications on other computers as if they were installed on your PC (unless they are very simple applications or specifically designed to work that way). It's just not that simple. The main problem are things like registry settings that won't be on your PC if you haven't installed the software on that PC. Also missing dll libraries and the like.

As I see it you have three options:

1. Get hold of another copy of photoshop (you should buy another copy really as your original copy is a single user copy I expect. In which case legally you should buy another copy to install on the second PC. OK most home users wouldn't bother, but I feel I should raise the point). So main drawback of this option is probably cost. Full photoshop is an excellent package but not cheap.

2. Use a remote desktop application to access the downstairs PC. VNC would allow you to do this and is free to use, but trying to do a lot of graphic intensive work on a remote desktop may not be the most rewarding of experiences.

3. Use an alternative graphics program. If you are used to photoshop, I'd highly recommend The Gimp . It GNU so home use should not cost you anything. It is a little quirky, but I love it, and version 2 is easy to use IMHO..