Introduction
Networks have become critical components of educational and business success. Computer and network usage can be a distraction to students and employees. This creates a need to monitor all computers within a network. There are countless programs to allow you to monitor one PC at a time. Then there is Net Orbit.
Net Orbit is designed for network administrators in Windows® based environments to monitor and supervise all workstations simultaneously. This tool provides a real-time view of all workstation screens from a centralized position. The admin can watch all activities of workstations and notify users when they do something wrong.
This software also makes administrating remote machines very easy. You can perform different client tasks from your own workstation. This provides features such as full remote control, file sharing, system browsing, system lockdown, system rebooting, and client chatting among others.
Trial Version
Want to try it before you purchase? Feel the unrestrained power of Net Orbit on your network for one client PC using our trial version. After the easy installation you will be able to view the user in real time and take complete remote control - all from YOUR own network workstation!
The trial download of Net-Orbit offers solid real-time Network capability for your network. It's absolutely free and 100% Virus-Free! Find additional help for the Net Orbit trial version in the trial user guide.
Full Version
Net Orbit is the advanced way to control and maintain a more productive, high-quality network. By starting with the full version you will be able to monitor as many PC's as you need.The full version can be downloaded instantly after ordering. You can have your entire network setup in under an hour using the instructions provided.
This user guide is for the full version of Net Orbit. For trial version users, please refer to the trial user guide at the link above.
The Installation Process
Now that you've ordered the full version of Net Orbit, its time to get started on your installation. Below you will find a complete walkthrough of the installation process. Beside each step is a screenshot to guide you in that step along with some helpful tips. Click a screenshot for a full size image.
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STEP 1: Unzip File to Run Admin Installer
The full version consists of various files including two exe applications inside a zip file. Extract all files within the zip file to a new temporary folder on your workstation such as c:\installtemp.
After all steps on this page are complete you can remove the temporary folder created above. We recommend saving the original download zip for a backup. You can also email us anytime for a new download.
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STEP 2: Install Admin Application
To start installation open c:\installtemp. You will see two applications and help file regarding installation. Each exe file serves a different installation purpose. The Admin Application installer should be executed first.
Execute adminapp.exe to start the Admin Application installer. Choose a location for the Admin Application to reside on your PC. Install using the easy on-screen instructions. Once you are inside Net Orbit, go to Step 3.
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STEP 3: For Installing Globally to all PC's - or - Rather install manually? Skip to STEP 4.
It is possible to install Net Orbit automatically to every single PC on your network. First, place your clientapp.exe file inside any shared folder such as \\Server-Name\norbit\ Then, add the following to your logon script located in your domain controller folder. Replace SERVER-NAME and "norbit" with the correct paths. At each boot, the script will install the client without intervention needed from the user.
if exist "C:\Program Files\Retina-X Studios\Net-Orbit\noclient.exe" goto :SKIPINSTALL
\\SERVER-NAME\norbit\clientapp.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NOCANCEL
:SKIPINSTALL
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STEP 4: Installing Manually to Some or All PC's
This step tells you how to install Net Orbit manually on any or all PC's if you would rather not install globally. First, create a network shared folder and place the clientapp.exe file inside this folder. Then determine the network path to this file such as \\Server-Name\anyfolder\clientapp.exe
Then simply go to each workstation you wish to install the Client Application onto. Go to Start > Run and execute the network path described above. Add the following to the path line if you want to skip the install screens: /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NOCANCEL The client will then install with no interaction needed. After installation this particular machine is now ready.
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STEP 5: Add Connections to Admin Application
The first step is to make sure you have installed the Client Application to each PC as accomplished in Steps 3 and 4. After each PC is running the Client Application, then go back to your workstation and bring up the Admin Application. Then click Connection > Add Connection.
Then select your Domain and you will see the list of IP's found. Then select the IP from the list. You can also type an internal IP manually which is running the Client Application. Then click OK to add that PC into Net Orbit's database. Congratulations you are ready to use Net Orbit!
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Admin Application Interface
Net Orbit consists of two applications. The Admin Application installs to your (admin) workstation. The Client Application installs to each computer being monitored. This section describes the Admin Application. This simple interface allows you to work in an easy environment. The Admin Application consists of four sections as shown in the diagram below.
When you're ready to monitor, check the connections you wish to monitor in the Connection Pane and click Play. Then choose your mode in the Window drop-down menu to determine how many screens you wish to view at once. Then click inside each box to select which screen you wish to view there.
Client Application Interface
Getting Started
Once the Client Application is installed onto the client workstation, it loads automatically with each computer boot. It creates a tray icon as soon as it loads. The tray icon is password protected. The client cannot use any of the menu items unless they know the password for their PC.
Tray Icon Usage
Each computer is setup with a default password as described in your order email. If you allow the client user to know their password they can utilize various features of Net Orbit. They can access the features by right-clicking the tray icon. Here the user can chat or transfer files between computers in the network., as long as they know their password.
Chat Interface
Chatting may be the single most popular activity on the Internet. But for a small network this is the most helpful utility for an administrator and client. Net Orbit provides a built-in chat and instant messaging program for use on your local network. To use, simply launch the chat interface and add a user to chat with in your Friends List. Then double-click to chat.
File Manager
File Manager is a utility which provides an easy way to transfer files within your network. Similar to an FTP program, the File Manager interface has two sections. One for Remote PC and one for Local PC. There are many ways to transfer files using this utility. One can drag and drop files to his or her desired location.
This File manager shows all the contents of the computer for both source and destination. It can even be used to execute Files easily. Each window has three options at the bottom. The remote computer has Download, Delete and Execute options. The local computer has Upload, Delete and Execute options
How to Use Features
After it is installed, you will be primarly using the Admin Application Interface. Please see the Admin Interface Section for details about this interface. Then see the sections below to understand usage of your desired features. Next to most sections is a screenshot to guide you. Click any screenshot for a full size image.
Basic Usage Instructions
Start by adding a new IP address to the list in the Connection Pane. You can do this from the "Connection Menu" or by clicking the "New Connection" icon. After an IP is added you will see the new IP in the list. Now select the new PC by clicking its checkbox and then click the Play button. Next, go to the Activity Viewing Pane and right-click to select the IP. Click connect to view this client's screen.
View multiple screens by clicking the Window > XX Screens command. Then click Play for the PC's you want to connect to after you have added the connections. Then select the PC's in each box in the Activity Viewing Pane. This is also how you use most other commands as described in the Connection Pane section.
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Adding IP's into the Connection Pane
The first step is to make sure you have installed the Client Application to each PC as described in the installation section. After each PC is running the Client Application, then click Connection > Add Connection.
Then select your Domain and you will see the list of IP's found. Then select the IP from the list. You can also type an internal IP manually which is running the Client Application. Then click OK to add that PC into Net Orbit's database.
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Viewing Single or Multiple PC's on Your Screen
After a connection is added into the Connection Pane, click its box to check it. Then click the Play button. You can check multiple IP's once they are added. Choose the size they will show by choosing a mode in the Window drop-down menu.
Lastly, click inside any of the windows in the Activity Viewing Pane and select the IP from the list. After clicking OK wait a few moments and it will connect and play live screenshots! Assign an IP to any window you wish using this method.
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Administrating PC Commands to a PC
To issue a command to any or all PC's, just select their IP's in the Connection Pane. Then go to the command you wish to issue. You can use a variety of commands in this manner, including the ones in the Control, Tools and Admin menus.
So for example, let's say you wanted to shut down 5 specific computers. First, select those computers only in the Connection Pane. Then click Admin > Shut Down. The command will then be sent for each computer to shut down immediately.
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Remotely Controlling a PC Using Your Keyboard and Mouse
To remotely control a PC, first select the PC in the Connection Pane. Then click Controls > Remote Control. Then select which mode you would like. For example, Stretch Mode or Full Screen Mode. Also note the option to view only or to take full control.
After you click connect the window will refresh to show you the remote user's screen. This method does NOT use screenshots in any way. Your mouse and keyboard will actually function on the remote PC as you perform your tasks.
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Using the Internal File Manager to Share Files
To navigate a computer's file system or share files, select a PC in the Connection Pane. Then click Tools > File Manager. The File Manager will then appear on your screen. This interface works much like an FTP program interface.
On the right side of the interface is your local PC. On the left side of the interface is the remote PC. Navigate the remote file system and download, upload or delete any files as needed. When finished simply close the window.
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Using the Internal Process Manager to View or Kill Processes
To view a specific computer's running processes, select the PC in the Connection Pane. Then click Tools > Task Manager. The Net Orbit Task Manager will then appear on your screen. This interface works much like Windows Task Manager.
You will see the list of processes running on the remote PC. If you wish to end a processs then select it and click the End Process button. It will then forcibly close that process. This is very useful for stopping unwanted programs as you see one being used.
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Using the Internal Chat Client to Chat With Users
To chat with a specific user, select the PC in the Connection Pane. Then click Tools > Chat. The Net Orbit Task Chat program will then appear on your screen. This interface works much like any other messenger program.
Double-click the user you wish to chat with and their chat interface will open and they will see your message. This is very effective for communicating instantly with employees or students at any time while keeping all communications internal.
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