FAQ's Page

Experiences and Solutions

How can I reinstall Port on XP since I get the 'unsigned driver' dialog which interrupts installation, requiring a manual mouse click to continue?

To specify a policy that allows unsigned drivers to be installed, use one of the following: Implement a driver signing policy by using Group Policy. Under Administrator Tools, in the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in, right-click the domain root, click Properties, and then click the Group Policy tab. Click the default domain policy, and then click Edit. Expand Computer Configuration, expand Windows Settings, and then expand Security Settings. Expand Local Policies, expand Security Options, and then modify the 'Device' setting: Unsigned driver installation Behavior to the setting that you want to use.

Note This policy is a domain-wide policy, but will allow to you to install the Port keyboard driver. (this driver cannot be signed because it does not support an actual hardware device). http://support.microsoft.com/kb/298503

Do I need to open up a firewall port to use Port?

Not unless you are configuring a Port Server as a WAN or WWAN accessible PC. In this case, you will need to allow incoming traffic to your designated Port Server's TCP/IP port. Port automatically punches a hole in the Windows firewall for client and server installations. All Port traffic is outbound established from Port Clients. Only the Port Server requires an open in-bound TCP/IP port. See the FAQ below "I want to bridge two offices. How do I accomplish this?" for more information on firewall configuration.

Why did you call this "Port" when it's confusing with the TCP/IP port definition?

All network data is transmitted through some TCP/IP port, whether port 80/443 for http and https, 25 for SMTP, or a private port. This software was named "Port" as a verb, "To Port files to your PC, just drag-and-drop them onto the Port Application".

Can I use Port to transfer large files, folders, etc?

Yes - Port knows how to recursively scan a directory or folder of files, folders, and other data. It compresses any format that it doesn't think is already compressed, packs it all up, encrypts it, and transmits it securely using AES-128 encryption to the Port Server designated. The intended recipient sees this data and pulls it off the Port Server, decompresses it, and places it where you designated incoming Port Files be placed.

Can I retrieve files from another PC?

Yes - The integrated shell extension (64-bit compatible) allows you to retrieve files, folders, or just about anything from a remote PC.

Does UAC and Windows Logon work?

Yes - The integrated device driver allows Port to simulate CONTROL-ALT-DELETE, allowing you to access your system in any state. Port deals with session changes and security very nicely.

Does Port Server allow me to block IP ranges?

Yes - Port allows you to configure a Port Server installation to block IP ranges. Right click on the Port Client Application and choose "Local Configuration Settings" to specify IP ranges.

When I right click on the Port Client App, I see many graphics modes. Which one should I choose?

Port has an integrated 3D graphics engine that allows you to take full advantage of your video hardware. If you are using DirectX 9 or higher, we recommend using 'DirectX Standard", or "DirectX Advanced Texture Effects" to get the maximum clarity. The difference between standard and texture effects is that the latter uses a texture map to gain scaling clarity. If you have less capable video hardware, you can choose legacy GDI, full screen, or windowed support.

I installed Port and see "Please wait while contacting the Port Server" in the Port Client Application window, but then get and error "Port server is not responding". What now?

This is typically configuration issue. The password to the port server is likely incorrect, or the IP addres / port is incorrect. Make sure you verify the password, IP, and port number of the port server are correct.

What does the "owner password" really do on the Port Client Application?

This allows you to get access to your PC, or others PCs directly. If you know the owner's password, you don't have to wait for user approval to logon to a remote PC. If you don't know the password, the user on the remote PC must respond with approval (they will be prompted) to let you connect to video, desktop, or send remote files. Port Notes do not require an owner password.

How do I see the PC's on a different Port Server?

Use the Port Client Application to select the Port Server you are interesting in dealing with. The list of active PC's is displayed automatically in the listbox below the Port Server selection menu.

I want to bridge two offices. How do I accomplish this?

Place a Port Server on a WWAN (internet) accessible static IP. Pick a private TCP/IP port for your company. Install Port making sure to check "Computer acts as a Port Server" during installation. Configure your firewall or gateway that sits in front of this Port Server to forward port traffic on your chosen port to the PC at the static LAN address (such as 192.168.1.100). Then, install Port on the PC's at both offices and point to the Port Server at the static IP (or by domain name).

Is Port safe for transmitting personal or company data?

Port is designed to encrypt all data using the government standard AES-128 data encryption technique. In addition, all video, file, desktop, and notes data is encrypted prior to AES encryption, including Port Server and owner password data. Data decryption keys are sent encrypted, and a Port Server administrator can specify IP ranges for acceptable client connections.

I have two PC's in my house. Can I use Port without a third PC acting as a Port Server?

Yes - Port can be installed as a Port Client, or as a Port Client and Port Server. You can designate any and every PC as a Port Server if you choose, creating groups of PCs accessible from different Port Servers. A standard home configuration may include a master PC configured as a Port Server on your LAN, and one or more PCs that communicate with that Port Server. You can "Port" to any PC as-long-as you have a Port Server as a bridge.

Why doesn't Port support audio with the video?

Port is not conferencing software. The video streaming functionality in Port is intended to be used for: security cams, home web cams, video with lan based audio, etc. In the future, we may release a version of Port that includes audio and a more advanced messaging system, but we are not in competition with Skype or other messaging products.