How to Track Remote Computer Activity

In a Microsoft Windows environment, tracking a remote computer's activity allows an I.T. administrator to check for performance issues and security violations, and it acts as an aid to troubleshooting spyware and viruses. The activity that is tracked is simply network transfers and input/output of the remote computer's hard disk, so no personal data is viewable by the I.T. administrator.

• 1

  Log on to the Windows Server computer using an account with administrative rights.

• 2

  Browse to the "Performance Monitor" tool, which is found under "Administrative Tools."

• 3

  Click the green cross icon. Then, from the "Select Counters from Computer" drop-down list choose the remote computer you wish to track. If the computer is not listed, simply type in the name.

• 4

  Select the type of activity you wish to track; for example, "% User Time."

• 5

  Click "OK." The tracking of the remote computer begins in real-time in the Performance Monitor window.