WakeOnLAN

WakeOnLAN is a super handy tool that lets you turn on a computer from far away using another device. It’s based on the Wake-on-LAN (WoL) protocol, which is pretty common these days. Most newer network cards and motherboards support this feature right out of the box, but if you’re rocking an older setup, you might need some extra help.

What You Need for WakeOnLAN

If you're using an old computer, WakeOnLAN is a lightweight command-line tool that can help you get your remote access sorted. This nifty utility works by sending something called a "Magic Packet" to the target machine. To make sure it works, both computers need to be on the same local network (or at least different segments of it).

The Hardware Must-Haves

For everything to function smoothly, you really need an ATX motherboard that has a special 3-pin “WOL” connector on board. If you've got that covered, just make sure the WoL feature is enabled in both your BIOS settings and Windows.

Setting Up Your Magic Packet

Getting all the pieces in place for sending that Magic Packet does require some patience and focus. You’ll need to gather info like the Ethernet address, IP address, and password of the computer you want to wake up. Don’t worry; there’s detailed guidance available over at the developer's page if you need help with this part.

Is WakeOnLAN Still Relevant?

You might think WakeOnLAN sounds outdated, but it’s still very useful! For anyone with older hardware who wants to use the WoL protocol, this tool can really come in handy.

If you're interested in grabbing WakeOnLAN, it's included in various download collections like Wake-On-LAN Managers.