How to access a computer without a monitor

[ampakine]

I have a desktop computer that I want to use as a server but the monitor for it is broken so I need to figure out a way to install a VNC server on it without a monitor. The computer has linux (can't remember what distro probably ubuntu) installed on it but I port scanned it and there are no ports open so I can't SSH it. What would be the easiest way to get a VNC or SSH server installed on this comp? The only plan I have at the moment is this: modify a Ubuntu live CD so that it has a VNC server installed on it by default. I put the CD in the computer and reboot it. The "try Ubuntu" option should be the one that loads by default. Then I can connect to the VNC server and from the live Ubuntu OS I should be able to install a VNC server on the main OS.

Anyone know an easier way to do this?

[caracarn001]

isn't it easier to just hook an other monitor in temporary, just for the install. afterwards you can use it without the monitor ofc.

[mShred]

You don't even know what OS is installed on it?.. If you have another computer, I'd take out the hard drive for the desktop, hook it up to the other computer and do what you need to do there, then put it back in the other one. But I'm with the whole second monitor option. It seems painless and easy.

[ampakine]

I don't have another monitor. Everyone has laptops I don't think I even know anyone with a monitor.

[caracarn001]

most modern televisions can also be used as monitors.

[goluhaque]

Yeah, connect another monitor. It is the easiest solution.

[ampakine]

most modern televisions can also be used as monitors.

What kinda wire would I need for that? I have a TV with a USB socket so I'm gonna try find a 2 way USB cable to hook it up.

[mShred]

most modern televisions can also be used as monitors.

What kinda wire would I need for that? I have a TV with a USB socket so I'm gonna try find a 2 way USB cable to hook it up.

I think he was talking more like if the TV had a VGA input or something like that. Then you could take your normal monitor cable and hook it up there. You might even be able to do some sort of VGA to RCA type of thing.

[Phantom Wolf]

most modern televisions can also be used as monitors.

What kinda wire would I need for that? I have a TV with a USB socket so I'm gonna try find a 2 way USB cable to hook it up.

That probably won't work. Your PC has to have some sort of video output (probably just an SVGA video cable), you'll need the correct cable for that and possibly an adapter to plug it into your TV

[VPR3]

If you know your computer can be hooked to a television, check what connections are available on your computer. That will tell you what cable you'll need. Maybe simple HDMI or something else...