Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer communication device that includes an interface circuit mounted with a computer. The interface circuit is connected between a computer bus and fiber optic transceiver. Another interface circuit is mounted remotely from the computer. The other interface circuit is connected between a peripheral device bus and another fiber optic transceiver. Both fiber optic transceivers can be connected to opposite ends of a fiber optic cable. The computer communication device allows a peripheral device to be located remote from the computer.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting between various communication access methods for client computers which are connected to a computer network. When a client computer attempts to load an application program, the system loader on the client computer is hooked or paused. A preset configuration may be evaluated to determine if the user will be prompted to select an access method, if a particular access method is preset, or if a rules database will be evaluated to select an access method. If a Remote Node access method is selected, the system loader is unpaused and the selected program is allowed to run on the remote user's computer. If a Remote Control access method is selected, a remote control program is executed at the server. A load balancing algorithm may be used to determine which server will be used if a plurality of servers are available on the computer network for hosting a Remote Control session.