How use web to acces home PC, get files?

  • Thread starter Thread starter George
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George

I'd like to access files on my home PC, via Internet. I have basic PC, DSL
connection, Linksys firewall VPN router.

What are the basics of doing this (without painful setup). Would prefer to
use WinXP-Pro...surely setting this up can't be that hard, right? (Although
easier, would prefer NOT to pay for GoToMyPC.)

1) My understanding is step one is a fixed IP...that's easy enough, any DSL
provider can offer for a few extra dollars. Now, with that in place...

2) What's the next step? Are there choices like...

2A) ACCESS/browse directories and get files only (this is probably all
that's needed, or

2B) REMOTELY MANAGE from a hotel laptop my home PC...see the desktop...use
applications...enter expenses in QuickBooks...grab a file...look for an
Outlook contact, also put a few new files on the PC...then sign off

How does everyone else do this? Thanks for an overview and insights,

George
 
George said:
I'd like to access files on my home PC, via Internet. I have basic PC, DSL
connection, Linksys firewall VPN router.
Click to expand...

I've not done this but this is what I'd try...

I'd set up a VPN client on the remote PC as you already have a VPN capable
router. See if Linksys have a client or can recommend one. I believe with
this in place it should be roughly the same as having both PC on one local
lAN - eg you should be able to map drives or folders as normal. Then install
whatever remote admin programs you need as a seperate exercise.
 
George said:
I'd like to access files on my home PC, via Internet. I have basic PC, DSL
connection, Linksys firewall VPN router.
[snip]

1) My understanding is step one is a fixed IP...that's easy enough, any DSL
provider can offer for a few extra dollars. Now, with that in place...

2) What's the next step? Are there choices like...

2A) ACCESS/browse directories and get files only (this is probably all
that's needed, or
Click to expand...

Install an FTP server. I believe IIS comes with one, but you really want
something that provides SecureFTP. I don't have a particual recommendation
(maybe someone else will), but make sure you Google for an ftp SERVER rather
than a CLIENT.
2B) REMOTELY MANAGE from a hotel laptop my home PC...see the desktop...use
applications...enter expenses in QuickBooks...grab a file...look for an
Outlook contact, also put a few new files on the PC...then sign off
Click to expand...

Install any of the fine VNC free or commercial products. Here are a few:

http://www.tightvnc.com
http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net
 
Thanks,

Regarding (how to)....
Install any of the fine VNC free or commercial products. Here are a few:

http://www.tightvnc.com
http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net
Click to expand...

Question is...
I know this is over-careful, but, how can we be sure something like a 3rd
party software might not have some code that might open up the PC to be
accessed by others, or worse, a developer gone awry. Is there anyway to
check that a port or whatever has not been compromised? Is there any "store
bought" software that would be more proven and be under a brand that is
big/old/proven? Thanks
 
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