Remote computer networking

[Guest]

My brother and i both have a computer using the XP operating system. We live
in different cities. My brother decided we should set up a network connecting
our computers so that we can share files. Yesterday I used "Network Setup
Wizzard" in an attempt to establish a connection to his computer . However
once the wizzard said I was finnished I then attempted to access the icon "My
Network Places" on the start menu. No such icon was on the start menu. In
fact a search indicated no such icon or program was on my computer. This
leads me to several realted questions. 1. Can my brother and I create a
netrwork this way ? 2. If so, what is going wrong (ie. how do we go about
doing it)?

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

In

My brother and i both have a computer using the XP operating system.
We live in different cities. My brother decided we should set up a
network connecting our computers so that we can share files.
Yesterday I used "Network Setup Wizzard" in an attempt to establish a
connection to his computer . However once the wizzard said I was
finnished I then attempted to access the icon "My Network Places" on
the start menu. No such icon was on the start menu. In fact a search
indicated no such icon or program was on my computer. This leads me
to several realted questions. 1. Can my brother and I create a
netrwork this way ? 2. If so, what is going wrong (ie. how do we go
about doing it)?

You want to look into VPN (virtual private networking) - look in XP's help &
support for starters.

 

[Sooner Al [MVP]]

A fairly easy way to securely access his PC or your PC from his house is to
setup a VPN. I currently use this free for personal use SSL-VPN solution.
You only need to open TCP Port 443 on any firewall/NAT/router at either end.

http://3sp.com/showSslExplorer.do

In my case I also run XP Pro Remote Desktop through the tunnel so I can
remotely access/control my two XP Pro machines.

Otherwise, as Lanwench suggested, look at the built-in PPTP VPN
server/client in XP...

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn_server.htm
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn.htm

In this case you need to open TCP Port 1723 and enable GRE Protocol 47
traffic through any firewall/NAT/router at each end...

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

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