VPN connection to Home Network

[Almanaticus]

Im wanting to arrange some sort of VPN connection to my home network from the
outside.

So far, most of what Ive seen has required both host and remote software. Which
would be no problem if I took my laptop on the road as a regular remote user
like a traveling business user. Im needing a way to access my home network (HN)
from a remote computer that is client-free. For example.... Im at my kid's home
using their computer with broadband. Or at a friend's home wanting to get files
or photos for them.... you get the idea. I dont think others would allow me to
install software just to get something off my HN. Isn't there a way to use their
browser to connect to my HN through the Internet?

I used to use PCAnywhere, but it's a nightmare. I've been using MyWebPC, but it
requires client software also. I set up my main desktop with XP to receive
incoming VPN connections, but during setup it only recognized dial-in, not
incoming IP. That wont work, dial-in is too slow and practically useless. And I
have my router and ZoneAlarm both to allow incoming VPN connections. On top of
that, Im getting requests for passwords.... which? I dont know if I need to use
my computer name/pass, my router's name/pass, or something entirely different.
I'm stumped.

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

you may have two options. use RDC if the computer is XP. or VNC web view without install vnc software. For more and other information, go to http://howtonetworking.com.

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services. Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!

Im wanting to arrange some sort of VPN connection to my home network from the
outside.

So far, most of what Ive seen has required both host and remote software. Which
would be no problem if I took my laptop on the road as a regular remote user
like a traveling business user. Im needing a way to access my home network (HN)
from a remote computer that is client-free. For example.... Im at my kid's home
using their computer with broadband. Or at a friend's home wanting to get files
or photos for them.... you get the idea. I dont think others would allow me to
install software just to get something off my HN. Isn't there a way to use their
browser to connect to my HN through the Internet?

I used to use PCAnywhere, but it's a nightmare. I've been using MyWebPC, but it
requires client software also. I set up my main desktop with XP to receive
incoming VPN connections, but during setup it only recognized dial-in, not
incoming IP. That wont work, dial-in is too slow and practically useless. And I
have my router and ZoneAlarm both to allow incoming VPN connections. On top of
that, Im getting requests for passwords.... which? I dont know if I need to use
my computer name/pass, my router's name/pass, or something entirely different.
I'm stumped.

 

[Guest]

The easiest way to do VPN is through dynamic dns service, such as
www.dynip.com. I have a laptop that I use to access my HN, but I've used
other pc's when I needed a file or something, I just used Windows VPN
services. I know that 98, ME, and XP Pro will work with dynip. And there's
no client software, just host software. It's also a lot cheaper than a
static IP.

 

[Almanaticus]

I look at it, thank you.

The easiest way to do VPN is through dynamic dns service, such as
www.dynip.com. I have a laptop that I use to access my HN, but I've used
other pc's when I needed a file or something, I just used Windows VPN
services. I know that 98, ME, and XP Pro will work with dynip. And there's
no client software, just host software. It's also a lot cheaper than a
static IP.

 

[Almanaticus]

My main computer is XP-Pro-SP2. Im sure most of the outside computers that I
might use will be the same, but some may be W98, My laptop is W98, and a lot of
friend's/families' computers are W98 still. I would hate to install something on
someone else's computer, though, I know I wouldn't want it.

Is there some kind of simple server software I can install on my main computer
that will accept either a connection through a browser or a W98 VPN connection
via IP?

(For some reason the 'west' server has been cranky today, and wouldn't let me
reply to your post)
you may have two options. use RDC if the computer is XP. or VNC web view
without install vnc software. For more and other information, go to
http://howtonetworking.com.