Computer help - remote access advice

[Welly]

Hello!

Next week I want to be able to access my work PC from home there's only 1 computer at work and it's mine and I control everything on it. It's not on a network or any other form of remote access.

I want to be able to do everything I can at work but from my other home PC, i.e. emails and use of windows docs and a pricing programme installed on the work PC.

I've seen these "log me in" and "go to my pc" sites but can anyone suggest which one I need? or maybe there's a better way?

I was thinking of just signing up for a short term trial? only needs to be a week really.

I also assume I would leave my work PC switched on? whilst I'm not there.

Welly.

[teamster1975]

Hi Welly

Is the PC connected to the internet via a router wth a network cable or adsl modem plugged in the usb port?
If you're running XP Pro you can use Remote Desktop which is built into the machine but you'll need to know your external IP address. The only problem with this is that it won't be encrypted.
Another alternative which is free is RealVNC; this does support encryption. If you need any help PM me and I'll talk you through it.
Actually PCHelpware looks like a good option too and it's also free.
Yes you will need to leave our computer turned on

[darrenwall]

why not bring the pc home with you (thats what id do but then again my knowledge of computers is limited to turning them on and f*cking them up )

[mjb]

Another alternative which is free is RealVNC; this does support encryption.

Encryption, but not compression which is utterly essential on low speed links (under 100mbit)

RDP is the daddy, especially over a compressed ssh tunnel ;)

[teamster1975]

RDP is the daddy, especially over a compressed ssh tunnel ;)

Oh yes indeedy! I've moved over to Watchguard Routers and the SSL VPN is the dogs bollox!
My other clients are using Netscreen's with IPSEC VPN's and they're a bit more of a PITA to setup cos you need client software on each PC.

I don't think Welly will be so lucky though

[Welly]

You said what now?

I assume you mean that the comms between one pc and the other will be "out there" for all and sundry so to speak?

The work pc is connected by a nice thick yellow wire to BT "thing" that does a mini switchboard (transfer calls to myself? ), 2 x VOIP lines and internet broadband, this thing is then plugged into the BT telephone socket.

[teamster1975]

You said what now?

I assume you mean that the comms between one pc and the other will be "out there" for all and sundry so to speak?

The work pc is connected by a nice thick yellow wire to BT "thing" that does a mini switchboard (transfer calls to myself? ), 2 x VOIP lines and internet broadband, this thing is then plugged into the BT telephone socket.

That's good enough, you are connected via a router
Download that PChelpware software and bung it on there.

[Welly]

Sorry to be a noob jockey but I assume I need to download that onto my home pc too?

[teamster1975]

Sorry to be a noob jockey but I assume I need to download that onto my home pc too?

Yes you will

[Welly]

*goes off to make a monumental f*ck up of it all*

[Captain Jack]

I've used "log me in" before and it works well. Easy to set up and configure. But Remote Desktop is by far the best solution. You can also couple it with a no-ip.com service, that way you dont need to know your IP as it gets updated automatically - should it ever change

[Welly]

Can't believe there's been so little "general chat" since last week

Anyway, I used Logmein in the end as someone recommended it was easy (tbh teamy I tried that one you said and couldn't get it to download ) so I was running out of time and logmein was dead easy to set up.

I worked from home last week (don't bother trying this if you get the chance) and used logmein successfully every day.

Now to catch up on the work I should have been able to do at home

"oh look, what's that in the Garden"
"mmm, I fancy a biscuit"
"mmm, might check me oil"

[teamster1975]

Yeah it has been pretty quiet in here!
Glad you got your remote access working, it's a godsend for me. Working from home can be interesting with the kids tearing around though