remote access through router?

[BobM3]

I'd like to access my work computer from home. Both are connected to the internet via cable. Both have the cable modem and a wireless router. The only thing I need to do is transfer files. I've read a bit about port forwarding but that looks to be more for playing games on remote computers. Is there a way for me to connect to my work network?

 

[melone]

Is you work computer on a secure network? If so, you will need help from your local IT department.

 

[IRstuff]

It's unlikely that your IT department would allow willy-nilly access to company computers from outside without a lot of security, like VPN or some other access control.

Make sure you coordinate with your manager and your IT department. Circumventing company IT security is usually grounds for instant dismissal.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[xwb]

You can set it up with remote desktop which comes as standard with Windows XP. I don't know how secure that is. At most it is password protected. The advantage/disadvantage is that as anyone passes your PC at work, if the screen is on, they can see exactly what you're doing. Check with your IT dept whether that is possible. A lot of sysadmins actually do this so that they don't have to leave home to fix a problem at work in the middle of the night.

On some it is a direct modem/VPN connection: not through the internet.

Alternatively, you can try something like gotomypc. They offer a service which is similar to remotedesktop but is more secure.

 

[BobM3]

I am the IT department. It's a small company (and mine) so my only worry is that if I create an opening then maybe hackers could also get in.

 

[melone]

Is your network secure?

 

[melone]

BTW, the remote screen is blacked out while using Remote Desktop Sharing.

 

[xwb]

I think I was using NetMeeting on Win 2K: not RDS on XP: that's why they could see what I was doing. You're right: on RDS, the screen blacks out.

Anyway, you just need to ensure that Terminal Services is running. I don't know if you can do this on XP Home but you can definitely do it on XP Pro. We run it on our client systems to repair their databases.

 

[BobM3]

I downloaded and installed "Logmein" and it does exactly what I want. It's a nice program. Thanks for the input though.

 

[GonzaloEE]

BTW, I've used Real VNC (shareware) to control my home PC from my work. I got a small SOHO router at home, which I managed to allow I/O access on some ports for these purposes. It includes secure authentication, preshared keys, IP filtering and stuff.

Regards,
Gonzalo