How do I network two PC's over the internet?

[Islandvic]

I want to buy an inexpensive desktop for my work office and use my laptop on the go and at my home office. My laptop has a junk ethernet port and goes off line alot when hooked up the office ethernet cord (i have wireless at homes).

If both PC's have XP Professional, how easy is it to network the two together so I can transfer docs to each other?

It will be cheaper to buy a desktop for the office than buying a new laptop.

Your input is welcomed

 

[Dan4510]

how bout just use a backup service to upload teh docs adn then download them at home. then wont have to worry about accessing them.

Dan

 

[Buford T. Justice]

www.realvnc.com

Get the free version. Create hard passwords for both accounts.

 

[The_Jeff]

ultravnc (Same bird, different feather.) If you really want you can access your 'puter from any java-capable browser anywhere in the world.

 

[michaelc80]

To really "network" them you'll need to create a VPN. However you can also use remote desktop. Already built into Windows.

One advantage of RDP is file transfer. You have the option to add your drive(s) as a resource on the remote PC. Drag and drop couldn't be simpler.

 

[Islandvic]

How safe is the remote desktop?

 

[simple_gifts]

Things to consider with any solution:

1. If you have a dynamic IP @ your office, you will need to figure out how to find out "what it is" from the road.

2. If you have a hardware router/firewall @ your office you will have to port forward "whatever protocol" you choose to use to the PC you want to access in your office. This assumes you are blocking internet sided requests (should be default)

3. If you are using the built in firewall or any software based firewall, don't. (see #2)


I cannot comment on the best windows solution as to what to use. SFTP would be the best generic solution in any secure, casual use, file transfer requirement.

 

[iontrap]

I've been playing around with this, https://www.foldershare.com/.

 

[michaelc80]

quote:

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Originally posted by Islandvic:
How safe is the remote desktop?

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RDP is an RC4 encrypted protocol so it's reasonably secure. If you're familiar with Terminal Services, RDP is sort of a one-user version of Terminal Services. TS has been available on Windows NT4 and 2000 for many years and it has a good security record.