Hi All

I'd like to be able to access my home network over the web. I've seen a few free bits of software (WallCooler?) but I'm a little bit cautious about the security aspects!

Can anybody assist?

Wyn

I use WHS. Windows Home Server.

www.logmein.co.uk

It doesn't get much easier, cheaper or better than that

Cheers

Alex

[Edited on 7/7/08 by ecosse]

I use `LogMeIn.com` - it can be a bit slow , but dead handy when working away from home .
It's free

[Edited on 7/7/08 by clairetoo]

[Edited on 7/7/08 by clairetoo]

VNC?

if your thinking of security forget VNC

So logmein - for instance. You log in to your own PC, from work, using an account and a password. How do we know that logmein.co.uk aren't accessing our PCs when we are not looking as they presumably have access to our log in details - or don't they?

I suppose it's like logging in to, say, my bank from home. My ISP doesn't get to know my bank login details just because they are my ISP - or do they?

Perhaps I'm overly cautious?

Oh, and PS: I wonder if I could log in from work anyway, with all their gateway/blocks etc.

[Edited on 7/7/08 by geoff shep]

If you're running XP professional (or Vista home premium or above I think), you have remote desktop built in. Just need to switch it on and map the port through from your router.

It's an encrypted protocol, and security is pretty good.

If you're really worried, get a router that has VPN endpoint capabilities. The mid-range Draytek kit is very good - 2910 for cable, or 2820 like mine for ADSL. Then you can create a secure tunnel into your network from anywhere in the world and access any PC, fileshares, etc.

Chris

another vote for logmein, i use three of their products
Free: For accessing the home PC
Pro: For Support to Contract Customers
IT Reach: for one off support calls

Some big corporastes i do work for also use it.

Backing up what Chris said, a VPN is the best way to get on your network, if you have the capability.

Something like a Draytek with built in VPN will work. Another option which I use is to have a router that's compatible with DD-WRT firmware. It's basically updates software for cheaper routers (like Linksys) which gives lots more features. One such feature is OpenVPN. It basically establishes a virtual network over a standard SSL connection (on port 443) and so generally will even work from work. To the firewall it's no different to accessing a secure website like a bank.

You could also install OpenVPN server on your PC if your router isn't compatible with OpenVPN and just forward port 443 to your router.

Of course saying it will work from work is different to saying you should use it from work. Check your internet usage policy to make sure you won't get sacked - or make sure you're mates with the firewall guys

Well, just tried from work and cannot even get the logmein site due to the work restrictions. So it aint gonna work for me.

quote:

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Originally posted by ChrisW
If you're running XP professional (or Vista home premium or above I think), you have remote desktop built in. Just need to switch it on and map the port through from your router.

It's an encrypted protocol, and security is pretty good.

If you're really worried, get a router that has VPN endpoint capabilities. The mid-range Draytek kit is very good - 2910 for cable, or 2820 like mine for ADSL. Then you can create a secure tunnel into your network from anywhere in the world and access any PC, fileshares, etc.

Chris

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quote:

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Originally posted by Davey D
With vista the only versions your can RDP to are Vista ultimate, and Vista Business. None of the home versions, or basic let you do this.

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Thanks guys

I tried LogMeIn but it's blocked from work! :-(

Tried logmein and it worked fine. Accessed my desktop from a laptop on my own network but via the web. Looks good. Just wish we could use it at work.