lsdweb
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 08:55 PM |
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Access my home network remotely?
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
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Jubal
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 08:59 PM |
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I use WHS. Windows Home Server.
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ecosse
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 08:59 PM |
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www.logmein.co.uk
It doesn't get much easier, cheaper or better than that 
Cheers
Alex
[Edited on 7/7/08 by ecosse]
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clairetoo
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 09:00 PM |
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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]
Its cuz I is blond , innit
Claire xx
Will weld for food......
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joneh
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 09:41 PM |
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VNC?
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MikeR
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 09:47 PM |
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if your thinking of security forget VNC
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geoff shep
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| posted on 7/7/08 at 10:38 PM |
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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]
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ChrisW
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| posted on 8/7/08 at 12:22 AM |
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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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viatron
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| posted on 8/7/08 at 05:26 AM |
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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.
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gingerprince
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| posted on 8/7/08 at 07:32 AM |
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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 
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geoff shep
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| posted on 8/7/08 at 08:16 AM |
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Well, just tried from work and cannot even get the logmein site due to the work restrictions. So it aint gonna work for me.
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Davey D
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| posted on 8/7/08 at 08:45 AM |
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quote:
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
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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ChrisW
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| posted on 9/7/08 at 01:28 AM |
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quote:
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.
Thanks for that! I've not played with Vista other than the business version that comes in our licence pack.
If your firewall blocks random ports, you can usually get around it by using SSH tunnelling (you'll need a Linux box, or virtual machine,
running at home), SOCKS proxy (if you have one on the work network somewhere) or as a last resort, a thing called Hypertunnel, which can disguise
pretty much any data as HTTP (web) traffic, meaning the firewall lets it through.
None of these options are something a beginner should try, as a fair knowledge of TCP/IP is assumed. However, using a combination of these tools
you'll be able to 'break out' of pretty much any network where you can see the web.
Chris
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lsdweb
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| posted on 9/7/08 at 06:21 AM |
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Thanks guys
I tried LogMeIn but it's blocked from work! :-(
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geoff shep
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| posted on 9/7/08 at 05:13 PM |
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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.
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