| Author | Message | ||
     Pkforbes87 |
I'd like to set up my computers so that I can access my desktop from my laptop via an internet connection. Is that even possible? My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 6000 running 32 bit Windows XP Media Center Edition. The desktop is an HP Slimline 3620 running 64 bit Vista Home Premium. I've been trying to set up a remote network connection using a VPN and all that, but I can't get either computer to find the other one. I'm far from a networking guru so probably doing this all wrong.. If anyone's got some advice it would be greatly appreciated. From what I've been reading my understanding is that both of the computers must have an active internet connection. I'd like to set this up so that it works anywhere I can get internet on my laptop, and not just do a WIFI network for around the house. | ||
| Brinnutz |
Phil, Googled "Remote Desktop for Dummies" and this came up. http://tinyurl.com/mf6wfq Just remember, this is a motorcycle forum, not a computer guru forum, though there is a few of us. =) Then, once you go there, you'll eventually want to go here once you're through learning how to use google...LOL: http://technopedia.info/tech/2006/05/09/remote-desktop-for-dummies.html But don't forget this: You'll want to make sure that the desktop you're trying to control has a static IP as well. That way the port forwarding will always work. (Message edited by brinnutz on May 29, 2009) | ||
| Doon |
Caveat, I not really a windows user. But have used gotomypc to fix friends/family members computers. It seems to work pretty well, but you do need to pay for it. I think Vista Premium can support a Remote Desktop Connection/Terminal Services connection inbound, if you can get an inbound vpn setup that might work. VPNs can be tricky sometimes especially when in places like internet cafes and the like (depending upon the type of vpn). You can also look at something like VNC, which is free and works very well (especially tight vnc..). That could be done over a vpn, or if you are brave a port forward through your firewall... Hope that helps and doesn't confuse it too much.. | ||
| Brinnutz |
Well, I just learned something... It's not possible to RDP with Vista Home Premium. At least not out of the box without a lot of know how. Looks like you may have to disregard what I said... Nevermind what I know. LOL Doon is on the right page with VNC though, that's about your only option. Or RealVNC, Logmein free.... | ||
| Froggy |
I use Teamviewer, its free for non commercial use. It can be installed as a service so it runs in the background, and you can log onto the computer without having to log into windows first. http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx You don't even need to install anything on any computers if you want, you can run the quick support client on the home computer and then use the web based interface to access it from any other computer. | ||
| Froggy |
Oh the best part of Teamviewer is that it will work fine without having to reconfigure routers or worry about IP addresses. All you need is the Teamviewer number and the password and your set. I got an account on their site to store the info, and I just click on the computer I want to connect to, then punch in the password and I'm in  | ||
| Indybuell |
Yuck... Buy a Mac | ||
| Brinnutz |
Mac...lol, overpriced hardware...You can build a machine for WAY cheaper of what you buy a mac for, and have it run the MAC OS. | ||
| Krassh |
I used Remote Desktop Connection (really Terminal Services) that has come standard in Windows since XP. With my router you can choose the computer in port forwarding so need for the static IP on the local LAN. Port is 3389 that needs forwarded. You said VPN so not sure are you setting up your own or is this a corporate VPN? My previous job did not block 3389 as people needing to remotely access servers needed access to this port so they did not block it. To make it easier I have subscribed for years to DYNDNS.org's free DNS service. SInce my ISP gives me a dynamic address that changes all I need to do is type my DYNDNS name in the RDC window and I am in. Oh and of course make sure Remote Desktop Connections are enabled on each. They are turned off by default. Also the user names you will using to login must be granted access. I have been using this method for the last 8 years or so and it does not cost a penny. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
logmein.com is the shiznitt. I'm now posting from my desktop by using my laptop. Crazy.. thanks brinnutz. Thanks to everyone else for the suggestions, but since this is working and im network retarted I think I'll stick with it for now. All that's required for logmein.com is to login with the email address and password for the logmein account, then the windows username and password for the remote computer. | ||
| Krassh |
Oh and I know my previous company considered gotomypc and others a security threat and either blocked them or they showed up on a list to check out later. | ||
| Hootowl |
Check out SSL-Explorer. It was a SourceForge project, has since been bought up, but you can still download it and use it for free under the public license system. It does so much more than remote desktop. And you don't have to open up 3389 to the Internet on your home router, nor does your place of business have to allow 3389 outbound. It all runs over 443, which is the default HTTPS/SSL port. Actually you can make it use any port you want, but most businesses allow 443 outbound. You'll still have to port-forward whatever port you select though. You can even set it up so it maps a drive from the host PC to the client PC. For example, the X: drive on your laptop is the C: drive on your home PC. It is very slick. It even integrates with Active Directory (if you have a domain at your house) and supports on screen keyboards (prevents keyloggers from capturing passwords at Internet kiosks) and RSA SecurID as well as client certificates and a slew of other Enterprise class options. It isn't available from SourceForge any longer, or from the original SSL-Explorer web site (3SP.COM) but you can still get it from file download places. Just google it. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll give you the last free release that came out. +1 on DynDns.org it's free and it works. I use their paid services so I can use my own domain name, which is still pretty cheap. | ||
| Hootowl |
I block gotomypc where I work. I don't care if someone accesses their home PC from the office, but I do care if they set up their work PC to be accessible from the Internet. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If you still can't get anything working, and you are on a corporate network, they may be blocking the traffic. The problem may not be in your set. VPN will typically tunnel through a lot of that, but still might be blocked. | ||
| Indybuell |
Brinnutz - Sure you can build it. Install MacOS, and you are violating copyright. Ask the Psystar folks. | ||
| Aptbldr |
+1 logmein.com slick & simple OT: company computer stolen, along with other stuff. Idiots didn't pay attention to its installed LogMeIn software. Mike-the-IT-guy "watched" as the foolish thieves setup their banking accounts on the stolen computer!! Busted. He printed out documentation, including address, and it was an easy warrant & arrest for Georgia LEO guys. | ||
| Court |
That happened a while back with a gal here who had her Macbook stolen . . . she used something like "go to my Mac", activated the iSight camera on the screen and her and the cops watched (and recorded) the thieves stealing stuff. Too funny. I bought my iMac, with a spectacular 24" display, for about half what I bought my last Dell for . . . not all that bad and a Mac seems to "know" what you want to do . . . | ||
| Brinnutz |
Indy, That's argument doesn't apply to anything I said. The copyright violation came in because they were selling the PC's with a Mac OS installed. If you buy a legit copy of a Mac OS and build a computer, there is no such violation. The violation only comes in when you sell them. Court, Those student discounts on Mac's sure are nice eh? Must not have searched for those glamorous 15% or 20% off deals or coupons that Dell always has pretty much available eh? Never paid full price for anything from Dell myself. In fact, got my $450 Dell Mini for $275 shipped several months ago. Don't get me wrong, I dig Mac OS, just not their inflated prices is all. And the fact that every computer looks like everyone else's. So I'm not dissin' the OS, like I aid, price. | ||
| Court |
>>>Those student discounts on Mac's sure are nice eh? They are. My wife just went to the Apple store and bought mine. The Columbia discount on a Mac isn't that much but when I bought her Dell PC I got like 25% off through my company. The best discounts at school are software and phone stuff. I just bought, a couple weeks prior to graduating, several Adobe packages like Lightroom and Photoshop CS4. I figured if I could buy a $1200 Photoshop package for $199 it'd be good even if I never get smart enough to use it. The 22% off iPhones is a good deal too. |
