Accessing Computer Remotely

[knoc10]

Is there a program I can use where I can remotely access my work computer from home? I want to be able to connect to my work computer and have access to a specific program, modifying files, etc. etc.

[MrWizard]

RealVNC

[jollyeskimo]

RealVNC, UltraVNC, Remote Administrator, heck if you don't mind some restrictions windowsXP has its own version built in as well.

[knoc10]

do I have to install these applications on both computers? also, can I use both computers at the same time?

[jollyeskimo]

do I have to install these applications on both computers? also, can I use both computers at the same time?

Yes to all but the native winXP remote service... typically a server goes onto the machine that you want to log into, and a client/viewer is installed/runned from the side that you're logging in/viewing from. Some of them also have http server plus java viewer plugins too I think, making it possible to log in via a web browser (albeit slowly) from anywhere without the need for a client/viewer.

Why not just try them and see for yourself? They're pretty self explanatory, and only you can really tell which one is better for uses.

[Daijoubu]

If you only need to access your windows shares, try http://hamachi.cc

[Cafe_333]

i'm not sure if that hamachi thing is any good, but winxp does natively allow you to create a VPN connection that essentially does the same thing. Anyways, a vote here for Remote Administrator -- assuming your computer isn't locked down and network traffic monitored like what good administrators are supposed to do.

[rp_guy]

personally i use TightVNC, has better compression modes than RealVNC.
If i need security (or loophole access) i'll just use a SSH tunnel.

[knoc10]

I'm really new to this so excuse me if I don't make any sense. There's a specific program on my work computer that I want to be able to access at home. It's a dental program (if you must know) and I want to be able to modify files, access, files, share files, etc., without having to lock down my work computer. Will I be able to have both computers simultaneously running the same program at the same time?

[Cafe_333]

yes you can. here's a screenshot of a Remote Administrator session:



As you can see, here I can access my file server via IP address and i can control the desktop of my file server in a window. I can manipulate that computer as though I was sitting right in front of it with a monitor keyboard and mouse. I can run windows explorer, run any program i want, it's literally as though you are sitting right in front of it.

[danfromwaterloo]

Ok, maybe I'm obtuse here, but why don't you use Remote Desktop Connection (look under Programs -> Accessories -> Communications)

If you set up your XP box to use it, you can do this stuff naturally.

[Cafe_333]

because the OP mentioned that he wants to be able to use both computers at the same time. Remote Desktop will take over the entire screen making it a hassle to multitask and interact with your own machine.

Anyway, to the OP, i'm not sure about other remote programs, but I know remote administrator doesn't allow you to physically transfer files from your work computer to your home computer.... though you can circumvent that by emailing yourself from that computer. Well, if you need the ability to transfer files, setting up a terminal service on your work computer will allow this, although you'll be limited to using the remote desktop connection. Anyway, there is an option when connecting to map your local harddrives and they will just show up as mapped drives on your work computer.

[toujours]

because the OP mentioned that he wants to be able to use both computers at the same time. Remote Desktop will take over the entire screen making it a hassle to multitask and interact with your own machine.

You can minimise the Remote Desktop

[Cafe_333]

I never said it was impossible, i only said it was a hassle. And it really is. I don't think anyone can argue against that because it's the same reasoning why people would like to have bigger monitors for the extra desktop space - it's just easier to manage and multitask this way even though people can simply 'minimize' their windows. I used to remote desktop to my file server untill i tried Remote Administrator. Now I love the conveniance of being able to manipulate a desktop via a window as opposed to having my entire screen taken up.

[mystical2003]

The biggest problem here is that you most likely won't be able to get access into your office. You will either need a VPN setup or port forwarding to access your PC. The best bet is to talk to whoever takes care of your PC's at work and ask them for a solution.