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    Access desktop from anywhere

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Akari, Jan 4, 2011.

  1. Akari

    Akari Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello,

    I would like to be able to access my desktop computer's drives from essentially anywhere in the world, both read and write. I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of software/hardware was needed to do this, preferably securely.

    Some sort of SSH/VNC combination? What would you recommend for software?
     
    Akari, Jan 4, 2011
    #1
  2. DboogieC

    DboogieC Notebook Deity

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    Logmein is what I use. Or you can set up a remote desktop. I find that log me in works better, if you have the internet and the computer you are accessing has the logmein software you can access your desktop anywhere with it
     
    DboogieC, Jan 4, 2011
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  3. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Teamviewer! The free personal version works VERY well for me.
     
    usapatriot, Jan 4, 2011
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  4. nemt

    nemt Notebook Deity

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    I guess there's a way to do it just by opening port 80.

    I would recommend using something like gotomypc though. I don't know if there's a free alternative, my only experience with it has been through work.
     
    nemt, Jan 4, 2011
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  5. Astrogiblet

    Astrogiblet Notebook Evangelist

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    LogMeIn works for what you need. If you buy their pro version you can transfer files to and from each computer.

    Also, if you just need to transfer a few files you can also combine LogMeIn + Dropbox. This is what I use and its an awesome, free combination.
     
    Astrogiblet, Jan 4, 2011
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  6. Akari

    Akari Notebook Evangelist

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    Is logmein secure?
     
    Akari, Jan 4, 2011
    #6
  7. Astrogiblet

    Astrogiblet Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, everything is done through HTTPS with 256 bit AES encryption. Also takes 2 passwords to connect to your computer (if you have a password on your account).
     
    Astrogiblet, Jan 4, 2011
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  8. makaveli72

    makaveli72 Eat.My.Shorts

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    As other's have mentioned, LogMeIn is good as well as TeamViewer. If you want to get your hands a little dirty you can even use Microsoft's built-in Remote Desktop application.
     
    makaveli72, Jan 4, 2011
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  9. aylafan

    aylafan TimelineX Elite

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    Just remember that Microsoft's built-in Remote Desktop application "Full Access" is only avaliable on Windows Professional or higher. All the remote desktop functions will not be avaliable on Windows Home Premium or lower. There is an unofficial patch, but I will not discuss that in here.
     
    aylafan, Jan 4, 2011
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  10. makaveli72

    makaveli72 Eat.My.Shorts

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    ^^^ QFT. IIRC the Home versions can only be used as 'Clients' to 'connect to...other machines', and not the other way around.
     
    makaveli72, Jan 4, 2011
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  11. chimpanzee

    chimpanzee Notebook Virtuoso

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    one new option is Live Essential 2011 which has Live Sync. It does requires you to login and run the Live Sync front end before you can connect to it. Under the hood, it is just RDP but using Windows Live as the routing mechanism. It does have the advantage that you don't need port forwarding or open any port.

    It is free too and from Microsoft, if that means anything.
     
    chimpanzee, Jan 4, 2011
    #11