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There are several simple ways
to connect remotely to your office from home, remote site,
or while you're on the road.
Remote software like pcAnywhere.
pcAnywhere can be used via the telephone line or high speed
internet access line (dsl or cable). This will give one single user
access to a host machine at the office.
You will need one dedicated
single line phone line at both ends to make the
connection.
Many users share the fax line at the host (office) end. The biggest problem with sharing
a fax line is
forgetting to turn off or unhook the fax from the phone
line.
pcAnywhere can also be used
over the high speed internet access line. Whether it
is dsl, cable, or frame relay high speed access is the
best choice over 33.6 dial up connection. The
biggest problem is having a router at the host (office)
end. You will need to know how to configure the router to
pass pcAnywhere 5631 port calls to the machine waiting to
connect with a remote session.
The only downside to a remote
software solution is that it needs to have a dedicated machine at
the host (office) side. When you connect to the
office, you actually appear to be sitting in front of that
machine in the office. So in reality, no one can be
using the machine that you connect to. You
can print remotely but must set up printer (in the printer
folder not physically) on the host
machine and choose the pcAnywhere port. You also
have the ability to transfer files easily between the two
machines. This is the simple and less costly way for
a single remote user to connect and work remotely.
You can also
connect to you office if have a Windows 2000 Server
running. Microsoft has included Terminal
Services in Windows 2000.
You will need
to have the remote software (mstsc.exe) loaded on your
remote computer. It is included in WindowsXP. This choice is most preferred
because it allows multiple users to work remotely at the
same time. It also does not commit a machine for
dedicated use while working remotely.
The biggest
problem is having a router at the host (office) end. You
will need to know how to configure the router to pass
Terminal Services port 3389 calls to the machine waiting
to connect with a remote session. If you do not have
regular Terminal Server licenses installed you still can
connect. They must however have Administrator
rights.
You will not
be able to print remotely or transfer files with this
option. This is a good choice if are doing data
entry or looking up information. If you need the
option to print remotely, you will need to get Citrix
Software. This software will allow you see your remote
folders and printers. This option is a little costly
and advanced.
An alternative
low cost solution to connect remotely is using vpn services.
Virtual Private Networks are becoming more
popular. However, there can be many challenges in
setting this option up. It does not make any difference if
you are using pptp, ipsec, or hardware router to router
there will be some challenges.
It does not
matter which type of vpn you are using, you will need to
have a server running vpn services. If you choose a
vpn router-to-router solution you will not need a vpn
server. The vpn solution
will allow you to print and transfer files. Many
users find that a vpn is good way to connect remote
computers to office computers. Then use Microsoft
Terminal Services or pcAnywhere through the vpn tunnel.
However,
every application you are using needs to be tested for
speed and multi-user compatibility no matter what the box claims it
can do.
Remember,
that using high speed internet connection services is not
the same as talking on the telephone to people all
over the world. Moving data needs to be exact, where the
ear can filter out any background noise. ISP's, Cable and DSL companies, Hardware
Mfg's (Toshiba, Motorola, Netgear, Linksys, Cisco, etc..), and
Software Mfg's all adhere to a standard to communicate but
don't always work well together. They all have their proprietary
software and firmware that is supposed to make them better
then each of their competition.
Computer
Setup help for XP
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