Remote connection help

[Diabolus]

Sometimes I work remotely, but I need the ability to "dial in" to a work computer at home to process all of my work, something to do with a secure IP address and proprietary software.

I need a solution so while working at the fixed remote location it is like I am at my home work computer.

What would be the most secure and stable setup?

Is this what VPNs are used for?

[the86d]

RDP on an alternate port number so if someone is port-scanning it won't show up as what it really is at first glance. This is assuming that you are running Windows on your home computer.

Is the machine running non-"Home" version of Windows?

If "Home" version, then maybe VNC...

[billofrights]

What's the setup of the work computer? Do you have IT staff there that can facilitate this ( I'm guessing no or you wouldn't be asking?).

We use Microsoft's standard remote desktop client, over a secure connection via AnyConnect.

[Diabolus]

Both machines will be running Windows 7 Pro.

I do not have IT staff that can help with this.

Is this simply purchasing a router with VPN for a secure connection? Sorry, I don't have any idea how to do this or speak the language.

[the86d]

There are Open VPN solutions, but AFAIK RDP is encrypted by default.

As simple as FW a port such as say 8000+ (say 8235) external port number (I like to start in the middle so a LOT of ports have to be scanned to get to the port you are using) to 3389 internally hitting your IP of your machine that would be plugged into your router... after you enable "Remote Settings" after right clicking "Computer" and hitting properties. I have been doing this for years.

What router you running at home?

[high_revs]

here's a high level overview of what the guys are saying. you basically control your home computer as if it's on your desktop while you're on the road. performance will be slower of course. this is kinda how IT guys control servers w/o having to be physically at the console (for windows servers).

http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=2770

if you have a static IP from your internet service provider (ISP) that makes life easier. If you don't, you'll have to register for some kind of DNS like http://www.noip.com/.

i've not quite tested my asus dns fully yet (i have an asus router and it came with some kind of dns server but i only tested the ftp portion). then i closed that port since i don't want it open all the time.

[Darryl Licht]

Check into Log Me In... they have a free version that works very well! I use it to remotely support 70 PC's at various client sites.

Easy setup, very secure, doesn't need any special setup or workarounds in firewalls. IT JUST WORKS!

http://www.logmein.com

[bigbearbear]

Check out TeamViewer. It is a remote control software and you'll be able to remotely control one or more computers with it. Basically you run the software on your work computer, note down the session ID and connect in with your home computer.

https://www.teamviewer.com

My team use it when we need to assist customers with issues, we ask them to run the software and tell us the session ID, then we connect in and take control of their computer.

[Diabolus]

Anyone think Go To My Pc is a good solution?

http://www.gotomypc.com

[ExtremeX]

RDP on an alternate port number so if someone is port-scanning it won't show up as what it really is at first glance. This is assuming that you are running Windows on your home computer.

Is the machine running non-"Home" version of Windows?

If "Home" version, then maybe VNC...

[ExtremeX]

but AFAIK RDP is encrypted by default.

RDP sessions are not encrypted.

The newer version of RDP uses Network Level Auth. which is more secure, but both the source and target PC need to be compatible.

RD Gateway is a method of servers securing RDP sessions over HTTPS/SSL

[chris1911]

I'll 3rd logmein. We use it constantly at our business.

[MaHoTex]

Another vote for Logmein Hamachi

[Yugo]

tightvnc.com is all you need, open couple ports on your home router and you can use there "software version" or through internet GUI (JAVA)

[Yugo]

log me in is not as secure as VNC