Whats the best way to set up 'always on' remote desktop connection @ outside of LAN?

[16k_zx81]

So if Im working onsite and want to access workshop machine from any location without user prompts at the workshop end, whats the best way to do this?

 

[angry_geek]

Rdp, vnc, any number of options. I use a vpn before connecting though.

 

[16k_zx81]

Ok, so VPN with VNC would work?

That seems like a potentially secure option...

Reliable? Low maintenance?

 

[angry_geek]

As reliable and secure as your shop network and machine. Very easy to use. I typically use rdp as my techs don't need to be watching my mouse move around when I'm not there.

 

[trendless]

less hassle is using something like Teamviewer. I've been known to use RDP with a non-standard port as well. VNC is ok, but if you spend a little time implementing the DFMirage driver it will perform a heck of a lot better.

 

['putertutor]

Of course, I think using TV like this would be a violation of the terms, at least for the free version. Unless I am missing something, which is highly likely and I would like to be corrected if I am, VNC free versions don't work with windows above XP. Never used RDP, so I can't speak to that one.

 

[trendless]

I'd think the 'business use' of Teamviewer is if you were using it to support clients, not if you were using it to access your personal machines at your office.

I did, however, misread how you were gonna use it and after re-reading I'd definitely recommend RDP -- works great on smartphones, too. And fast... did I mention it was fast?

 

[angry_geek]

Of course, I think using TV like this would be a violation of the terms, at least for the free version. Unless I am missing something, which is highly likely and I would like to be corrected if I am, VNC free versions don't work with windows above XP. Never used RDP, so I can't speak to that one.

I'm not sure why you're having issues running vnc on vista or windows 7. I've had no problem at all. Give ultra vnc a shot.

 

['putertutor]

Actually, its been a while since I have used VNC and I was just pulling that info off a product comparison chart they have on their site. Seemed odd to me, and maybe I was reading the wrong thing. I stand, happily, corrected.

 

[marcink99]

logmein hamatchi is GREAT

 

[trendless]

Good point; an easy way to secure RDP.

 

['putertutor]

I'd think the 'business use' of Teamviewer is if you were using it to support clients, not if you were using it to access your personal machines at your office.

I did, however, misread how you were gonna use it and after re-reading I'd definitely recommend RDP -- works great on smartphones, too. And fast... did I mention it was fast?

Yeah, I knew that was the use, but I'm just not clear on what they mean by commercial or business use. If he is using it in the course of a service he provides for which he is getting paid.....? As always, I am probably just a little paranoid though.

 

[trendless]

Yeah, I knew that was the use, but I'm just not clear on what they mean by commercial or business use. If he is using it in the course of a service he provides for which he is getting paid.....? As always, I am probably just a little paranoid though.

Fair enough; I probably fall on the 'stretching-the-rules' side of that particular fence.

 

[kisk]

UltraVNC works great here, with any version of windows. Plus, its completely free for personal & commercial use, you can transfer files, chat two-way, etc.. really my favorite.

 

[andcorptech]

UltraVNC works great here, with any version of windows. Plus, its completely free for personal & commercial use, you can transfer files, chat two-way, etc.. really my favorite.

You can transfer files via RDP as well but it is horribly slow when outside your LAN. I do prefer RDP though as i get printer redirection and its built in

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Back in the Pre-WinXP days...we'd use VNC, PcAnywhere, CarbonCopy, Timbuktu, remote apps like that.

Since XP and 2k3 came out...RDP blows them away for smoothness,responsiveness.

However..they require tracking your IP somehow on the host LAN (dynamic dns service..or static IP from ISP)...and port forwarding on your firewall...and then a static IP on your host PC for the port forwarding to work correctly.

Now..granted..most of us techs here can do the above stuff in our sleep..with one hand tied behind our back. Others may worry about exposing RDP to the internet...so they'll insist of a VPN in between. One more step...yes still easy for most of us.

But..with todays technology for remote access...with nice neutral web based products like Team Viewer...or LogMeIN..where we don't have to worry about firewalls, static IPs, exposing ports on our host LAN...why not use them?

Better yet...combine an easy service like the above...with the smoothness of RDP....Microsoft has a FREE product much like teamviewer or logmein..it's called Live MESH! Works GREAT! And so many additional features you can benefit from...synching stuff like Office products (Outlook), Docs, cloud storage w/SkyDrive.