Remote Access to Office Machines from Home 2

[TheCardMan]

I have someone that wants to access thier accounting application from home. Current configuration is small office with 4 computers. One of those computers runs a older accounting application. The folks want to be able to access that program from home. I need the easiest way for them to do this. They currentlt have a DSL connection with a static IP address. Internal network is connected via Linksys 4 port router. The application runs on Windows 98, they say Win XP is not supported but I did a test and it looks like it would run on XP using compatibility mode.

What are my steps to get them connected? Should I get a Linksys VPN Router on both ends? I need it to be simple for the users to connect and take control of that machine.

Suggestions?

 

[smah]

If you could change run the application on XP, Remote Desktop might be the easiest way. However, would multiple users need to access this simultaneously? Whatever choice you make, be sure to consider the security implications of allowing any type of remote access - for example, what if one of the home computers is infected with a virus?

 

[XRJoe]

In the past with one-off cases like this we have used PC Anywhere and a modem so the user could dial into their PC from their home connection. Remote Desktop is an option but you could also setup Netmeeting Shared Desktop on the existing Windows 98 PC and have the user connect to his PC at work from home.

For an enterprise solution to this I would recommend Citrix but it sounds like the office is a bit small for a Citrix farm.

 

[TheCardMan]

Yes, to small for Citrix. They plan on giving the home user a "work computer" for use only to connect to the office. Another person may use thier Laptop to connect. However not at the same time. VPN wouldn't be most sucure?

 

[XRJoe]

Sure a VPN would be secure but might be overkill for this situation. It could be done simpler but that is up to you. It sounds like you have the benefit of being in a small company (No Sarbanes Oxley *Shiver*) and attacking this however you like.

 

[TheCardMan]

Yes, a little advantage.

Will PC Anywhere work through the internet? Or do you still need a modem?

 

[XRJoe]

For PC Anywhere or Netmeeting Remote Desktop you would need to forward the correct ports to the host PC at work. I assume you have some Linksys DSL/Cable router with such a small setup? It should be pretty straight forward.

Netmeeting is a free solution bundled with most Windows versions and should be your first attempt here (at least that's what I would try first). Management loves it when you can accomplish a new request without spending any additional money!

 

[TheCardMan]

Thank XRJoe!! Will try this.

-Joe

 

[smah]

I think that netmeeting will require someone to be at the office computer to allow the shared desktop. There are several versions of VNC software that will do what you need also.

 

[XRJoe]

VNC is also an option. It would work the same way and is also a free solution.

For Netmeeting you do not need someone on the other end to establish a remote desktop connection. Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing can be configured to always be available. I used to access my home PC from school and work back in day before XP and Remote Desktop.

 

[Greasemonkey1]

Looking into MIONET. It is a powerful software with a subscription based. I used this when the boss want to connect from home to there server to look at Excel and Quickbook files.