VPN, want to access a shared folder from anywhere

[LocoPollo]

I think its called VPN, if I want a shared folder on the network to be access from anywhere.

I'm completely new to it, but it sounds so smart. How do I set it up? What programs do I need? Is it build into XP, so that I dont need any other programs? is there anything else I shold know?

Thanks!

 

[captaincrunch00]

VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It's basically a tunnel that you create from anywhere back into your network.

I dont think you want a VPN... I think you just want a shared folder.

An easier way to do that would probably be to set up an FTP server with a username/password and then make sure that folder is in the FTP server. That way you could grab the contents of the folder, then push new stuff (or things you've changed) into that folder.

This is pretty much where my advice stops as I've never set up an FTP server on XP.
I'm sure the Microsoft Knowledgebase or any of a dozen other sites will have instructions to do this.

Google for "XP FTP Server" or something of that sort.

 

[LocoPollo]

Thanks!!

I had completely forgot about that solution, and its probably much more simple, and just as secure. (you got to have a username and password)

I'm just a bit curious. what is the difference between FTP and VPN - what more can you do on VNP?

They are very similar aren't they?

 

[captaincrunch00]

Not really similar.

An FTP is just a shared folder to pretty much anywhere.

A VPN is a method of connecting back into your network from anywhere in the world so you can access all of your network resources. If you have a terminal server you can connect back to that or any of your servers at all once you are in your network through the VPN.