Windows 7 file sharing across internet 1

[Milpitas]

Is it possible to use Windows 7 Professional as a simple server, for a small office, about 3 people?
It would mostly be used only for file sharing.

However, we do want to work from home sometimes.
So we need to access to documents on a work computer, while at home.

Would Windows 7 Professional work for that?
Or do we have to get a Windows Server version?

2. How would you then access the remote computer? Across the internet?
Can you Map a Network drive, when both computers are Windows 7 Pro?
From a home computer, can I Map a Network drive, located on the work computer?

Can I do a Remote Desktop Connection, across the internet (from home, connect to work computer)
If both computers are Windows 7 Professional?

Thank you,
Milpitas

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

the safest way would be to use a VPN connection. I wouldn't recommend exposing your workstation to the internet like that.

What router / firewall do you use at the office?

if the router isnt able to offer any vpn services, try these ideas:

http://www.howtogeek.com/135996/

http://ultra-it.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/setup-vpn-serverclient-in-windows-7.html

You will need to do a little port forwarding on your router for the above....

A VPN will allow you to browse your network safely.

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[DSummZZZ]

Yes, you can set up shares on workstations accessible from other workstations.
Getting to them from home is a different story.
To access the files remotely, you somehow have to set up a server with that sort of capability, then be able to get to the the file server through a firewall. For that you will need some sort of VPN connection, etc. You will be getting into a lot of technology and hardware expense to do it properly without leaving yourself exposed to the evil internet.
Your best option would probably be looking into remote access like LogMeIn.com or GoToMyPC.com.


-Dave Summers-

Even more Fox stuff at:

http://www.davesummers.net/foxprolinks.htm

 

[Milpitas]

Thank you for that info, to HairlessSupportMonkey. To help me understand this, I decided to make a list, of things I need to do.
Is this correct? Anything I'm forgetting?

For the Windows 7 computer that I'm using as a "Server" or a host to the files, at the office:
1. Set up a fixed IP address for this computer
Router is from AT&T phone company.
2. Routing Table-AT&T router, I believe their support will help me set up Routing Table to direct incoming connections to a specific IP address
We do have a few IP addresses.
3. Configure Incoming VPN connection: Set up New Connection in Network Control Panel

4. On Client computer (Windows 7 computer at home) Set up New Connection in Network Control Panel, using IP address of work computer.

Thank you very much!