Free / Cheap Remote Computer Access
Hi all. I need to access my PC remotely from another country via my laptop. Both computers are connected to Broadband.
Could someone please let me know if there is a way of me doing it for free and securely?
Whilst searching on Google I came across a few sites that offer 14-30 days free-trial, but I don't know how good they are as I don't know anyone that has used them before. How secure are they?
Help!
Curitiba Sat 16/02/08 07:48
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What do you need to do this for? If we know why you want to do it, we can come up with solutions.
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Question Author
Don't worry, it is nothing dodgy.
My mum lives in another country and has been having a lot of trouble with the PC I gave to her 7 years ago. It is pretty old and I am planning on giving her my lap top. But until we meet up again I need to delete/transfer a few of my personal files that are on that PC to my lap top here in Britain. I also need to do a bit of tidying up, like defragmation, delete a few things that mum never uses.
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I didn't think for a minute it was dodgy.
I store files I need to access from different computers around the world on google docs - web based and free.
Remote access is possible with XP but I don't know of anything for older pcs. Hope somebody else can help.
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Question Author
My mum's computer is on XP like myself! Help, please, don't leave me!
I will browse re Google storage too.
Thank you :)
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This is the google docs I use:
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writ ely&passive=true&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F&fo llowup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F<mpl=homepage&nui=1& rm=false
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You can do this all with VNC (and similar apps, like chickenVNC etc. that's free).
It can all get a bit complicated though -- especially for your mum!
I recommend this service:
https://www.copilot.com/
It's pretty cheap (free to try), and very simple to use. It should work very well.
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You can also do it with remote desktop which is also free, but only works if the target client is running XP Pro
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I'm pretty careful when it comes to security. I asked my IT instructor (who is the most paranoid person ever when it comes to security) about a program called LOG ME IN found at http://www.logmein.com . I saw this program and liked it but had my concerns about the security of remote access. He said it looks legitimate to him. I tried it and think it's the best thing since sliced bread. there is a free version that allows full remote access but does not allow file transfer. There are other paid versions of log me in that support that. The free version allows access to all features of the paid version but only for a limited time.
This program needs to be installed on the computer you want to access only. Then that computer can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Its very easy to install so you can guide her through it.
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If it's XP, it can definitely be done - by vnc for instance, but the computer I work from can be remotely controlled and screened by five others. Can, and is - that is.
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Let us know how you manage, and if you need more help.
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It has been a while since I looked but as far as I am aware all the free VNC applications are insecure. Paid versions offer encryption.
I would set up VPN (Virtual Private Network). It is a Windows feature that allows a remote compter to join a network via Internet. This gives you access to all files. You can easily use Windows Remote Desktop for remote control.
Note that most consumer ADSL modems are supplied in a configuration without the capability to port anything. You need to reconfigure the modem into bridge mode to support many types of connection. Beware as this opens up computer to the internet so a proper configuration of the firewall is essential.
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Question Author
Thank you all for all the answers. I visited all the websites suggested here and I agree - Google Docs rocks! Specially if I manage to paste some of my pictures onto a Word document and make it available there.
VNC sounds complicated, specially if I have to configure my modem and Firewall - haven't got much experience in that, despite having Norton. But I do like a challenge :)
I particularly liked www.logmein.com because I manage my mum's file for free and it offers a page in Portugues, so my mum will also be able to understand even though she will still need my help with the computer. It also has a customer care in the UK, which is important to me.
I will keep the tread opened, so if you think of anything please let me know. Will install the software this week, so keep your fingers crossed for me.
Cheers :)
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