Remote networking?

[Boogie711]

OK - I understand this is totally not scuba related, but there are lots of relatively bright people on this board.

I own my own PR Agency. It's a boutique, niche firm dedicated to "Defending Good Science" and debunking activist myths. Rather than a central office, we have a few people who work from remote locations or home offices.

I would like to be able to share files and notes, etc, without having to email them back and forth all over the place and get lost on which version is which. I have heard terms like "Virtual Private Network" - is this what I need to be looking into?

And what do I need to budget for this? Let's say maximum users would be 5. Any thoughts?

 

[JeffG]

OK - I understand this is totally not scuba related, but there are lots of relatively bright people on this board.

I own my own PR Agency. It's a boutique, niche firm dedicated to "Defending Good Science" and debunking activist myths. Rather than a central office, we have a few people who work from remote locations or home offices.

I would like to be able to share files and notes, etc, without having to email them back and forth all over the place and get lost on which version is which. I have heard terms like "Virtual Private Network" - is this what I need to be looking into?

And what do I need to budget for this? Let's say maximum users would be 5. Any thoughts?

Yes...If all your people have access to the internet. Contact your ISP for their VPN services.

Sorry, I don't know what they charge, (I don't pay for it just use it)

 

[Tom R]

Have a look here on the Microsoft site to start.

 

[The Chairman]

The best way is to use an appliance like Sonic Wall... a VPN and firewall built right in. It's what I use for my clients.

 

[Boogie711]

Hmm... I've got a router so my laptop and desktop speak to each other, but like anything else on this board - I need to get rid of gear I already bought as my diving, er, I mean my business style, have grown?

Is that what you're telling me? Sheesh!

 

[AzAtty]

We use a Citrix system, which allows full access to the server and our desktop machines. I know Citrix systems tend to be spendy, though.

One drawback of VPN in my area is that the main broadband provider (Cox) "plugs" the VPN ports on the home user accounts (at least that's how it has been described to me). In order to use VPN on my ISP's system, you have to pay their business rate of $200 per terminal per month.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Watch what IP addresses you are using too Jeff. If you put the wrong ones in your going to allow the entire world to see what is on your computer. I will talk to our networking wiz at work for you and get you some info.

 

[JohnF]

Hmm... I've got a router so my laptop and desktop speak to each other, but like anything else on this board - I need to get rid of gear I already bought as my diving, er, I mean my business style, have grown?

Is that what you're telling me? Sheesh!

Remind me later to introduce you to a young friend of mine who lives near you. He's pretty smart with that stuff. I have work to do right now or I'd call you.

JohnF

 

[Boogie711]

Thanks for your reply's, everyone. And it's NOT worth $200 a month to me, and especially not per user! Augh!

 

[The Chairman]

Most static IPs will cost aboiut $50 extra per month. Heck, I have one on my DSL account and the whole thing is $39.95/mo. If you are looking to do this cheap, then there are lots of "mostly free" solutions. A private URL... password protected, and just there to hold files. VNC... all sorts of solutions at easy on the pocket prices.