Daily Cup of Tech

We’ve all done this from time to time. You just show up to work after a two hour commute when you realize that there is a file you need at the other office two cities over. Or maybe your spouse calls and asks you for help with an Excel spreadsheet. The idea of traveling to another location or back home for a two minute solution excites you about as much as a skunk martini. But, what do you do?

The answer is to access your computer remotely so that you can complete the required task quickly and get on with your life. So, I compiled a list of ways that you can do this with minimal muss and fuss. But, beware! You need to plan ahead so that you have this ready when you need it. Also, if these solutions are not set up and configured properly, they can very quickly become a security risk to your remote systems (Just ask Jared!). Consider yourself warned!

1. VNC -This has been around in various formats for years. It basically lets you remotely control your computer so that you see what is on your remote desktop from the computer you are running on. It is cross platform and can run on pretty much anything that has an IP address including PDA’s and smartphones. Some of the more common versions of VNC include RealVNC (Windows, Linux, Solaris), TightVNC (Windows), UltaVNC (Windows), Vine Server (OSX), Chicken of the VNC (OSX), VNCViewer (PocketPC), PocketVNC Server (PocketPC), Smartphone VNC Server (Windows Smartphones), Vino (Gnome Linux), ChrisControl (Windows), and PalmVNC (Palm OS).  I would also probably recommend securing VNC with SSH.
2. Remote Desktop - Built into every version of Windows since Windows 2000, this is a pared down version of Windows Terminal Services. It essentially lets you take control of the local running terminal session on a remote computer and redirect the session to your computer. Make sure that you have this enabled ahead of time or you may find yourself out of luck. (Mind you, you may be able to activate it remotely.)
3. Web Based Remote Control - There are a number of websites that will allow you to remotely access your files or computers if you sign up to their web service.  Some of these include LogMeIn and iRemotePC.
4. Web Server - It is incredibly simple to add a web server to pretty much any system.  Simply use your hard drive as the root of the server and allow it to browse folders.  But, if you are going to do it this way, make sure that you use SSL (https://) and require user authentication before giving people access to your files.  This way, all of the file transfers are encrypted and you need a username and a password in order to get access to the files.  Probably one of the better solutions is to run a version of Apache with OpenSSL to help lock it down.  Or even a AMP server, even though it is overkill.
5. FTP Server - Probably not my favorite solution since it can be problematic to set up and it send data unencrypted over the wire.  Still, this could be an acceptable risk in those emergency situation.  Google can help you find the right FTP server for the job.
6. sFTP/SCP - Much better than FTP, this allows you to set up an SSH server, log into the SSH server and copy files through this encrypted stream.  Some useful tools for setting this up include FreeSSHd, OpenSSH, PuTTY, WinSCP and SSHTools.  You can also read a good tutorial on setting up SSH on Linux and a comparison of tools for Windows.
7. RemoteByMail - This is a unique solution that lets you send commands to your computer via e-mail.  It will then respond accordingly.  You can “retrieve files or folders, automatically zip files to be transferred, execute programs or batch files, or open files”.
8. VPN - This is probably the most secure way of getting remote access to another network.  Encrypts all data and keeps things secure.  Some free solutions include Hamachi, Kaboodle, SSL Explorer, SSLBridge, Poptop, and OpenVPN.

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5 Responses to “Remotely Accessing Computers”

1. The Fieldhouse Says:
   November 30th, 1999 at 12:00 am

   E-Mail TracksSecurity Is About Being UnattractiveI Think I Have A Virus: Now What?Tech Blog of the Week: Schneier on SecurityA More Secure Home WiFi DesignThe Anatomy of a VirusHigh End Router, Low End HardwareRemotely Accessing ComputersDonated/Trashed a Computer? Your Data May be at RiskWindows Update On A DiskStories of Identity TheftDCoT Helps Find Lost ChildHow Jared Was Hacked!E-Mail Request: USB AntivirusThe Vista SkipRearm Debacle

2. Rob Dunn Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 11:41 am

   I’ve had GREAT success with Logmein, they offer 256-bit encryption on the connection.

   I’ve also used Hamachi, and it has been a life-saver, especially if I need to get to my files.

   For remote support (i.e. helping out your friends and family), CrossLoop and TeamView are good. They offer secure end-to-end connections (TeamView has file transfer capability!), with a bit more control on the remote end.

   I’ve reviewed a few of the aforementioned apps on my blog

   Later!

3. Sam Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 2:38 pm

   I’ve used hamachi to create a vpn, and coupled that with ultraVNC. This way I can access any files I need, or even access applications that might be found only on a remote system. Hamachi has the easiest setup, and is great for remote systems on dynamic IP addresses.

4. Rarst Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 2:39 pm

   https://www.foldershare.com/

   Free. Beta. From microsoft (so for windows, remote from any system via web).

   It is rather nice solution for remote file access. Small (less than 1.5Mb installed) software running on computer sharing files, access via web (to use sync functions need to install software on other computers).

   I had not used it a lot but I think it has some advantages over running ftp\http server:
   - no tweaking needed, it works pretty much instantly after install (already with encryption and such)
   - less danger to your PC being hacked because you don’t access it directly but through foldershare site… And it’s much less likely to be hacked than some home PC with ftp server thrown on it
   - syncing and sharing capabilities (hadn’t used these so can’t tell how good they are)

   Con - just realised it has no upload function with web access, need to use software for that.

5. Rob Dunn Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 3:41 pm

   I’ve used hamachi to create a vpn, and coupled that with ultraVNC. This way I can access any files I need, or even access applications that might be found only on a remote system. Hamachi has the easiest setup, and is great for remote systems on dynamic IP addresses.

   And, since Hamachi is encrypted, so is your VNC session!

   For secure online file storage, I use XDrive, but there are a lot others available (Mozy is a good one as well). I know both Mozy & XDrive will allow you access through a web interface.

6. Don Smith Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 4:58 pm

   I use UltrVNC for home access. I use the encryption plugin, but if you want to connect to your PC by web browser, you have for go the encryption plugin.
   I also run VNC viewer in listen mode so people who need support(family and friends)can open a revers connection to me VIA a single click client(see UltraVNC website).That way there is no setup needed by the person needing help. You can email the Single Click client or put a link on your webpage, it is small (225k).
   Remote Anything also can do a revers connection from a small client.
   I have found that it is important to have more than one way to do a remote connection. Last resort is to walk the user through launching Windows Netmeeting and configuring it so you can “Share desktop”. And it can be a beating to get it done.
   Like anything else, after you get it to work. It seams easy. Don’t get discouraged.

7. Constantly Thinking Says:
   May 29th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

   Daily Cup of Tech

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