Stuart,
The third area I want to cover is software to remotely access to a
computer at home. I have several different systems set up for
remotely accessing computers at home. I use them for different
functions depending on what I want to do.
Windows Remote Access - this is built into Windows XP and can be
configured to allow authenticated users to login to computers
remotely. You take over the computer just like you were setting in
front of it. It uses encrypted passwords. There is a Remote access
client you can use on Mac OS to access any windows computer you have.
VNC - this is free program that does the same thing as Remote
Access, but it works with anything, Linux, Mac OS, or Windows. You
take over the computer just like you were in front of it. If you go
with VNC be sure you select a client and server that use encrypted
communications like ssh. If you want to explore VNC go to http://
www.versiontracker.com select MacOS or Windows and search for for
VNC. Version tracker has lots of free, shareware and demos of
commercial software.
Apple Remote Access - expensive program if you are not a system
administrator like me, you will not want to buy it. It provides lots
of utility to talk to and manage remote Mac OS computers. It works to
manage VNC enabled computers. It used encrypted passwords and can be
used to move files between computers.
CoRD - Open Source Port of rdesktop from Unix that allows Windows
Remote Desktop access to the Mac OS computer. This is Beta software
so it can have problems, but it allows you to another way to connect
to a remote Mac from Windows.
These programs are great if you have multiple devices you want to
montitor on your home network or you do not want to broadcast the
information out on the internet. To use the software you will need to
create a hole through any firewall/router you are running on your
home network. If you are not running a firewall/router, you just have
your computers hooked into a hub that goes to the internet. STOP and
get a firewall/router. Having any computer directly connected to the
internet using DSL or Cable Modem is leaving it open to attack from
hackers, trojan programs, a firewall/router is an inexpensive way to
greatly upgrade your security.
Tom Hillson
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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