Remotely connecting to work PC

[shardian]

Does anyone here have experience with this? I would like to set this up so I can access my work computer, because I have a special lock on my work pc that is necessary to use our custom software. I used to carry this lock home...but if I lose it I would be held responsible for the $2500 replacement cost!

Today for instance, I am home sick and am having to work thru another highly annoyed co-worker. What is normally a 5-10 minute job has turned into a 3 hour nightmare.

So, any recommended software from the pro's would be nice. I tried to to the built in remote connection thing, but it told me the computer name did not exist.

[ark_ader]

Easy and secure.

Gotomypc

[massive88]

Easy and secure.

Gotomypc

My wife uses this, works pretty flawlessly.

[shardian]

my bad, I thought my frugality was well known around here.   Anyone have a FREE solution? Even though I am clueless, the windows remote control has to be good once set up. I've seen a techie take over my desktop with it once upon a time at an old job.

[JMB]

Windows remote desktop typically works well enough but your company has to allow access from outside the office (which they don't if they have a clue) or find out if they allow VPN access.  You can connect to your network via VPN and the to your PC via remote desktop.

[MustardTent]

Once you're on logged onto the work network via VPN, you could try to use VNC.  Problem is that depending on how your networks are setup, this type of thing may not be permitted (port filtering, blah blah blah)

http://www.tightvnc.com/

I use tight VNC -- excellent for updating the arcade cab software from my desk and comfy chair.

[ChadTower]

It all hinges on how you intend to get into the corporate network and from what machine.  You need to VPN into the corporate network and then use VNC to remotely control your work desktop.  The key is the VPN - if you have that, the VNC part is trivial, barring any policy issues like not being a local admin on the desktop.  If you do not already have VPN access into the corporate network then you are going to have to get that - and good policy is that you cannot VPN in from a home desktop.  Ideally it is done from a corporate owned laptop that you take home with you.

...and before you ask, yes, it can be done without proper approvals and such, but those methods come with a pink slip and a security escort out the door if discovered.  And possible criminal charges if they are really pissed.

[MustardTent]

I used to work for a large telecommunications company that had some strict network policies.  One of the IT guys decided to use the in-house servers to operate some web store.  When the rest of the IT department realized what happened (it took a while apparently) he was immediately fired with criminal charges filed as well.  I don't know what type of store it was or how the story ended, but that made me a little less inclined to bend those network rules...

[saint]

Start with your company IT department. This is one solution you should not be trying to roll on your own. They should have corporate policies and security measure in place you need to work with, not around.

If you don't have an IT department with policies and measures in place then find out if your company has outsourced its security.

[shardian]

IT Department? Security? 

Dude...I am the IT expert at our place. We have a company that 'manages' our computers and network, but they are worthless. We have a lady that is the liason to the pc people, and she says if I can figure it out, then I can do it.

[saint]

Ah! In that case setup VPN and then just use remote desktop. Who does the firewall for your company?

[JMB]

IT Department? Security? 

Dude...I am the IT expert at our place. We have a company that 'manages' our computers and network, but they are worthless. We have a lady that is the liason to the pc people, and she says if I can figure it out, then I can do it.

Just find out from your network consulting company if the network is setup for VPN access and the rest is simple.

[Dartful Dodger]

Windows remote desktop typically works well enough but your company has to allow access from outside the office (which they don't if they have a clue) or find out if they allow VPN access.  You can connect to your network via VPN and the to your PC via remote desktop.

This is what we use.

When I was going on vacation I had to bring in my laptop and it took our IT guy two days to update it.

I probably could have done it myself, and he could have done it in two hours, but he gets paid by the hour and they don't trust me with company passwords and networking protocols.

Now I can VPN into any computer and work as though I'm at that station using its software and hardware.

[MPS]

Easy and secure.

Gotomypc

If I caught anyone using that GoToMyPC crap on any of my client networks, I'd have them hanged, drawn and quartered.  GoToMyPC utilizes standard HTTP and HTTPS ports and protocols to tunnel itself directly through a firewall.  Anything that punches through a firewall like that is a security threat.  Any network admin who knows what he is doing should block access from those GoToMyPC server IP's.

The only way to do this properly is with a secured VPN + remote desktop.

[shardian]

All a moot point anyways. I talked to the VP about it and he said he'd prefer our network stay local only.