View Full Version : Good free VPN software
Does any of the orgs resident geeks know a good free VPN client I can install on my home desktop PC which will allow me to access the files on it and remotely control the desktop using my Laptop over the internet?
Both are running Windows 7
TheOnlyNemesis
09-01-10, 12:08 PM
i think it is free, we played with it at college http://openvpn.net/index.php/access-server/download-openvpn-as.html
College courses have moved on a bit since I did my BTEC in computer studies 14 years ago I see :D, the internet was still a fad that wouldn't last back then lol
Doesn't look free by looking at this page but it might be one of those, you should pay us but we're not really going to do anything if you don't type jobs.
http://openvpn.net/index.php/access-server/pricing.html
Is it easy to use?
TheOnlyNemesis
09-01-10, 12:27 PM
If some of the brain dead chavs on my course can mate, you can.
You can always get cracked software on the net.
wyrdness
09-01-10, 01:13 PM
Do you really want a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or do you just need something like VNC?
My VPN is handled by my ADSL modem/routers using IPsec. It was a major PITA to set up, even though I've got two degrees in computing and have worked in computers for 20 years.
I want to be able to connect via remote desktop to my home PC via my laptop over the internet, if VNC does this job then it'll do.
What is VNC?
wyrdness
09-01-10, 01:17 PM
I want to be able to connect via remote desktop to my home PC via my laptop over the internet, if VNC does this job then it'll do.
What is VNC?
Remote desktop software. There's quite a few versions available. I've used this free one which seems pretty good, though there are plenty of others.
http://www.tightvnc.com/
Cheers, I'll give it a whirl
wyrdness
09-01-10, 01:22 PM
Cheers, I'll give it a whirl
I found tightvnc to be easy to set up, though you'll probably have to set up a dynamic DNS so that you can see your home router from the internet and also configure your router to forward the VNC ports to the PC. You can google for how to do both, if you don't already know. Many adsl modems support dynamic DNS, so that shouldn't be hard to set up.
-Ralph-
09-01-10, 01:24 PM
Forget VNC or VPN, see https://secure.logmein.com/UK/solutions/personal/control/, that's what you need.
Forget VNC or VPN, see www.logmein.com (http://www.logmein.com), that's what you need.
Cheers:p
Now all I need is a Ford Truck :rolleyes:
mr.anderson
09-01-10, 02:54 PM
Do you really need a console connection?
If you need to share files easily, try dropbox.com.
timwilky
09-01-10, 02:55 PM
You appear to have a number of requirements remote control and remote file access.
A VPN is an encrypted tunnel with a degree of authentication to establish that tunnel. Thereafter you then have the use of that tunnel for your remote control and file access.
Firstly do you actually need a VPN. What are you doing that needs that level of encryption?
I assume you have been very lazy and simply stuck your home computer directly on the internet and are relying on onboard software to manage the security.
If you value your systems/data etc. Pull it off now and buy a firewall. I recommend netgear firewalls mainly because they support AES256 encryption as well as 3des and you can use multiple authentication schemes including a proper PKI system using X509 certificates for authentication.
However I guess you are looking for road warrior access. No problem the netgears support that config on their client
If you don't use a pucker firewall, do you need encryption. Simply rely on windows authentication, open your windows firewall to permit file access to the big wide world and install VNC or even RDP etc for remote control.
You appear to have a number of requirements remote control and remote file access.
A VPN is an encrypted tunnel with a degree of authentication to establish that tunnel. Thereafter you then have the use of that tunnel for your remote control and file access.
Firstly do you actually need a VPN. What are you doing that needs that level of encryption?
I assume you have been very lazy and simply stuck your home computer directly on the internet and are relying on onboard software to manage the security.
If you value your systems/data etc. Pull it off now and buy a firewall. I recommend netgear firewalls mainly because they support AES256 encryption as well as 3des and you can use multiple authentication schemes including a proper PKI system using X509 certificates for authentication.
However I guess you are looking for road warrior access. No problem the netgears support that config on their client
If you don't use a pucker firewall, do you need encryption. Simply rely on windows authentication, open your windows firewall to permit file access to the big wide world and install VNC or even RDP etc for remote control.
Don't understand all of that, sorry. But I will try and answer best I can.
What I am trying to achieve is be able to log onto my home PC using remote desktop and access files.
At the moment I use Orb to access video and music etc but it's a bit clunky and want to stream media more directly.
I use the Windows software firewall and the firewall on the router which is netgear provided by sky. I am sure I am open to some form of attack but meh.
Not sure what a road warrior is other than Mad Max.
What, is wrong with the built-in Remote Desktop?
I use it to carry out admin on family members computers, and never have an issue with it. I simply have dyndns.org account set up with the router updating the account when the ip address is changed. It is rare that I've found a necessity for a console connection.
What, is wrong with the built-in Remote Desktop?
I use it to carry out admin on family members computers, and never have an issue with it. I simply have dyndns.org account set up with the router updating the account when the ip address is changed. It is rare that I've found a necessity for a console connection.
I didn't think you culd connect using remote desktop over the internet.
Sure can. It's easy, free and reliable, you can reboot the machine remotely and be able to reconnect too. You can create shortcuts for the type of settings you require, such as the level of detail you want to pull through on the screen, such as backgrounds, colour depth etc.
If you wish, I can set up a temporary dyndns address and account on my xp partition on the mac, so you can test it out. Give me a shout and we can sort a time out.
I use remote desktop it over the network at home and use it at work so I think I know how to use it.
I'll give you a shout if I need any more help though. Cheers :D
-Ralph-
09-01-10, 07:42 PM
Remote desktop opening port 3389 on your firewall, so that you can hit it from anywhere on the web, along with the rest of the world. Then sending your username and password over the internet to it with no encryption, as is the default for remote desktop?
Give me your IP address and leave your internet banking details somewhere obvious on your PC too please? :rolleyes:
If your going to use remote desktop, which I don't recommend since I've already given you the best solution for what you need to achieve, make sure you turn on 128bit encryption for client connections, change the port number to something other than 3389, and lock down which user accounts can connect.
-Ralph-
09-01-10, 07:50 PM
What, is wrong with the built-in Remote Desktop?
I use it to carry out admin on family members computers, and never have an issue with it. I simply have dyndns.org account set up with the router updating the account when the ip address is changed. It is rare that I've found a necessity for a console connection.
Remote desktop can give you a console connection if you need it
mstsc /v:123.456.789.101 /console
but unless connecting to a server you can only use one account at a time anyway, so effectively you already have it
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