Is there any way to Link two computers together in two different states?

Question

My Company is in California and I moved to Ohio. Is there any way I can link up to a computer in California from Ohio and access all the files and programs from here. I would need to be able to send information to the Printer in California.

Answer 1

Most likely, you could:

1.) use a vpn (virtual private network) with remote desktop or terminal services

OR

2.) use a remote access program like PCAnywhere over the internet

Every company's remote access policy/procedures are different. You need to check w/ your company's IT people to find out what solution would be appropriate for you.

Answer 2

There are several ways to do this.

1. If both locations have a router, you can set up a router-to-router VPN. This would create a virtual network between your two locations. You could share data, printers, etc. just as if the two computers were in the same office. Most difficult to set up, as you have to configure both routers, but the most convenient and user-friendly once it's established.

2. "Standard" VPN, where you create a VPN connection in network connections to your remote office. Typically, you are authenticated on the network by the router (or server, depending on the setup) and then use remote desktop to access resources at the remote site. This works best if there is a server at the other end (remote desktop will boot off existing users on a workstation).

3. Remote Desktop (assuming you have XP Pro). You forward port 3389 on the router to the server at the remote location. Then, when you remote desktop to the router's IP address, it routes you directly to the server in a remote desktop session (it can also work for desktops, but again you'll boot off any existing user).

4. Telnet. If you have a telnet server at the other end, you can create a telnet session to access resources (files, programs and printers) at the remote location.

5. Third party software. There are lots of remote software vendors (PCanywhere, gotomypc, etc.) that can accomplish this as well. Take your pick.

Answer 3

The first thing is both computers need to be on internet.


heres a link to some of software out there that do this for you.
http://www.download.com/Remote-Access/3150-7240_4-0.html

You could configure the computers yourself, (if someone on remote site can help) and use some of the many free and included in the system utilities, but you'll need to be somewhat proficient at computer networking.

For some explanation on this:
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci212887,00.html

Answer 4

Try using PC Link - you can download a free trial version from the manufacturer.

David
www.blueforyou.co.uk

Answer 5

Yes, you can do this, and there are several ways to do it, depending on your need for security, and how much you want to spend.