How do I remotely access a Hard Drive without a PC connected to it?

Question

My entire family is spread out around the world and as we travel a lot we never seem to have the right files with us when we need them. Is there a way to access our external hard drives at our house without having a computer next to it hooked into it. Also I've been hearing about using a VPN network, if that's what I need, how do I set it up (Step-by-Step)? Also if there isn't a way to do this securely without a computer hooked into it I still need to know how to access the Hard Drive and files via the internet.

Answer 1

Ok here is an inexpensive,quick to setup method that lets you use whatever drive you like, does not require any computer to be on to use, and is secure! Set mine up in about 45 minutes..

There are Network Attached Storage devices that convert your hard drive to an ethernet device. You can buy one, install your drive into the case and use FTP to directly access it from anywhere. No computer needs to be running the NAS has a "file server" built into the system.

http://www.adstech.com/products/NAS-806-EF/intro/NAS_806_intro.asp?pid=NAS-806-EF
is one, just look for an ethernet nas enclosure

Here is one for LESS than $45.00 has server built in - just add your drive
http://www.thenerds.net/ADS_TECHNOLOGIES.NAS_Drive_Kit.NAS806EF.html?affid=1&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=08-32236467-2&affid=3

Have fun, I use one and it is great to grab files from.

Answer 2

accessing a HD not connected to a PC is like calling someone that doesn't have a phone or attempting to start a car with the engine siting next to it. if you want to access files w/o connecting the drive to the PC you can open an free email account w/google, upload those files there and just login when you need them. this account must be used only for this purpose or you'll have a lot of crap mixed w/your files, making it more difficult to retrieve later.

Answer 3

That might work except when the power goes out, or when someone turns it off. If you can access your hardrive remotely so can a good hacker.

You may want to consider an online hardrive that is with you wherever the net goes. You can upload and download files right through your web browser.

Yahoo provides a service called Briefcase that will allow you to do this. It gives you 25 meg. Not much.
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/

Get a hotmail account and use it to open Windows Live Skydrive account. It provides 500 meg of storage.
http://skydrive.live.com/

And the service that I prefer is omnidrive with 1 gig of space.
http://www.omnidrive.com/

Answer 4

I don't know if I understand the problem.

If you need an internet resource which can easily store several GB of data and can be accessed by everyone in your family -- wherever they have an internet connection -- try a Google email account.

I have almost 3Gb space with 2Gb still empty. If I took some digital photos, I could upload them as email attachments. Later, one of your family members could save the attachments and burn them to a CD with a title like "Ski Trip Utah 2007"..

Flashdrives / thumbdrives -- basically memory that works like a drive and connects to the USB port -- may be a partial solution. Also most digital camera use some form of memory card which can be removed and read directly by a computer.

I'm seeing flashdrives built into jewelry and key fobs to make them less conspicuous. I'll post a link.

- CarlD

http://www.swarovski.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/SCO-Web_US-Site/en_US/-/USD/SW_ViewContent-Landingpage;pgid=i35I6_movKNSR0EEKtMsEUMK0000x9LSg_kM;sid=Ja8Od29MId4hdymwNLQPUQZGGIaojCk9gWhIBsuLGIaojA==

Answer 5

You have to take it apart, remove the drive, then attach it to another computer to read the files. There are external disk to USB adapters, or external drive boxes that will do the trick....

Answer 6

Carry a 16GB jump drive and have everything in your pocket.
You can buy a 16GB for $149.00 now.

Answer 7

a hard drive is a pc accessory item. it's not meant to stand alone.

Answer 8

www.gotomypc.com