VPN connection to Home Network

Im wanting to arrange some sort of VPN connection to my home network from the
outside.

So far, most of what Ive seen has required both host and remote software. Which
would be no problem if I took my laptop on the road as a regular remote user
like a traveling business user. Im needing a way to access my home network (HN)
from a remote computer that is client-free. For example.... Im at my kid's home
using their computer with broadband. Or at a friend's home wanting to get files
or photos for them.... you get the idea. I dont think others would allow me to
install software just to get something off my HN. Isn't there a way to use their
browser to connect to my HN through the Internet?

I used to use PCAnywhere, but it's a nightmare. I've been using MyWebPC, but it
requires client software also. I set up my main desktop with XP to receive
incoming VPN connections, but during setup it only recognized dial-in, not
incoming IP. That wont work, dial-in is too slow and practically useless. And I
have my router and ZoneAlarm both to allow incoming VPN connections. On top of
that, Im getting requests for passwords.... which? I dont know if I need to use
my computer name/pass, my router's name/pass, or something entirely different.
I'm stumped.


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