Re: Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs

From: Todd Shillam (tshillam_notebook_at_comcast.net)
Date: 07/04/04 

Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2004 13:22:01 -0700

"Sanjay Punjab" <piclistguy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:97d41df6.0407041159.2efb8e7e@posting.google.com...
> I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do
> these days).
> Many websites are blocked including yahoo mail, hotmail and even my
> alumni school mail.
> We don't have administrator rights on our PCs, so we can't install any
> software.
> While this is understandable these days, I don't enjoy going to work
> each day feeling nanied to death. I am a responsible person who gets
> my work done and would like the similar computer conveniences and
> freedom I enjoyed at previous companies. I am considering signing up
> for a service like gotomypc, where I can "log on" to my home pc from
> work and have access to my files and applications. I am looking for
> some advice and answers to questions.
>
> #1 Is there a significant delay or lag when accessing a remote pc? Can
> you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic
> performance?
> #2 I have read that gotomypc has an advantage with less restrictions
> getting through firewalls, especially companies with tight network
> security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services?
> #3 In regard to security, can my company's IT staff see what I am
> accessing on my home PC?
> #4 Is $20 a month worth it, or can I get the same performance and
> security with other VPNs?
> #5 It would be really cool if I can sync my pocketpc with outlook on
> my remote pc (home pc), through my VPN with my desktop cradle on my
> hostpc (the one in my office).
> I am not sure if this is possible.
> #6 Is there any way to setup my homepc, so I can send a reboot command
> if my homepc locks up? Does gotomypc make it easier to implement such
> a feature?

Sanjay,

I would highly recommend against trying to circumvent your network administrator's security
measures. Not to mention, even if you purchased a service such as GoToMyPC, chances are it very
likely it would not work as intended--that's because your network administrator(s) may have closed
ports on a firewall preventing such a program to work--you're taking a risk, and you're obviously
'going around' your technical staff--not a good idea. As for monitoring your activity, yes--network
administrators can see all kinds of traffic, including which computer you are using a work and what
external computers you are accessing, including the type of traffic, etc.

So are there options? Yes, you can run an FTP server on your home computer, such as GuildFTPd
(freeware). This way you could access your FTP server at home from nearly any computer with an
Internet connection; provided you used the correct user name and password to access your account.
However, your system at work would still need to be configured to permit FTP connections.

I would suggest you relay your concerns to your technical staff or try to find another remote
storage alternative. 

-- 
Best regards,
Todd Shillam
Information Technology Consultant
Shillam Technology
http://shillamtechnology.point2this.com

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs
    ... "Sanjay Punjab" wrote in message ... > I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do ... > you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic ... > security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs
    ... "Sanjay Punjab" wrote in message ... > I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do ... > you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic ... > security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services? ...
    (comp.security.firewalls)
  • Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs
    ... I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do ... Many websites are blocked including yahoo mail, ... you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic ... security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs
    ... I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do ... Many websites are blocked including yahoo mail, ... you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic ... security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.work_remotely)
  • Gotomypc, remote desktop and other VPNs
    ... I just started a job at a company that has a tight IT policy (most do ... Many websites are blocked including yahoo mail, ... you web browse using the browser on the remote pc with realistic ... security, how does this compare with other VPN's or similar services? ...
    (comp.security.firewalls)