Help needed Setting up small network

with remote access

[Visit Thailand]

I have never set up a network myself so am a little confused by the whole thing.

Basically I want a laptop with Windows 98 to have access (complete) to two computers in a different building both of which have Windows XP.

All computers have only dial up internet access (so no 24 hours, cable etc) and the IP address changes.

It is very important that neither of the computers in the other building can see anything (files etc) on the laptop and between themselves.

First of all is this possible? and secondly how?

[martinibuster]

I think this is called a VPN (Virtual Private Network). You have to set it up using a router/gateway at home, and follow the instructions that come with the router on how to configure it.

A friend has a Linksys router, very common, that has that option for setting up a vpn for remote access. However, he disabled it as this may make the gateway less secure, because he doesn't use vpn.

Try going to Linksys' web site, I believe they have a user manual/installation guide you can download. Read it, and if it sounds right for your needs, buy it.

Oh, and a second thought: How about PCAnywhere? Have you looked into that as well?

[Visit Thailand]

Thanks to be honest I was hoping I did not have to buy one of them as I was under the impression that with Win XP I can use the remote connection but am a little lost as to how it all works, so perhaps I do need a router.

As for pc anywhere yes have been looking at that but have not found any useful and easy to understand tutorials!

[sun818]

Microsoft will show you instructions on configuring XP Remote Desktops [google.com] as "hosts" for the XP computers. For your laptop, download the Remote Desktop client [microsoft.com]. Purchasing a hardware router should not be necessary as the VPN (virtual private network) connection is via software.

[Visit Thailand]

Thanks Sun 818.

This is what I thought and I have added the client software to the laptop, already configured the host.

What I am confused about that does not seem to be explained on the msoft site is how the laptop knows the IP address of the desktop. How do I find what the IP address is when it keeps changing every time.

Has anyone been through this?

[sun818]

Can the XP hosts accept incoming calls through the modem? The remote computer dials the office computer directly and connects through a modem. This bypasses the internet and having to know the dynamic IP. One disadvantage of this method could be bigger telephone bills if you calls are long distance.

I found a PDF that steps through the remote and client setup process: pclaw.com/faq/xp_remote/REMOTE.PDF

Thanks.

[andreasfriedrich]

How do I find what the IP address is when it keeps changing every time.

Use a dynamic dns service such as www.dyndns.org for that.

Andreas