If you are away from your desk and you need access your files and/or computer over the Internet, you can use any of the following four following Remote Access Methodologies to accomplish this task. In essence, such a program will allow you work on your own files or computer, directly, through the Internet, from any other computer.
Keep in mind that there are -many- providers of remote access services and different ways to go in each of these areas. I have named only a few of those with which I have had direct experience. The question of “how to access my computer remotely?” and “how to use my Microsoft Access database over the Internet?” are questions I am frequently asked. Therefore, I’ve published this article for your information.
Remote Computer and File Access Methodologies
- Remote Server
- Remote Hosting
- Remote Desktop Access
- File Synchronization
Remote Server
You setup a server in your office. Each user’s work computer is actually a “virtual computer” that exists within the server. That virtual computer is accessed through a remote server program on the “workstation” at which that person is sitting. (“Workstations” are regular PC computers. I’m referring to these computers as workstations because, in the subject manner, being used to work directly on a server.) The remote access program is used whether you or your users are working onsite or offsite, as access can be had either over the Internet or through your local area network. All programs, files, etc. are kept on the server making it easier to administer the computer. Literally, everything is in one place which makes it easier to keep all files backed up. Windows Remote Desktop and Citrix Server are two popular, reliable ways to go about setting up such a system. Costs involve setting up a dedicated server as well as purchasing and installing the software. You’ll need an IT person to do the setup for you.
Remote Hosting and “Cloud Hosting”
“Cloud Hosting” is hard to define, but within the context of this article I’ll treat Remote and Cloud Hosting as being synonymous. Remote Hosting is exactly the same as Remote Server, above, except that the server itself is kept in a remote location and is setup, installed and maintained by a third party. All access takes place through the Internet. Rackspace is a popular service, however, they have many competitors. This solution is both pricey and highly effective.
Remote Desktop Access
This is THE solution if there is a computer you want to control remotely. Specifically, you log into the remote computer, online, view the screen of that computer and take control of the mouse and keyboard. You may be sitting at one computer, but its the computer on the other end of your connection upon which you’re actually doing your work. You can also transfer files, print files from the remote computer to your local printer, etc. Popular programs include GoToMyPc (about $20/month) and logmein (both free and paid versions). There is also the ever popular PCAnywhere program for which you pay once (about $200) as opposed to paying a monthly fee.
File Synchronization
I’m a one man shop and this is what I use. You select one or more folders on your computer and then setup one or more computers to “mirror” these files. When you change a file on any computer, that file is uploaded to a remote server (somewhere in “the cloud” I suppose). What’s nice about this solution is that your computers are always up to date with the same files no matter where you work. Furthermore, you can work on your files while your computer is offline. As soon as you go online, all files automatically go online and are synchronized with the other computers. The one thing you need to watch out for is making sure each computer is synchronized before working on the same files on another computer. Otherwise you end up with multiple versions of files.
Furthermore, if you are away from your computer all together, you can still log in to the service provider directly and download the files you need, from any computer.
I personally use Windows Mesh for file synchronization. Through this service, Microsoft provides 5 gig of synchronization for free. Mesh runs with Vista, Win 7 and Mac OS X 10.5 and up. Another extremely popular service is Dropbox. I’ve not used Dropbox myself but the services they provide are worth a look.