Remote computer access

[Thunder_Mountai]

We've been using Logmein for accessing a computer in the house while snowbirding. I have a webcam and Davis Instrument weather station for monitoring temps inside and out. Logmein increased its yearly rate from $149 to $249. Really can't justify the cost for five months use a year.

Anybody got a suggestion for remote computer access programs that are low or no cost?

[fj12ryder]

bucky wrote:
I use a newfangled machine called a laptop.

To connect to your weather station and cameras back at the house?

[bucky]

I use a newfangled machine called a laptop.

[robreab]

When DynDNS quit their free version, I went will Google DynDNS. Also Cable internet usually doesn't change their ip addresses for long periods. Depending on how often you're home, you may be able to live without dyndns services.

I've got a router with DDWRT installed and use a VPN. Very handy when you want to do bank transactions from McDonalds wifi. Also would give you access to cameras etc.

[garry1p]

DYDNS provides the service you are looking for.

They do have a free version but no tech support my service is less than $50 a year.

No worry about dynamic or static IP since DYDNS takes care of it for you.

You will have to set up port forwarding but they can help you with that.

[AsheGuy]

deltabravo wrote:
Teamviewer has the option to connect if no one is present at the other end.
I installed it to do just that, and it worked as advertised.

Exactly.

I leave my home desktop on 24/7 and have for over 10 years. I can get to it with TeamViewer or Google's Remote Desktop from wherever I am. With the alternative of my phone's hotspot available for Internet service, I seldom have problems with Internet access when we travel.

I will say though that with my increasing use of web-based apps and cloud storage I have a need for this remote access less often.

[LittleBill]

MitchF150 wrote:
Haven't heard of that one, so will have to check that out.. Thanks.

you have to setup Easy Access, as long as the comp is on it works.

[MitchF150]

Haven't heard of that one, so will have to check that out.. Thanks.

[deltabravo]

MitchF150 wrote:

If you use links to remote access programs like gotomeeting or other's, that will get you access, but you have to have someone on the other end to accept the connection/allow access.

Teamviewer has the option to connect if no one is present at the other end.
I installed it to do just that, and it worked as advertised.

[MitchF150]

From my experience, you can't just connect to your 'home' network via RDC or other local network remote programs out there.. For one thing, your home ip address is usually a dynamic IP address and not necessary the same from one day to the next.. Also, your ISP usually does not allow for access to your dynamic IP address anyway.. Which is good in a way...

If you use links to remote access programs like gotomeeting or other's, that will get you access, but you have to have someone on the other end to accept the connection/allow access.

Good luck!

Mitch

[tvman44]

Can you still get win 7? My laptop came with vista and a free upgrade to 7 and it worked great but now I would love to reload 7 and don't think I can get it free anymore.

[sue_t]

Thunder Mountain wrote:
Sorry about omitting the OS. I'm running a Dell with XP that can't be upgraded. Not enough HP to run Windows 7.

My 10-year-old Dell made the switch from XP to Win7 without any issue. I formatted the hard drive and then loaded the new operating system. All is good and it is faster than it was with XP.

[deltabravo]

I installed Team viewer and have been using it some yesterday. It works well.

[deltabravo]

I've been using VNC at work for at least 7 or 8 years. It works great for WAN/LAN in a corporate environment.

VNC appears to be a huge PITA to get configured to connect to computers across different networks though. I am reading through some of the documentation and you have to go in to the DSL / Cable router and set up port forwarding.

[Thunder_Mountai]

Thanks for the replies. It gives me a place to start when I get home.