• From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Topic: Computers/Remote Access

I'm really frustrated with trying to work from home and tie into the computer at the office.  I'm wondering if there is anyone successfully doing this that would be able to share what works well.

My software rep set me up with a free program, DynDNS.com, that seems to work if I log on from home shortly after leaving the office.  For example, this past weekend, I was able to log in Friday afternoon, but could not get connected Sunday evening.  The computer at the office seems to do this IP updating thing, which I think causes my home computer to not be able to connect.  Maybe I'm not suppose to shut down the home computer?  (None of his other clients have this problem and I don't think he can make enough  $$ fixing my problem....)

My girlfriend is successfully doing exactly what I want to do with no problems.  She has a Comcast connection at home and a Verizon DSL connection at the office, just like me,  and she uses PC Anywhere.  We are even working on the same program when we tie in, except her version is 2 versions newer than mine. My software guy says that won't work for me...something about a static IP address.  (I already own PC Anywhere, I wouldn't have to even buy it.)  The only difference is since the office computers are PC's, I'm using a Dell Laptop at home that is running in my house on a wireless connection.  The other computers in my house are Apples and are plugged into the cable.  When my sons come home from college their Mac laptops work on the wireless system.  Would I be better off plugging the Dell into the cable line?

So, if anyone has any feedback on this, I'd appreciate it.  I have a feeling its something simple with a router or setting...  I'd like to not pay a monthly service fee for remote access, but obviously would consider it if I can't get anything else to work reliably. 

Thanks if you can help..

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Angela wrote:

I'm really frustrated with trying to work from home and tie into the computer at the office.  I'm wondering if there is anyone successfully doing this that would be able to share what works well.

My software rep set me up with a free program, DynDNS.com, that seems to work if I log on from home shortly after leaving the office.  For example, this past weekend, I was able to log in Friday afternoon, but could not get connected Sunday evening.  The computer at the office seems to do this IP updating thing, which I think causes my home computer to not be able to connect.  Maybe I'm not suppose to shut down the home computer?  (None of his other clients have this problem and I don't think he can make enough  $$ fixing my problem....)

My girlfriend is successfully doing exactly what I want to do with no problems.  She has a Comcast connection at home and a Verizon DSL connection at the office, just like me,  and she uses PC Anywhere.  We are even working on the same program when we tie in, except her version is 2 versions newer than mine. My software guy says that won't work for me...something about a static IP address.  (I already own PC Anywhere, I wouldn't have to even buy it.)  The only difference is since the office computers are PC's, I'm using a Dell Laptop at home that is running in my house on a wireless connection.  The other computers in my house are Apples and are plugged into the cable.  When my sons come home from college their Mac laptops work on the wireless system.  Would I be better off plugging the Dell into the cable line?

So, if anyone has any feedback on this, I'd appreciate it.  I have a feeling its something simple with a router or setting...  I'd like to not pay a monthly service fee for remote access, but obviously would consider it if I can't get anything else to work reliably. 

Thanks if you can help..

PC Anywhere is awful...or at least it was when I tried it several years ago. Very slow. Your IT guy is correct, you need to get a static IP address assigned at work, and then you can just Telnet in. That's how I access our server from home. I am NOT an expert however...I know just enough about this kind of stuff to get myself in trouble. But any decent computer guy should be able to get you set up inside an hour, at a reasonable service charge.

  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Thanks Stu.  My software guy is getting an ultimatum today.  Just googled telnet.

"Telnet is a text-only protocol."  Does that mean one can't use this and do accounting work. all numbers?

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

4 Reply by brandonherges (edited by brandonherges 2010-03-30 14:53:28)

  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: Computers/Remote Access

The problem with DynDNS sounds like your router at work isn't assigning your Computer at work a static local IP. What are you doing, accessing your computer at work like a web-server? (In Internet browser) If so, you're going to, I believe, get your computer at work setup with a static *local* IP (Done in the router settings) with port 80 forwarded to it. smile If you're not using it as a web-server, talk with that software guy to find out what 'ports' you need to have forwarded, then get in touch with the people in control of the router at work smile Sorry if that sounds like random words tongue

That's if I'm understanding correctly, I have a tendency not to.

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
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  • mbcl
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  • Registered: 2008-05-01
  • Posts: 1,491

Re: Computers/Remote Access

For remote log in static IP address is a must. We used to use VPN which was fast and very reliable.
Depends on your business but we moved away from remote logins and everything is now web based. I can run the business (it is a sizable business too turning over millions of dollars) from any computer or iphone. Our business is web based anyway which helps, but we are now totally paperless.

Martin
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  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Brandon,
I think you're on to something.  First, I have to tell you, I never even heard of an IP static address until last week, just had heard of the regular IP.  I was reading this morning, trying to troubleshoot and I think the router is supposed to keep the IP address from changing.  The techie knew I didn't have a static IP, so I do think he knows what he's doing, but obviously something is not right. Tomorrow he mentioned checking out something with the router. 

mbcl,
I'm still confused if I have to have a static IP address with the DynDNS.  My phone company, who I get the internet through, started processing for me to get one, it adds $32 a month to my phone bill, but if it makes it work consistently its worth it.  I'm just really doing one thing, its very basic.  I'm just trying to log on, then when I get onto the main computer at the office, I access an accounting program and update records.  That's great how you run your business...what did we all do before computers...  wink

Thanks for the advice guys.  smile

Now is there any invention for working on a laptop from the beach and keeping the sand out?   big_smile

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

7 Reply by brandonherges (edited by brandonherges 2010-03-30 21:27:50)

  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: Computers/Remote Access

The whole concept of DynDNS is that you *don't* need a static IP address (The one from your internet provider), if I remember correctly. I'd try asking your techie if the problem could be that 'you need a static *local* IP address on the router, with port-forwarding to that address. If so, how to go about it'
That'd be my guess of how to handle it, but I don't know everything (As much as I wish I did  lol )

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Computers/Remote Access

DHCP  leases should last 8 days on a standard Windows server/client network.  DNS is a naming service.  Are you remoting your desktop?  Is you network at work running on a server connected to the big bad internet.

The only reason your home computer should be static is for others to remote you.  Not necessary to remote out.  Email me Angela.  I do this everyday for my job.

MuchLove
and network access

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
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9 Reply by JohnTB (edited by JohnTB 2010-03-31 08:26:14)

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Ok Angela,
You IT guy can either set up a VPN service (if you have a server at work its fairly simple to do and set up at your end)..
Or...

You can try logmein.com I use this for remote access to a few family members PC's for when they need them fixing (Saves me getting out of my chair wink ).

For ease of use I'd go down the logmein route (its free as well as secure). If your IT guy cant set up a VPN or it isnt practical, you can try hamachi Vpn client to access your files...

For my finance guys here in the UK, I have them set up via VPN (Virtual Private Network - like a dial up) it connects directly to the server on which the accounts / payroll info is stored.. I installed the software package on there own PC's.

So all they do is dial into the server loadup Sage (our accounts software) and they have access just like being at work really simple. The same can be applied using hamachi (which is just a piece of software that creates a link between PC's its installed on). The benefit of hamachi is if you are on a dynamically assign IP it will STILL find the computer your looking for because its just a link between software (think of a messaging program).

Logmein physically controls the PC so you would have to leave it tuned on (although I think new versions let you turn the PC on) I mainly use this to fix pc's.


Like Jeff this is my everyday job too :x here in the UK though a static IP is usually standard (with most ISP's).

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Computers/Remote Access

True all.  A VPN though, is a big deal to setup for PC to PC if it's Dynamic.  The rub is not enough info.

If it's a basic DSL set up at work, it's not fancy.  ISP shoves out dhcp when they want to a router.  office network (1 or mo) subnet behind the router.  Set the firewall to allow.
Same at the house...if a programs works (I'm leery of wireless running a remote) then both ends (PCs) must be turned on.

If it's on Friday and turned off Sunday... NOPE!.  Dyna DNS should be able to handle name resolution.  I have too many ?????s

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Thanks for all the feedback, this JB site is just resourceful for EVERYTHING!!   smile

My IT guy concluded my router (linksys) is outdated and won't support the remote access, therefore the IP address keeps changing and that's why I can't log in from home all the time.  I have an extra router somewhere in my house, but for $40-$50 I can get a brand new one that's wireless, so that's what I'm doing and hoping it works.  Plan B if this doesn't work...I'll pay for the static IP address.

Jeff, you're not saying a wireless router is problematic, are you?  I leave one computer on at the office, it functions as the server, but its not a dedicated server, its always in use when the office is open.  I only log on from home when the office is closed. 

John, If all else fails, I'll look into what works for you.  I now realize how popular remote access is, this should be pretty simple, I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel or anything... big_smile

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Computers/Remote Access

Angela wrote:

Thanks for all the feedback, this JB site is just resourceful for EVERYTHING!!   smile

My IT guy concluded my router (linksys) is outdated and won't support the remote access, therefore the IP address keeps changing and that's why I can't log in from home all the time.  I have an extra router somewhere in my house, but for $40-$50 I can get a brand new one that's wireless, so that's what I'm doing and hoping it works.  Plan B if this doesn't work...I'll pay for the static IP address.

Jeff, you're not saying a wireless router is problematic, are you?  I leave one computer on at the office, it functions as the server, but its not a dedicated server, its always in use when the office is open.  I only log on from home when the office is closed. 

John, If all else fails, I'll look into what works for you.  I now realize how popular remote access is, this should be pretty simple, I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel or anything... big_smile

Angela, I am saying that, only because of the "frinstance" that you stated above.  From what you're telling me, you should have no problems, once you find a stable router.

Most (wireless) routers can be tempermental (crap) for heavy duty work,  and have been for a while.  They are getting better every year.  I can't be bothered with them.  My setup at home is server/client and the dedicated server acts as the router with hocus pocus.  wink

MuchLove
Dr Jones

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website