Need help finding a program that allows remote access

[Compuzen]

I use an accounting software called Businessworks at the office. It stores everything on a server and the computers in the office access and create orders on that server. The program uses Pervasive.SQL to allow the remote computers in the network work directly out of those files. My computer is a laptop with the Client version of Business installed on it. I want to be able to take it home and remotely access the server at work, so I can work at home.

My questions are. Since my laptop and server already have SQL installed and work fine over the LAN. Will any decent remote control software like PCAnywhere work, or does it need to be compatible with SQL?

If so, is PCAnywhere a good choice or are there better or cheaper programs that work just as well?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[LOFBenson]

You don't need any remote control software. You do need a VPN.

 

[Compuzen]

So a VPN will work fine with the SQL? I know the router I installed at the office supports VPN. I haven't read up on setting up a VPN yet, but will look into it. I'll ask this now though. With a VPN do I need a 3rd party software to connect the two? If so, what would you guys recommend?

 

[LOFBenson]

Windows comes with a VPN client. If your router is a suitable VPN server then you don't need any addition software or hardware. If your router only supports VPN-pass-through then you will need to set up a VPN server at the office. This will allow your laptop to simulate being plugged into the network locally while it is actually on the internet at your home. Make sure you set things up properly. You dont want just anyone on the net to be able to access your network like this.

 

[Compuzen]

The router at the office is a Netgear FVS318 v3. It has 8 VPN Tunnels, and a VPN Firewall. Forgot to mention OS's. The office server is running XP sp1 and the laptop is XP sp2. I'll do some more reading up on this this weekend. Thanks for the help Ben. I'll let you know if I have any issues. Let me know if you think of anything else.

 

[Tsaico]

I think there were some security changes in the VPN connectios so you will want to put all the connecting machines on the same service pack.

next read something like this VPNs on XP and open up the port on the firewall and direct the request to your server in the office. Some enterprise firewalls require you to use their VPN clients, but I don't think yours is one of them, so it should work using just the built in Windows stuff. Also, you will have to refer to the netgear website to find out out to direct the traffic.

 

[Tsaico]

Oh, another thing you can do is to open and forward the Remote Desktop port and direct that to your server at work. You can then just use your built in Remote Desktop to run your client software locally as if you were your desk. This might work for you since it is easier to setup and you can then connect at any workstation that you are at that has a Internet connection and has the remote desktop utility.

Just remember to turn Remote Desktop control on in the advanced tab under system properties, and to add yourself to the accepted users. Both ways are pretty easy, but I think the Remote Desktop works a little better... assuming you do not share a workstation that is and that your ONLY workstation is the laptop in question.

 

[Compuzen]

Thank you for the help. Yeah, I'm the only one on my laptop and its the only way I personaly access the server. I'm at home now, so I'll see what I can get done here this weekend and finish up at work next week. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

 

[RebateMonger]

If you want to emulate the way you work at your office, the appropriate connection is a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN puts your remote computer, effectively, onto the same network as your Server.

However, the best way to access data-intensive programs is usually via Remote Desktop. This requires a PC in the office that runs the accounting software. You then remote into THAT PC and control it remotely. THAT PC, in turn, accesses the Server.

There are many programs that allow this type of remote control, including Microsoft's free Remote Desktop, VNC, PCAnywhere, LapLink, and GoToMyPC.

 

[Compuzen]

Thank you Rebate. After reading I beleive that VNC will do everything I need to do. I should be a lot faster too, cause instead of sending files for the program back and forth over the net I can just send them back and forth over the network from the host machine. I'll post if I have any questions setting it up.

 

[nweaver]

if possible, I would use RDP over VNC. If using VNC get the latest version of UltraVNC, and the encryption plugins. Change the default ports and forward those on the router.