Network Setup for small business

[HuddaDudda]

I would like to find a way setup a quick and easy way for me to be able to log into a remote sales reps computer owned by my company and sync our newest business documents automatically. Right now we are using an older version of Trillian and PCAnywhere. The reason for trillian is so I can see his IP and connect with PCA but problem is when we use trillian during the day we get tons of personal IMs instead of working - but he is not 100% computer literate and its a pain for him to give me his IP all the time for me to connect with PCA. Is there a way that everytime he logs into the internet some type of command can run every so many hours or whatever in the background without him having to do anything that sends his IP to me so he doesnt have to. Another thing would be nice not to have to run another program as we already are using too much bloated software as it is. Maybe just a way I can setup his router so that I can log into it and setup his folders to be shared? He is on cable with PPOE so his IP does change. I dont know if this is possible but if I share his folders can I just put them on my desktop and share between our two connections? A little insight would be appricated on what the best way to achieve this. We both make tons of changes to files each days and would like something more automatic and behind the scenes to access the folders on his machine since he is the remote sales rep.

Edit - both of us are on Win XP

 

[rmrf]

if he doesn't mind giving you his IP address, an easy way would be to set up a shortcut/link to whatismyip.net and that will give him the IP to give you. I don't know of any off the shelf program that will send the externally routable IP to another address other than a virus of some sort, lol.

 

[Wizkid]

What about a DDNS client? www.dyndns.org

 

[HuddaDudda]

My problem is I am trying to get away from having both of us interact and have tons of software on the machine. What about setting up and external IP for his router thats statis then DMZ to his computer. If I do that then regardless of the IP changes the router would be static right? Then just can map the folders on the other computers and I would have access?

 

[rmrf]

^ no. you must have a static IP in order to set the IP static on the router, and be able to access it externally or expect him to have internet access. I would also suggest registering a domain name, and use a free service such as ddns. that way, you will have access to his computer via domain name, and you can leave the necessary ports open on his router to reach his machine without just throwing it on the dmz.

 

[ktwebb]

Just setup a batch file with IPconfig in it and put it in the system32 subfolder on your windows folder

I called the one I created IP so the user simply has to understand how to click the start menu, click run, and then type IP in that box and hit enter. I don't care how illiterate they are, they can manage that. I setup my batch so that the dos box pauses and has a little message to just click enter to close the box. I wrote it for our support center for the very reason your describing.

 

[SaintTigurius]

Just setup a batch file with IPconfig in it and put it in the system32 subfolder on your windows folder

What i had to do was create and Icon, named "PRESS HERE TO FIX PC" so i can get it when they need it..

 

[Wizkid]

If he has a router, then just setup the DDNS in his router. The router will take care of everything and you don't need any software on the PC.

Most newer routers support this feature... you might need a firmware upgrade though.