Is there a way to network two computers over the internet so we can use each others files and such. so i looked around briefly and found somthing called a Virtual Private Network or VPN, i tired this and came to the conclusion that a VPN connection in Windows XP and with DSL wont work. any ideas on how i can get this to work?
I am also told that a router will do the trick, but i have a swich
Any help you can offer can make me a happier person!
thnks in advance
Flickmaster
i tried this out a lil while ago, and got a vpn working with win2k, but i think you can do it in xp pro too. basically, you need to set up a vpn server. then set up accounts for ppl who will be going in. then have them get a vpn client and log into your vpn. after that, it should act pretty much just like a LAN. but for sharing files and such, you don't even need a vpn set up. just use CIFS/SMB for sharing (regular windows file sharing or samba for linux). but seeing as how that's not too safe (check with the hobbit) you'd probably have better luck just setting up an ftp server. anyway, to answer your question, vpn's will only make it seem like ppl who are logged in are on a lan. as it essentially creates a secure piped connection to your computer. companies use vpn's to let management types or such dial into their LAN to do stuff away from the company. also, if you're still interested in setting up a vpn. i'm not sure about this, but i want to say that the software you choose for the clients, is dependant on the software for the server. so if you get software from some company, or use the windows one, the clients need the same software...err, the client version of it anyway. i'm not TOO sure on this, just b/c i figure vpn might be a standard, but i something also tells me it's not. also. some isp's block the use of using cifs (port 139) or so b/c of the insecurities, (null sessions). so, if you end up using cifs, you may need to incorporate a vpn. if you use ftp, which i don't think isp's block, at least not mine, wich seeems to block everything, then just set up ftp servers. read only, and only put in the files you want ppl to get. that's how i usually transfer files between me and my friends/family.//
VPN - Virtual Private Network.
This Technology is about to be big. Namely IP/VPN.
You usally have some sort of VPN client to establish your connections. For example I use Nortel Networks VPN client to access my companies intranet. It is as Gollum said a kinda extension of a LAN. It is not quite a WAN(Wide area Network) tecnology.
If I were you, I would set up a FTP server or an SSH server for text type documents.