Should I use Remote Access or Terminal Server ?

Question

I recently discussed with an IT person my dilemma, I wanted my family
no matter where they were in the country to be able to access the 1 PC
I have at home to run applications and access files. I also recently
started a small businsess and thus would like remote access to the PC.

My IT friend suggested taking one of my old PC's and loading Microsoft
Terminal Server on this PC which would then be accessible to all family
and me on the road. He did not recommend Remote Desktop as it is less
flexible and only 1 person can access the PC at any given time.

What are your thoughts on this idea ? Also any links available where I
can learn more would be great.

Thanks !

Answer 1

Another possibility is setting up a VPN connection which is an encrypted tunnel that allows you to connect to your home network as if you were on another machine plugged into it, though depending on what software is used for this it can be rather complicated to implement and if not done correctly can seriously compromise the security of your home network, nevertheless this is a concern with any remote access method. This option would allow you to use normal windows networking features for file access.



Using RealVNC is another option which is similar to Remote Desktop, but is more flexible. I haven't used it in a while, but I *think* it will allow multiple simultaneous connections.



There is a section here on free remote access, terminal service, and VPN programs, including a link to VNC: http://www.t3technet.com/alternates.html



For more info on the subject:

http://www.lifehacker.com/software/feature/geek-to-live-how-to-access-a-home-server-behind-a-routerfirewall-127276.php

Answer 2

We currently run a Remote Service at our work and have over 65 users that access 2 servers at a remote location. You can run 2003 Server or Windows XP Professional and then set-up your remote desktop connections to that server name (your main computer). Windows XP already has a Remote Desktop tool available to set-up. We are not limited to 1 user at a time. If your main computer is off-line, you will not be able to access via Remote Desktop. Below is a link to the Microsoft Site to walk you through the steps. Good Luck!

Answer 3

i've got faith your server has 2 ip address. One for LAN and one for internet (you could not connect your LAN IP from internet). Or Your server is in the back of a firewall the place that's NATed to settle for the requests from internet and forward them to the community or DMZ IP address and the firewall is setup to allow Terminal centers. in case you get the login instantaneous type . while you're in the back of an ISA examine the ISA permission for permitting Terminal centers.