Best VPN Software for a noob

thecremeegg · 24 Aug 2013 at 17:35

Just setup my home server and whilst I can access files etc all fine, I want to be able to access it and control it from other PCs on the network so I don't need to plug in a mouse and keyboard all the time.
What's the best software for this? I don't mind paying if it's good!

Thanks in advance

bremen1874 · 24 Aug 2013 at 17:54

What operating system?
LAN access only, or WAN as well?

If it's Windows based you may just need to enable Remote Desktop.

Hyburnate · 24 Aug 2013 at 17:56

Remote desktop or LogMeIn would do it.

ChrisD. · 24 Aug 2013 at 18:25

Remote desktop, it's free and built into Windows.

KIA · 24 Aug 2013 at 19:08

RDP if it's for local access only.

Craig321 · 24 Aug 2013 at 19:13

As above RDP. If the server is some sort of basic/home edition without RDP or if it's Linux then VNC setup for local access only will be fine.

thecremeegg · 25 Aug 2013 at 00:10

Ah OK I will use remote desktop then-it's server 2011.
Thanks for the advice!

Nexy · 27 Aug 2013 at 00:24

Chrome Remote Desktop is fantastic, and doesn't require port forwarding or a static IP (or a DynDNS-like service). It's surprisingly good. You can also use it and use RDP, whichever is easiest at the time.

ASE001 · 27 Aug 2013 at 08:59

I would use a VPN connection for security reason, so I can see two options which have good support and how to do videos online.

1. Use an old computer and install pfsense. Then configure the OpenVPN services, very easy to do.

2. Get a Raspberrypi and install OpenVPN.

Then install OpenVPN client onto the machines that need to connect.

I currently use pfsense, but I'm looking to use my Pi as a VPN server to save power!

Whichever solution you choose make sure the data between the client and you system is encrypted.

I have Android and Windows devices working this way.

Deleted member 77746 · 27 Aug 2013 at 09:26

Local remote screen sharing's not called VPN. It's just remote desktop or remote screen sharing.

VPN is used for something different.

ci_newman · 27 Aug 2013 at 12:54

As above, a VPN is completely overkill for connecting locally on the same network.

RDP or VNC is much easier.

linktoinsanity · 27 Aug 2013 at 14:49

Nexy said:
Chrome Remote Desktop is fantastic, and doesn't require port forwarding or a static IP (or a DynDNS-like service). It's surprisingly good. You can also use it and use RDP, whichever is easiest at the time.

Looked it up and it seems to be very much like Teamviewer.

Nice alternative though!

I'd also look at Ultravnc, although it's not the best software out there. And yes this is RDP, not a VPN. A VPN is for linking local networks over the internet via a tunnel.

bledd · 27 Aug 2013 at 18:03

Lots of overkill / bad advice in this thread.

This is what you need to do..

Go on your server, enable remote desktop.

Now on any other Windows pc in your house, do..

Start, Run
mstsc hit enter
Type the computername of the server, hit enter
type in your username/password for the server, hit enter

You can save a Desktop shortcut icon for an RDP session too. (RDP = remote desktop)

Deleted member 77746 · 27 Aug 2013 at 18:05

A lot of people don't even know about RDP. Learn it because it works.