sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories Exchange/Outlook access over VPN

Probably should have been PEBKAC, Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair.

Thats why I run TS instead of VPN tunnels, it helps eliminate a lot of user error issues and the only setup they need is an icon on the desktop. When they do mess something up I just recreate their profile on the TS and all it well.

Is TS = Microsoft Windows Terminal Server?

You can also use the VPN client and server software built into every copy of Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows Server 2003. This is also called point-to-point tunneling protocol or PPTP. Windows XP can handle two incoming VPN connections, and Windows 2000 Server or Server 2003 can handle an unlimited number of incoming VPN connections.

PPTP is not to be confused with IPSec. IPSec is an internet standard. PPTP is a proprietary standard that was developed by a number of companies including Microsoft and Cisco.

With PPTP you do not need a certificate or a certificate Authority, which costs money. Also you do not need to buy any VPN server software, VPN-capable router, VPN appliance, or VPN client software. You already have everything you need if you have Windows Server and/or Windows XP.

You just need to know how to set it up, which is actually not very hard. Believe me it is infinitely easier than setting up an IPSec VPN.

yes, terminal services. I've had way too many issues running clients on VPNs. Issues with their systems, ISPs, etc. Its always an issue with the user, but after a while billable hours start to turn into the custommer wondering why it isn't working. Plus they can use any system with rdp loaded and internet access to get in.

Yes Windows Terminal Server is probably a good product. I understand that the Remote Desktop in Windows XP Pro is a 1-user edition of Windows Terminal Services. It works well as a remote control program.

The problem I have with Windows Terminal Server is that it is an operating system that you have to go out and buy for quite a lot of money. And then you have to buy a separate server machine to put it on. And then you have to purchase a license for each separate remote user. Don't you? You are getting into some pretty big bucks then. I have seen companies that use this solution, but it is not cheap. I would love to find out otherwise.

What is rdp?

Never mind this post. I pushed the wrong button!

remote desktop protocol.

*.rdp

The problem I have with Windows Terminal Server is that it is an operating system that you have to go out and buy for quite a lot of money. And then you have to buy a separate server machine to put it on. And then you have to purchase a license for each separate remote user. Don't you?

Whether you use TS w/ an rdp client or Citrix, they both can be costly solutions depending on the amount of users. But they serve a purpose; namely stability and practibility. For instance; many applications (database / client) are becoming so large that you can not pull the resources over a T1 private line, let alone a vpn. By using TS all processing and data resides on the server and only screen shots and key strokes are being passed over the network (what ever connection this may be). Also, since no data is being sent on the open network it is more secure. Additionally, if you lose the vpn connection during and rdp session, once back online all your data is still there unharmed in most circumstances.

I have set up “hacks” (do an internet search) that will allow for more than one connection to a win xp box, so you don’t necessarily need a server, especially if you don’t need domain authentication..

Take a look at this site too.

https://www.thinsoftinc.com/

Side Bar: if you want to talk about printer / printing redirection thats a whole other topic.

I am interested in a product that would let me remotely get a desktop on a Windows computer without interfering with the local user's desktop. As you probably know, when you use the Remote Desktop that is built into Windows XP Pro, it logs out the local user. And if the local user logs in again, it ends the Remote Desktop session. Other remote control products like VNC and LogMeIn take over the local user's desktop.

For technical support purposes, I would like to be able to log in to a Windows computer remotely and perform maintenance during business hours without interfering with the local user doing his or her job. I know about Telnet, but that only gives you a command line, not the Windows desktop.

I am going to look into the link you sent me to see if this product might work. But other suggestions would also be appreciated.