Friday February 10, 2012 3:59 PM AEST

Windows Home Server – Remote Access

By Stephen Reeves
11:39 Jul 15, 2008 | 1 Comment
Tags: Windows | Home | Server | Remote | Access
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Windows Home Server – Remote Access

Stephen Reeves helps us set up remote access to important files. Access your favourite pics, movies and more anywhere!

Suppose you want to hook Grandma up with shiny new pics of her grandchildren, or she wants to show you pics of her roses or macramé creations. With Windows Home Server, this is easy as pie (mmmm, pie...).

This tutorial will look at implementing the remote access features of Windows Home Server, either on a pre-built system from an OEM vendor or on a machine you’ve setup yourself as a System Builder. We’ll also look at some popular add-ins and applications to build up your own server’s functionality.

The Meat!
Windows Home Server includes a few features that make remote access easy. UPnP compatibility, Windows Live Custom Domains, Remote Access Website, User Account management and Shared Folder permissions.

UPnP is used to set up port forwarding on compatible routers without the need for user intervention. If your router isn’t UPnP compliant, or you don’t wish to use UPnP, you can simply forward the two or three required ports to your Windows Home Server.

Windows Live Custom Domains are used to give easy remote access to your Windows Home Server anywhere in the world, even if you have a dynamic IP; you’ll need a Windows Live ID to obtain a Windows Live Custom Domain. Included with your Custom Domain is a secure certificate issued by GoDaddy, so you can have assurance that your remote access is secure.

click to view full size image


User accounts can be setup on Windows Home Server and given access to the remote access website as needed. User accounts with remote access require a complex password for extra security.

In combination with User accounts, you can set shared folder permissions based on what you want your users to access – either no access, read only or full access.

You can create individual logins for your family and friends, or provide a generic login and password so they can log on and view your photos and files, and upload their own, depending on the access you give them.

If Gran doesn’t need to see your collection of goat pictures, simply don’t give her access.

click to view full size image


Remote access is provided entirely through an internet browser, and some features are only available when using Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls.

Some patches relating to remote access have been issued since the original release of Windows Home Server, so it’s important to make sure you’ve installed all applicable patches before proceeding. In addition, Power Pack 1 (when released) will have more changes to the remote access features.

 
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This article appeared in the July, 2008 issue of Atomic.

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1 Comment
imagen
Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM
Does anyone know if it’s true Win7 does away with the need for manual access via VPN?
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Issue: 133 | February, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
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