add a remote computer to small network

[jyellis]

We're using Win XP in a 3 computer office (all three networked together)

For special events, we're wanting to add a computer at a remote site (about 1/4 mile away) to our network. The building is wired for phone service if that helps.

Please give me some suggestions.
Thanks.

[Greenstead]

It depends what you want the remote PC to be able to do.

Whatever it is going to be limited with only a dialup connection.

Options could be:
A dialin connection.
An XP direct dialup to XP VPN connection.
An internet based VPN connection.
A remote desktop connection.

[jyellis]

We want to access our Quickbooks program with the remote computer, which connection would be best?

Could you direct me to a site for setup instructions?

[Greenstead]

If all you want to do is 'access' your quickbooks data and view reports then you might do best to remote desktop to one of the office PCs (the one with the Quickbooks data). A remote desktop connection makes it seem as though you are sat at the PC you connect to. Dialup will make this slow and jerky but useable. Since it is financial data then the connection should be encrypted.

If both the remote PC and the network have internet access (via dialup) then the connection can be over internet. Far better of course would be broadband connection.

If the PCs have XP Pro then XPs remote desktop connection (RDC) tool can be used. RDC is encrypted. RDC is only needed on the target PC, and is not available on XP Home. You can find instructions for RDC in XPs Help and Support guide on the PC (search on 'remote desktop').

If the PCs have XP Home then a 3rd party remote desktop tool such as UltraVNC can be used from here:
http://ultravnc.sourceforge.net/
VNC has authentication, and an encryption module which must be loaded and is available from the same website.

Clearly from the above you need a modem in each PC + tel line and an ISP account.

There is a complication with dialup since you get a different IP address each time you dial, which is how you make the connection.

The alternative is a VPN connection which is a little more complicated to establish.

[jyellis]

Thanks you