I'd like to phone home...

As a tech it'd be very helpful to be able to call my workshop from a customer's premises and access files from my main pc.

I guess to do that I'll need some sort of server? bbs? software.

And, if I end up with server that's accessed via ftp, a convenient method would be to carry a memory stick with a portable ftp client (if there is such a thing)

Comments would be appreciated

 

Suggest you try Logmein.com - simple, reliable, secure and relatively inexpensive compared to most commercial alternatives. I've been using this for two plus years and couldn't live without it.

 

Thanks for your suggestions, Steve and Rockster.

LogMeIn sounds less complex - like, if I'm on a job and I suddenly decide I need a file from home, I don't want to have to install software on a customer's PC, use it and then remove it again - I just want something quick and easy (and preferably free:--)).

That's why I'd thought of having my own server setup.

Cheers

 

if the client system is up on the Internet, you can connect to your system via secure VNC or remote desktop. If your system is not on the Internet (broad band connection) then you are correct, you will need a dial up server.

 

Just my 2 cents worth ...
Having a link to the office is nice, but to anticipate connectivity to office all the time will meet obstacles.
Customer PC is dead/down and/or dripping with malware.
Unbeknownst to customer, PC problem is ISP/connectivity issues. My first line of onsite information needs would be stored on a 8GB flash drive (plus compressing files can add additional GB's of storage). This would include portable programs / browsers that you can jump on internet for information or office link. Just keep it updated with office box. Some encrypted files may need to be considered, based on confidentiality. I would also have a Linux CD Live disk if the only box available to you on site is software trashed.