Ubuntu

Can I access my home pc with Ubuntu laptop?

Asked by Sue

I'm going on a trip, but want access to my pc via my Ubuntu laptop. Was wondering whether or not Ubuntu works with a program like "Go To My PC", or if there might be a free way to access my home pc? Also, my pc runs Vista. Will this be an issue?

One other question please: Are there any specific programs that are better than others regarding anti-virus, anti-malware, etc.?

Thank you so much for your input.

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Steve Dodier-Lazaro
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Tom (tom6) said : 		#1

VPN seems a good way to go with this i think?

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VPNClient

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/OpenVPN

https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/windows/C/preparing-settings-network.html

My favourite Antivirus at the moment is ClamAv from the command-line but it's possible to install a gui-front-end for it but i prefer command-line for this, unusually for me ;) Anyway, here's a guide to antivirus stuff in Ubuntu :)

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus

Note that antivirus in linux is much like scattering anti-elephant powder in the snow in Putney but it is good to be able to scan and resolve problems on Windows Partitions, or to scan Windows machines that the linux machine can see over a network ;) There are about 300 known viruses in linux but they really don't stand much chance of infecting your machine unless you give them a lot of help. My favourite linux virus keeps a log of what it's infected and has a command "bliss -uninfect-programs-please" rofls. Ubuntu automatically sets up a firewall for you when you first installed Ubuntu and you can choose to install a front-end for it if you need to stop it from blocking your VPN or anything. Firestarter is a good front-end for your firewall.

Hope this helps!
Good luck and regards from
Tom :)

PS if you do find "bliss" in the wild out there please take care of it! It's almost completely extinct.

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Best Steve Dodier-Lazaro (sidi) said : 		#2

Sue,

If you only want to access your files, you can do it by opening your file manager under Linux and clicking the "Network" tab. It'll show an option for Windows networks. Once you clicked on it, you'll be allowed to browse through your windows workgroups. Note that your Vista computer should be set to allow external computers to access its shared folders.

Cordially, SD.

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#3

lol, i assumed you meant some sort of 'remote desktop' type thing to fully access all the programs and everything lol. Yeah, if you just need access to files then follow SD's advice, much, much easier ;) heheheh

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Sue (slorrnii) said : 		#4

Thanks Steve Dodier, that solved my question.

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#5

Nicely done :))))