So each computer MUST have the VPN software installed in order to access each other (at least at network level)?
So the software (in this case OpenVPN which I been reading a lot of good material and got some good recommendations even outside this forum) must be installed in both PCs (actually in ANY PC which I want to access)? am I in the right direction here?
Well its seems like the answer is YES. Today I successfully installed (and currently running) my own VPN server and client using 2 differents ISPs . I'm totally able to access my files over the internet using tunneling and TLS encryption. Thanks OZO for your recommendation.
BTW I found an extremely easy way to set up my own VPN at »itsatechworld.com/2006/01/29/how···-openvpn Its a step by step guide that will help you to access your files over WinXP.
EDIT:
I made this work even with my firewall Zone Alarm SS turned on. The trick is to install all VPN programs WITHOUT the firewall. Test for connections OK. When everything is set and working disconnect all the vpn software but do not exit. Start up the firewall and when its ready start the VPN apps.
The idea is that ZA (or any other firewall) will detect the attempt of connection by the OpenVPN. It will ask you if you want to allow or deny access. In this case you will want to allow access.
Now there is another issue: since the VPN creates another network its higly probable that your firewall will ask you what to do with the new network (usually it'll give you an indication from 192.168.10.0). You must allow this new network to access both the internet and your internal network in order to allow it to connect to the internet and be able to transfer files.
Also, you should give full access to the VPN program under program control section (applies to ZA, I'm sure NIS has a option under the same name or close to it at least). Then test connections again (disconnect and reconnect... even reboot and reconnect and voila! You have your VPN setup running behind a firewall.
The process applies to both PCs (server and client) and make sure you get a sucessful "cold" connection before assuming that everything is fine (meaning that after a reboot). YOU MUST HAVE A GREEN ICON ON VPN GUI TO CONFIRM on all PCs which will be part of the VPN. Try to transfer some files. (I did some PDFs and mp3s)
The setup should be like this:
PC > firewall > VPN ~~ internet ~~ VPN > firewall > PC
The idea is since your PC still connects to the internet it still is vulnerable to attacks/virus/ads or whatever is outside so it was priority for me to enable this feature on my VPN.
EDIT 2:
The connection speed is about 31 KB/s. Kind of slow but gets the work done. Rite now im moving a song fron this PC to my laptop which is connected to a neighbor wireless internet. I wonder if I could print from my laptop...
Glad to hear that it's working for you and, at the same time, thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I'm sure that OpenVPN is not the bottleneck and doesn't make your communications slow. You're yet far away from reaching any noticeable overhead from using your processor to support the VPN. BTW, as you may guess if your VPN tunnel uses a compression method - you may even gain speed in transferring some files via the same network (DSL, dial-up or whatever). -- Keep it simple, it'll become complex by itself...
Well, the connection I used was a wireless one in which the connection was very slow due to low signal. I will try this again using another connection and let you guys know.
It can be possible that my firewall/AV/router's firewall is slowing down my connection. right?
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