Is there a way to access the internet from my home computer through my laptop at work?

Question

I have a lot of down time at my job, so I connect my laptop to my works internet through an ethernet cord to help kill time. Lately, my work has installed an internet firewall so now I can't access some of my favorite sites ie facebook. Is there a something I can do that would let me access my computer at home from work and use the internet from that computer so that the internet wouldn't be restricted? I've heard of VPN's and VNC's, but I'm not familiar how they work. My home computer uses Windows XP and my laptop is Windows 7. I'm only looking for ideas that have actually been tested out and work, not just suggestions.

Answer 1

If it uses XP Pro, use Remote Desktop Connection. Allow remote access on your home computer (you'll have to forward TCP port 3389 - see http://portforward.com/english/applications/port_forwarding/Remote_Desktop/Remote_Desktopindex.htm pick your router [skip the ad] and follow the directions).



If it uses XP home, use a VNC program (http://www.tightvnc.com/ is good) - server on the home computer, client at work. Forward port 5901 (or whatever you choose) at home.

Answer 2

DISCLAIMER: I can't be held responsible if you get fired.



First, you'll need the IP address of your home computer. The easiest way for you to manage having that would be to get an account at www.dyndns.org. This will allow you to make a domain name like yourname.dyndns.org so you dont have to remember your ip. They also have software that you can install that will monitor your IP and update your domain name if it changes.





The easiest way would be with remote desktop. Unfortunately, this only works when the host computer is running Windows XP Pro.

1. Follow the steps here to enable RDP on your home PC.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx

2. Open up remote desktop client on windows 7 (start > accessories > remote desktop connection)

3. In the box labelled computer, type in your domain name (yourname.dyndns.org) or external IP address.

4. Connect



You might need to forward some ports on your router for this to work. If so,visit www.portforward.com for instructions.

Answer 3

Easiest way and the method that does not violate your works computer security rules. Get a cellular wireless card for your laptop and bypass their network entirely.



Otherwise get a personal VPN, http://www.surfbouncer.com/stealth_ssl_vpn.htm and securely bypass the restrictions.



Trying to go through your home computer will be be dial up slow.