Question : Problem: Help setting up a VPN.

The office I work for is setting a couple of employees up in a different state (they're moving there).  At least one of them will need to be networked to another employee's (here at the main office) machine.  I'm wondering what I'm going to need to do this through the Internet.  It needs to be secure, reliable, etc.  Keep in mind I'm not a "networking guy". M ost of the networking in the office is "small potatoes" so to speak and another worker and I (the only two "tech guys") are able to handle that.  Really what I'm looking for is what I'll need, and some pointers/walkthrough on how to do it.  Thanks for your help in advance.

~pcjunky

P.S. - The move is happening next week, (tech guys- always last to know), so the sooner I know how and what the better.  I really appreciate it. Thanks

Answer : Problem: Help setting up a VPN.

The best way is to create a VPN (Virtual Private Network). There are several ways to do this but the method I would recommend, where you seem to have multiple locations, would be to install a VPN capable router at your main office, and VPN client software on the remote users' computers. They can then map drives directly to the server or remote computer, safely and securely. It is possible your existing router/firewall may have this capability. The router you choose needs to offer a matching software client, and the routers/firewalls at the remote sites (which I highly recommend), only need to allow IPSec pass through. Most, relatively current routers do. Also some systems do not allow multiple software clients to connect at the same time. If you have multiple users in one location you should verify this first. If you do have sites with multiple users, another solution is to set up a second VPN router/firewall at the remote site, and create a permanent branch-to-branch tunnel for all users. This is still the better way to go even if a single, as it is simpler for the user and more stable, but it is at least a $150 more per location depending on the make and model you choose.

Many manufacturers make VPN capable routers, Cisco, WatchGuard, Netscreen, Netgear, Sonicwall, Linksys and others. The least expensive unit that I would recommend is the Linksys RV042. Easy to set up, stable, affordable and no licensing fee for the various tunnels you set up. (up to 28):
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Product_C2%26cid%3D1123638171618&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Configuring the units is quite straight forward, but if you need help with the model you purchase please advise. The other thing to consider is the connections, remote and local. Cable or DSL is recommended and if possible they should have static IP's, especially the main office end. It is possible to set up using dynamic IP's and a DDNS (Dynamic DNS Service) with a provider such as www.dyndns.com or www.dns2go.com, but only seems to work dependably if one end is static.

I hope this gives a little insight as to at least one option.
--Rob