Ways to access PC files over Internet from anywhere

A few years ago such processes would seem to belong to the realm of fantasy. But now with the advancement of net services and the chimes of cloud, we can very well access our PC files through the omnipresent internet. This in turn opens up a world of opportunities and advantages for people. Well, obviously the major one is that you can now travel light, without your pensive attention harking back to your important computer files. So, in this regard, let us make a toast and take a brief inspection of some of the services and software available to us for core file accessing via net.

Access your PC files over the Internet

1. Online Backup Services

This entails a pretty straightforward method if you are a newbie in the field. There is a wealth of online backup services available over the internet with programs like SugarSync, Carbonite and SkyDrive. All of them comprise of desktop utilities that allow you to upload files from your computer into the net realm. Once uploaded, a user can access those files through his/her preferred net browser, from anywhere in the world.

Usage

The whole process entails the functionality of only a computer with an internet connection. As a matter of fact, you can access your files (via another machine), even when your main computer is switched off. Some of the services like SugarSync and Carbonite also allow accessing your data from mobile devices such as phones and tablets.

Downside

The process may require just a net connection, but the connectivity criteria should be robust. Moreover, if you have a slew of such files to be uploaded from your computer, it will certainly be more time consuming.

2. Access PC with software

There are some software packages out there that actually allow you to remotely access your computer from another location. In simpler terms, it means that you can make changes on your computer, concerning various files and folders loaded within it.

Usage

For the process to begin, you must first install the required software on your main computer. Teamviewer and UltraVNC are good examples of such software (there are other paid options like LogMeln Pro and CrossLoop Home). Then, once you are away on a trip, you can access and work on the files from a different location.

Downside

One of the major disadvantages of the process is that you have to keep your main computer switched on, during your distant working period. This obviously limits the overall flexibility of the remote accessing scenario.

3. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device

There is a difference between remotely controlling your home computer, and just accessing its files. With respect to this, the Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices can certainly help in the second option of getting entry into the shared files.

Usage

Analogous to mini file servers, these contraptions (with around $200 price range) can connect to your home router via an Ethernet cable. The remote file accessing is made easy for multiple computers. Moreover, the service is available via FTP and even web browsers, if the device allows for it. Some examples are Buffalo Linkstation and Apple's Time Capsule.

Downside

The devices do not actually allow for total remote controlling of your main computer. They only fulfill the remote accessing criteria.

4. Add External HDD to home router

This process entails the addition of an external hard drive to your very own home router, which may already be existing or a new one. Of course, one must make sure that the router allows for file sharing.

Usage

We have quite a few examples of file sharing home routers like the Netgear WNDR3700 Router. It is infused with a practical 'Readyshare' feature, which allows the sharing of data from USB storage devices over the network through FTP. The Linksys Dual-Band WRT600N brand will also work in this case, with its easy network storage attributes.

Downside

The whole sharing procedure may be on the slower as compared to other processes. Though, on the brighter side, the endeavor can be cheaper if you already own a compatible home router.

5. Set up own home server

Moving beyond the restrictions imposed by third party applications, you can very well create your own home server and VPN.

Usage

Big names like Apple Mac OS Server and Windows Home Server have created a niche for themselves with the home server functionality. By this fast method, you can remotely access all your home files without any limitation and external control.

Downside

While, the procedure can offer you all the file accessing freedom you want, correspondingly it is also the most expensive option.

6. Access PC Via browser

There are a slew of net based services like Copernic, Opera Unite and GBridge, which can help you to find smaller files like e-mails, documents and associated folders on your main Windows computers. This simplistic method actually forgoes the requirement of uploading and screen sharing criteria.

Usage

Some of the services (like the Copernic) are very much similar to Google Desktop, which in itself is popular desktop search software. While others like the Opera Unite turns your computer into web server, which allows access of files from other web based browsers.

Downside

The greatest threat as usual to your shared files is related to security. So, a user must be extra careful when accessing by a password.