Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks, 2nd Edition

Stuff You Can Do with a Network

Now that you've get your network functioning, it's time to start taking advantage of the features it provides. In this section:

• Virtual Private Networking

• Accessing an FTP Site in Explorer

• Controlling Another Computer Remotely

• Managing the Nameserver Cache

See the section, Section 7.5, for some cool things you can do with a wireless network.

Virtual Private Networking

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is a system whereby a workgroup of two or more computers can be connected by an Internet connection rather than a physical cable. In theory, VPN provides the security and privacy of a closed environment, without the astronomical cost of a private wide-area network.

The technology used in Virtual Private Networking — either the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) or the Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) — allows you to create a private "tunnel" across your Internet connection. With a VPN, you can accomplish tasks previously available only over a LAN, such as file and printer sharing, user authentication, and even networked gaming. Figure 7-14 illustrates a typical scenario with a tunnel connecting a single computer to a remote workgroup.

Figure 7-14. Form a virtual private workgroup through a tunnel across the Internet

Before you can set up VPN, you need a tunnel server . If you're connecting to a large company, the VPN administrator will provide the necessary ...