Android to PC

[Stuartlittle]

What is the best app to connect my Android to my computer when I'm away from it?
Does a PC have to be turned on for them to connect?
How secure are they?

Thanks,

 

[Unforgiven]

I've used Jump in the past.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.p5sys.android.jump

You computer does need to be on. Unless there is a way with Wake on Lan, but I'm familiar with that at all.

 

[lunatic59]

When you say "connect to it" do you mean control it like a remote desktop session or simply access files stored on it? If the former you can control a PC remotely by setting it up as vnc host using something like realvnc. They have a free version, but it is unencrypted and not recommended for machines open to public access (over the internet). I believe there is a fee for the encrypted version.

Of course there are other options. What OS is on the PC?

 

[lunatic59]

I've used Jump in the past.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.p5sys.android.jump

You computer does need to be on. Unless there is a way with Wake on Lan, but I'm familiar with that at all.

Isn't jump just the client? Stuartlittle will still need to set up the PC as a host and figure out a connection route so his phone can find his PC over the internet.

 

[Unforgiven]

Yes, there is a client you install on the PC. I haven't used it in a couple of year (and a laptop and router ago) so I don't remember the setup. It was pretty simple though.

 

[lunatic59]

Ah. I connect to my PCs (Windows 7 Pro) using the MS rdp app. Remote Desktop is already encrypted and built into Win Pro editions. For my linux machines (including servers) I use realvnc with encryption.

 

[Unforgiven]

Ah. I connect to my PCs (Windows 7 Pro) using the MS rdp app. Remote Desktop is already encrypted and built into Win Pro editions. For my linux machines (including servers) I use realvnc with encryption.

I think I remember it piggybacking on one of those protocols.

 

[codesplice]

I've had pretty good luck with Chrome Remote Desktop. It's free and secure.

It really does depend on what @Stuartlittle is wanting from his Android<->PC connection though.

 

[Stuartlittle]

Well, I am at home sick with the flu and I do all the invoicing and billing at work so I was just wondering how to do some work from home.

 

[codesplice]

All the solutions we've mentioned would require some configuration on the computer-side before you'd be able to connect remotely.

 

[lunatic59]

All the solutions we've mentioned would require some configuration on the computer-side before you'd be able to connect remotely.

Indeed.

Another option might be something like TeamViewer which is a simple install on the PC, it generates an access code and you type that in on the app. They have a free option, too.

 

[Stuartlittle]

Oh, forgot, my PC is Windows 7 and I have a Galaxy S4.

 

[lunatic59]

Windows 7 pro or home version? Pro has RDP built into it and you simply turn it on.

 

[codesplice]

Windows 7 pro or home version? Pro has RDP built into it and you simply turn it on.

Of course, you'd need appropriate configurations made on the router (between the PC and the Internet) if you wanted to be able to access it from home. And that introduces security issues that may not be desirable, particularly on a work network.

 

[Stuartlittle]

I think it's the home version.
Basically, I want to access Quick Books so I can do some invoicing for the boss and send him reports.
I need to get a new version of QB because mine will not be supported in a couple months, maybe they got one I could get that allows remote access.

 

[codesplice]

If it's cool with your employer AND IT department, I'd suggest going for Teamviewer or similar. That will give you secure remote access WITHOUT punching hole's through your workplace's firewall. (LogMeIn would be my other suggestion, but they no longer provide a free tier.)