I had a client ask me to use a domain name and point it to their remote desktop. I guess allowing them to type in a domain name from any XP Pro based machine and have access to their desktop. What is the proper way to set this up? Is security going to be an issue?
If I am not misttaken, he would have to have a dns server on his machine. Probobaly would have to install widows server, also he would have to have all his files in the DMZ. You don't heed a domain name to access your desktop, you can do it through RDC (remote desktop connection) but you have to have a program that tells your computer to accept the request when you are not there. and you use your ip addreess to do it, also most people at their residences dont have a static IP, so it would be a super pain to change all the settings every time his ip changed. I'm not saying its impossible, just that with what I know It seems to be more of a pain than its worth. Nevermind the seccurity issuses.
You could easily setup a dyndns client on their machine (dynamic dns), which would update their name to a specific hostname, then you could CNAME a domain to that subdomain hostname and it would always be up to date. dyndns gives you a free subdomain and the domain would cost you whatevery ou want to pay for it at which whatever registrar.
Yea, I suppose you could the old forwarding of a domain to http://whatevertheirrouteripaddressis:3389 but that would only be effective for their ip address life.
if you're on a residential internet connection, you can't just 'assign' a static IP address unless you have already been given one. most companies use dynamic these days.
From my experience cable modem IP's rarely change...I've had the same for over a year. Simply point the A-record for the domain to that IP. (if they are on cable modem of course)
For cable, yes, this is probably true. For DSL, it's a completely different ballgame. When I had DSL my IP changed every couple hours and it would disconnect me. Cable, yes, my IP hasn't changed in over a year now. Just depends on your internet connection type.
Business DSL is different from Residential DSL. You can check SBC's website, but Business DSL usually gets 5 static IP's and residential gets 0 static's. Since his client is assumed to be a business, the VNC should work much easier.