Situation: I have two stores. Each one will have one workstation. I have a server that will be located at one of the stores. I need to set up a network to where each store will be able to communicate with the server through the network with a constant connection. I have DSL at each store so I'll be accessing through the internet. Do I really need a static IP address for the server? Or can I just use remote desktop? If I can use remote desktop, is there some tutorial out there I can be directed to? How about a VPN router? How would that work? Basically, I need to know how to set up my network without spending a ton of money for client software and static IP's. And, this company software I have will be taking purchase info, scheduling calenders, and other info and exchanging it between the server and all the workstations. Please respond and if there's more info needed, let me know. Thanks, Mostage

Try this. http://www.tipsdr.com/virtual-private-networking.html It doesn't cost alot but works great. I have my business set up this way.

OK, I checked it out. I have this question, what's the difference between using this software and getting the vpn router? Also, the salon software I am getting needs a constant connection to be able to access it's sister program on one of the remote computers. So, when the remote computers start up, they'll need to log in automatically to the server. What's needed for that? Can it be done on WinXP; or does the computer need to load the connection through internet explorer, meaning to log in, I need to manually type in an address and have internet explorer open all the time? Sorry I'm a little ignorant to this. I'm learning, though. Thanks.

The difference between the two vpn's is one is hardware and the other is software, that's really it. Every morning you will have to VPN over to the other computer and when that's done it's just like being in a regular newtork. One will have be the VPN server or router and the other's will be the clients. I don't know if a VPN needs to have static IP address but I would think it would have to have one. Just the router. The others want matter.