We recently saw how simple it is to share files between PCs and access shared folders (Windows, Linux and Mac) on an internal network, at home or in the office. The matter is quite different if we talk about accessing the files of the home computer via the internet
In this case, in fact, you cannot simply share a file from your PC and think that it can be found on the internet if you do not use an online publishing service, such as a website or a direct communication route to that computer.
In this article we see the 6 most used ways to access PC files via the Internet in a simple way, without having to pay for programs or services, safe and (not always) without particular configuration difficulties.
1) TeamViewer
I have already talked about Teamviewer as the best PC remote control program.
TeamViewer also has a very advantageous and decently fast file transfer function via the internet.
In practice, after establishing the connection with a computer from another PC or even from a smartphone, you can take advantage of the file transfer option.
you can then explore the folders of a PC and move a file from one computer to another easily and easily.
TeamViewer works on Windows, Mac and Linux and is also available as an Android and iOS application.
READ ALSO: Optimize Teamviewer to improve the quality and speed of remote connections
2) NAS or Router configuration
This is certainly the least easy and most laborious solution, but it is all homemade, in the sense that you do not rely on external services or programs.
The NAS is (network-attached storage) is nothing more than a hard disk (generally there are more than one mounted as in a cabinet) with network access, to be used as a storage for files.
Some dedicated NAS have integrated support for accessing files on the Internet.
If the NAS does not do this automatically, it will be necessary to configure the ports on the router (port forwarding) so that it is accessible from the internet, which is not always possible.
It may also be necessary to contact the internet provider to ask if this possibility exists.
Some routers also have a USB port to which a USB hard disk can be connected which becomes accessible to all computers on the local network.
As with the NAS, the router can be configured to access files via the Internet.
READ ALSO: Use an old PC as a NAS file server with FreeNAS
3) Use a VPN
Instead of opening doors on your home router, you can install a VPN server on your home network that is accessible via the internet.
In practice, computers connected to the VPN will think they are in a home network, even if they are far apart.
The files of the computer connected to the VPN will then be accessible via the internet.
This sharing mode is used by companies to have secure access to files located in different locations.
VPNs are usually paid for and are provided by software.
In the past, however, we found a program to create a free VPN connection .
4) FTP server
Installing an FTP server on the computer accessible via the Internet is a solution still practiced today, but with some difficulties.
Meanwhile, it is less secure than the VPN and then FTP again requires the configuration of the ports of the router (port forwarding) and some network requirements.
As a free program to install a file server you can use FileZilla which also supports the most secure SFTP and is quite easy to configure.
In another article: Best FTP clients to access files remotely .
5) Cloud server
Much more easily you can use programs that allow you to transform your computer into a "cloud" file server accessible via the internet without limits
With these, there is no need to configure the router because it is self-configuring software that sets up the connection through a wizard.
An example is Tonido, the Cloud drive at home for free without limits.
6) Cloud storage services
This is the most immediate and easy solution for everyone, even if with some limitations.
You can install a cloud storage program on all used computers and synchronize selected files so that they are accessible from anywhere.
The limit is in the cloud space offered for free by these commercial services.
In another article the 10 best free cloud drives are described and explained among which there are Onedrive of Microsoft Google Drive, Dropbox and others less known but very advantageous.
In addition to these commercial services, we also have the ability to synchronize files between computers directly, without passing through a cloud backup and synchronization server like Google Drive does.
BitTorrent Sync synchronizes folders between PC and mobile phone in P2P so that all folders are accessible via the internet without having to make any configuration.
In practice with this solution the cloud server like that of DropBox is on the computer itself and there is no data passing outside.
Personally I consider the BitTorrent Sync solution to be the most practical and efficient way to access files on a PC.
Similar to BitTorrent Sync, there are also other programs to share files between computers directly via the internet without limits
Teamviewer solutions, cloud servers and cloud storage and synchronization services are certainly the most handy ones for everyone.
