Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Taking work home.

After innumerable continuous hours staring at the screen, I am mentally spent by five. Then begins the joyous task of returning calls, dictating, etc. which again takes me a couple of hours with Dragon. I would like to leave after the last patient and finish work after dinner at home.

My AC folder is close to 2 GB. It has 1.75 GB of scanned imported items and the rest are the program .mdb fles.

My options are:

1. Copy the entire 2 GB into a thumb drive, copy it into the home computer, work on it at home and bring it back in the morning, delete the existing folder and replace it with the 'new' 2 GB folder. This takes painfully long.

2. Synch: After multiple dry runs with synch and my pervasive paranoia, I have decided that I am not man enough to try it.

3. VPN access and logmein have a delay.

4. That leaves me with one last option. Could I just take the .mdb files home, work on it and replace them in the morning? The work at home would be mainly completing my charts and sending reminder mails to my staff. I will not be importing stuff, scheduling or doing anything that the office staff does.

My questions with this option are:@Is anyone doing this in real life, currently? @Is there a chance of data corruption? @Is there a chance that the imported items may lose their link? @My work OS is XP and home is Vista. Is there a chance of a problem?

OR does anyone have any other ideas.

Thank you in advance.

Could I just take the .mdb files home and replace them in the morning?

Yes

Is anyone doing this in real life?

Yes, and I have talked about it about 100 times but no one ever listens, lol.

Is there a chance of data corruption?

No, you are simply moving a file from one place to another.

Is there a chance that the imported items may lose their link?

I always worry about that. But, I don't think you would need to worry. You could always copy over. But, you stated you weren't going to import things so, unless you would do letters, then don't bring that .mdb file home.

Work I have XP, at home I have Vista. Is there a problem?

Other than having Vista, no. LOL.

Thanks Bert, you are always such a great help.

Glad I could help.

I strongly suggest you leave your data at the office and remote into your system from home. This eliminates the chance the thumb drive with your HIPAA protected ePHI gets lost and the data stolen by *whoever*.

GoToMyPC is a good service. If you are cost concious, you can use LogMeIn which has a no-strings attached free version.

What type of delay would be acceptable to you? only if it is as fast as being right there in the office? or can you put up with slightly reduced performance? The solution for you will depend on your pain threshold for delay.

Using a single, central source of data is the best bet. Sync and the manual movement of the database are lessor options than real time remote access of your database at the office. All it will take is once to delay reinstalling the database and your front desk will schedule patients or do other work in the database without your updates -- giving you a painful out of sync situation.

Several remote access options have been documented on the forum. Here I believe is the list of those mentioned to date:

1. UltraVNC
http://www.uvnc.com/

2. Remote Desktop Connection
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/northrup_03may16.mspx

3. GotoMyPC
http://www.gotomypc.com

4. LogMeIn
https://secure.logmein.com/home.asp?lang=en

5. VPN routers and other hardware based solutions
<urls being evaluated-will post later>

I'm in the process now of doing a detailed review of each of these remote access options and evaluating tradeoffs for speed, security, features, and cost. I'll be sure to post my findings with a follow up postings and experience reviews on each method.

Eric:

Posting a comparison would be awesome.

I didn't do any comparisons. LogMeIn hooked me with the free Pro trial, and I was ready to shell out the money for the full version by the time the trial was up.

There is a little lag with LogMeIn, but only a little, and it is certainly fast enough for me to answer inter-office mail, process lab results, do backups, and review notes.

Also, with the full version, you can cut and paste files from work to home and back, effortlessly, even really big files.

Eric,
I'd be VERY interested in your findings. I've tried all of the above and I find that sitting right in front of the computer is the most satisfying.

Eric,

Very helpful. If I may add a couple of comments before you post your comparisons off the cuff. Your research may prove me wrong.

UltaVNC (free) I found this VPN to be a bit difficult to set up.

GoToMyPC (subscription) This is the standard of Internet remote connections (or at least it came out first). Fairly pricey, but the advantage is you can connect from any computer and not just the one with the VPN.

LogMeIn (free and subscription) For remote connection only, it's free and the way to go. Can't move files, but you can email them to yourself or upload them to another site.

RDP or Remote Desktop (free, free, free) I found the article rather daunting but helpful. If you configure your hardware firewall to allow port 3389 and your computer to allow incoming remote connections, it is rather easy. Remote Desktop works better if you have a static IP (which Paul does). Without it, your ISP will continue to assign you dymanic IPs. You can, as the article does allude to, go to www.whatismyisp.org or .com to find your IP address. So, if you suddenly can't get into the machine, then make sure you are using the correct one. If you are relying on the connection all the time, maybe go with static. If you are traversing a hardware firewall, you will need to use port redirection (some firewalls such as Linksys make this relatively easy, some such as Cisco PIX can make it rather daunting although there are probably more than a few people on here who can walk you through it).

Basically, Windows XP already has a way to connnect: Remote Desktop, which is free as stated above.

As Eric stated, you will never get the same perfomrance as being at the office; if you want that performance, then you will have to use DTO. (Drive To Office)

Also, it is not in the free version, but LogMeIn has this feature called LogMeIn Transmission or something like that. One click and you're in (about three seconds).

RDP is very much the same, and you can enter your credentials for logging in at the remote computer so you enter seamlessly with no issues.

HTH.

Thanks Eric.

I use DTO most commonly.

However from time to time, it is nice to be lying in bed w/ my laptop finishing up computer tasks from home. I use LogMeIn. This ends up being fine for me. Only problem is that I have a 24inch monitor at work, and the entire thing is shrunk to fit my 14inch laptop monitor, so it all looks small.

If you have a large volume of work, use DTO. No other application out there will give you the same "instantaneous" feel for the computer as actually working on that machine.

Eric,
Obviously I too would love to hear and see your detailed review of all these options. You've got my interest here. Thanks....

I agree with Midlakes that remoting in is the safest way to work from home. But, the question was can it be done. It can be done and can be relatively safe especially if you are only moving one or two databases. It is easy to encrypt the databases on the thumb drive and, if in fact one were to go that route, then Iron Key is the way to go. See Tips and Tricks (I believe -- can't remember if I posted it there) for a review.

When I talk about the 100 times, I am referring to the 500 times users have spoken about their fears of syncing and nursing homes, etc.

So, if one were only going home a few times a month, then it's feasible.

If I were going to work from home, I would use Remote Desktop or LogMeIn.

I am probably in the minority here, but for me it's just easiest and quickest to do the work at work and the home at home. I was discussing with a colleague what was worse. Getting home at 8:30 PM to the spouse or getting home at 7:30 and then telsing him/her
you now have an hour of work to do.

I have the subscription version, and you can move files, and even larger ones that you can e-mail.

I am not familiar with a lot of these products, so I don't know how LogMeIn compares here, but I love the "drag 'n' drop" ability with the subscription version: you can just pick up a file from work and drag it onto your home desktop. Too cool.

By the way, the "instant" version of LogMeIn (referred to above) is called Ignition. I purchased it (about $15) but haven't tested it yet.

Ignition is awesome. It's funny how impatient we have become. Three or four steps taking 10 to 15 seconds becomes overwhelming.
It may be helpful to know that LogMeIn with ignition (one click and you're in) is very similar to Remote Desktop.

Not completely technology-wise, but the speed of getting in.

I "take work home" using logmein on daily basis. I could use my laptop and/or thumb drive instead, but in this case I would have to come to work before my employees in order to synchronize the AC database before everybody makes changes. Logmein works fine for me.

I finally am ready to post my results after using the various products. Bottom line after all was said and done is Logmein is the hands down best solution.

For those of you really interested in reading the analysis, I planned to do an remote access analysis using the following procedures:

>>>>>

Comparison of remote access options for small office situation

1. Remote Desktop
2. Ultra VNC
3. LogMeIN
4. GotoMyPC
5. VPN Firewall Switch or other hardware

For each option, I will compare:

A. Final Assessment - Ranking relative to other offerings
B. General Description
C. Cost – one time or ongoing? Additional licenses as practice grows?
D. Speed – impact on client computer? Impact on remote computer? Measured login time till in amazing charts? Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login? Time to open patient past encounter?
E. Ease of setup – Can non-IT person set it up? Time to setup?
Example RATINGS I will use:
1. Extremely EASY
2. Can be complicated for some,
3. Only a techie with time to spare could love
F. Security – Known exploits? Potential for Password or data loss?
G. Key Features – Work with Amazing Charts? Move files? Perform backup and other maintenance?
H. Scalability – how many doctors will it support? How many concurrent sessions?

>>>>

I will do a separate post on each method.

I did most of the work I anticipated except the actual speed comparisons as I just didn't feel it was value added after I did the analysis.

1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

A. Final Assessment
An offering whose time has come and gone. There are better solutions out there in GotomyPC and Logmein.

B. General Description

Remote Desktop, included with Windows XP Professional, enables you to connect to your computer across the Internet from virtually any computer, Pocket PC, or Smartphone. Once connected, Remote Desktop gives you mouse and keyboard control over your computer while showing you everything that's happening on the screen. With Remote Desktop, you can leave your computer at the office without losing access to your files, applications, and e-mail.

For more info, visit these links:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Desktop_Protocol


C. Cost –

Included with Microsoft Windows XP Professional (zero cost if you have this already).

D. Speed – PENDING

For the fastest performance, be sure to modify the remote desktop properties to optimize speed. Under display, knock it down to 256 colors. Under local resources, select “leave it at remote computer”. Under experience, select “modem 28.8 Kbps” – every check box should be unclicked except bitmap caching.

No discernable impact on client computer and no discernable impact on remote computer. Some delay is noticeable even at the lowest experience settings.

Measured login time till in amazing charts?
Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login?
Time to open patient past encounter?

E. Ease of setup – RATING: Can be complicated for some.

A non-IT person can set it up. Not as easy as Logmein or GotomyPC but much simpler than VPN or UltraVNC. Time to setup was approximately 25 minutes. For more detailed explanation of the setup, please see: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457106.aspx

If the user wishing to use the machine is not an administrator, they must be added to the “remote desktop users” group to use RDP. For an explanation on how to do this, see here:
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windo...4afb-88a2-dd0698c5d5091033.mspx?mfr=true

It is highly recommended to use a regular user ID with user level permissions, not administrator permissions, for your RDP session.

If you use a cable modem or DSL, extra configuration is required to enable you to communicate with the computer in the office. Also, you may need to use port forwarding to point or forward the RDP destination traffic to the proper computer in your office. Otherwise, you will not be able to reach your office computer as the IP address will keep changing and the firewall may block the traffic.

To establish a domain name and subsequent “always known” IP address for your office computer, you will need a small program running on your office computer that constantly informs a server/domain name service of the current IP address. These programs are called dynamic DNS clients. Please visit either of these two sites to learn more:

http://www.linuxhomenetworking.com/wiki/index.php/Quick_HOWTO_:_Ch19_:_Dynamic_DNS
http://www.no-ip.com/services/managed_dns/free_dynamic_dns.html

To use port forwarding on a Linksys product, refer to this page:
http://www.dslwebserver.com/main/fr_index.html?/main/sbs-linksys-port-forwarding.html


F. Security –

Susceptible to man-in-the-middle eavesdropping attacks, and downloadable tool kits are capable of compromising connection.

Here is a link that describes how to best secure RDP:
http://www.mobydisk.com/techres/securing_remote_desktop.html

If you care to read about the exploit, the vulnerabilities are reviewed thoroughly in this article:
http://www.oxid.it/downloads/rdp-gbu.pdf

The latest version 6.0 attempts to minimize this security hole and should be used:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925876

Port 3389 is open on your computer that might otherwise been closed. Open ports offer potential hackers access to begin intrusion efforts. For your reading enjoyment, read this post where a hacker is asking how to exploit computers using port 3389.
http://www.governmentsecurity.org/archive/t6783.html

G. Key Features –

Works with Amazing Charts. Can easily move files between remote computer and the host computer. Can easily perform backup and other maintenance.

From Microsoft perspective, here is a list of features:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300698


H. Scalability –

RDP is meant to be used by a single person on a single desktop. So, if you have a dedicated desktop per doctor, it will scale accordingly. The bottleneck limitation to number of doctors will be the size of the network pipe coming into your office.

If a user is logged on at the local console(in front of the computer), a remote user has to kick him off (and ironically, this can be done even without his permission) before starting work on the box. These articles explains how to remove this limitation and allow up to three users at one (2 remote, 1 local):
http://sig9.com/articles/concurrent-remote-desktop
http://riccardo.raneri.it/blog/eng/index.php/2006/04/24/windows-xp-multiuser-remote-desktop/

2. Ultra VNC – PENDING as I haven't gotten it to work yet

A. Final Assessment

No physician office manager in their right mind would figure this one out unless they love tech for tech sake. If you like to install LINUX from source code, then this one is for you.

B. General Description
http://www.uvnc.com/

UltraVNC remote control software was released under the GNU General Public License . The GNU system was put in place to ensure software freedoms, including access to source code, ability to copy as you’d like, and ability to change and redistribute as you like. For more background, see http://www.gnu.org/gnu/gnu-history.html

C. Cost –
Software is free but there is a hidden, high cost due to your time to install.

D. Speed – PENDING

impact on client computer? Impact on remote computer?
Measured login time till in amazing charts?
Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login?
Time to open patient past encounter?

E. Ease of setup – RATING: Only a techie with time to spare could love

See http://www.uvnc.com/install/index.html and http://www.uvnc.com/install/installation.html

Plan on reading user forums for beginner’s:
http://forum.ultravnc.info/viewtopic.php?t=6429

Even after doing this, I still haven’t got it working.

F. Security – PENDING

Known exploits? Potential for Password or data loss?

G. Key Features – PENDING

Work with Amazing Charts? Move files? Perform backup and other maintenance?

H. Scalability – PENDING

how many doctors will it support? How many concurrent sessions?

LogMeIN

A. Final Assessment

Hands down the best there is available, regardless of price (which amazingly is free for now).

B. General Description
LogMeIn is remote access software that lets you access your Windows computer from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet. You see your Target computer's full desktop and control everything on it—applications, network files, email, printing—without the hassle of further downloads or installations. You can even share files that are too large for email.

The closest offering to LogmeIn is Gotomypc. LogMeIn states that they have a technology advantage that makes their software faster. The simplest explanation of this technology advantage is that once you establish the connection with your remote PC through the LogMeIn website, it dynamically changes to a direct connection between your local and remote PC - no longer routing through their website. This “peer-to-peer” LogMeIn connection offers faster speeds because there are no hops - information flows directly between the local and target computer.

Per the marketing materials, it is also more cost efficient, because LogMein doesn’t have to pay for the bandwidth to route it through their website. (GoToMyPC connections are continuously hosted through their website for the duration of all remote control sessions, creating latency and requiring bandwidth). So because of their technology advantage, LogMeIn is faster, they are able to give away a free version, and also can charge much less for their professional version.

C. Cost –

There are two products to consider, Logmein Free and Logmein Pro. For now, Free is free, no charge. Logmein Pro will cost you $69.95/year for a single computer. For more than one computer, there is reduced pricing as your numbers increase. (for instance for 2 computers = 59.95/yr/computer), etc

D. Speed – PENDING

No discernable speed impact on client computer. No discernable speed impact on remote computer. Little noticeable speed difference from sitting in front of computer. Without measuring, Logmein appeared even faster than remote desktop. One of the nice features is that the performance across a wide area network can be automatically regulated based on the network speed read by the software. This is nice when compared to remote desktop where you must make your resolution,

Measured login time till in amazing charts?
Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login?
Time to open patient past encounter?

E. Ease of setup – RATING: Extremely EASY. I was up and running within 10 minutes.

Primary and Secondary users:
By creating Secondary Users in your LogMeIn account, you can allow remote access to one or more of your computers. Secondary Users have unrestricted access only to the machines you select, and you can disable their access at any time. Secondary Users are not able to view the details of your LogMeIn account or subscription.

To create a Secondary User, follow these steps:
1. Log in to LogMeIn.com using your registered email and password.
2. On the My Computers page, click the "Users" link on the left side of the screen. Make sure you are in "Advanced View," not "Simple View."
3. Click the "Secondary Users" link at the top of the screen, then click "Add New Secondary User".
4. Enter the email address your Secondary User will use to log in to LogMeIn.com.
5. By default, all computers in your list will be assigned. However, you can Specify Computers by choosing that option. On the Specified Computers panel, select the computers the Secondary User will be allowed to access. The plus sign will need to be selected to expand the list.

Note: Secondary Users are required to define their own password when accepting the invitation, and can change it at any time. To enable extra security features, click "Edit" next to the Secondary User's email address once their account has been created.

Also, the Secondary User will need to know the Computer's Windows Username and Password or the Access Code to connect into the computer(s).

F. Security –
No Known exploits. No known Potential for Password or data loss. However, a port is open on your computer that might otherwise been closed. Open ports offer potential hackers access to begin intrusion efforts.

LogMeIn employs an effective multi-Layered Security Model. This is much more secure that remote desktop offered by Microsoft.

Secure user accounts: Set up and access your LogMeIn account using your email address and a password that you choose. Your account resides on our encrypted gateway and stores the link to the secure, SSL-encrypted connections established between our gateway and your host machines. When accessing your account, the only information you see is a link to your host machines.

Windows authentication: To access a host machine, you must know its Windows username and password. This information is stored within the host machine only – and therefore is accessible only by the administrator of that machine. The LogMeIn Gateway does not know, and cannot discover, the Windows authentication for any of your host machines.

Account lockout and lockdown: If there are three failed attempts to access your LogMeIn account, then that user (IP address) is blocked for 30 minutes and the account is locked down. The same is true when attempting Windows authentication. This is configurable; so you can set both the number of attempts and the IP lockout timeframe. You can also refuse specific IP addresses, or create a friendly-IP list that allows access only from those IPs that you allow.

RSA SecureID: LogMeIn also integrates with RSA SecurID’s industry-proven, two-factor authentication system.

One-time passwords: The option for one-time security codes (in either print or email form), provide an additional layer of security. To keep remote access to your PC secure, you can choose to be prompted to enter a one-time security code each time you log in to the LogMeIn web site to access your Target PC. These codes can come from a printed list, or you can opt to have one emailed to you each time you log in. Each code can only be used once. This option will help prevent unauthorized remote access to your PC should someone discover a used security code or your LogMeIn password.

Personal Passwords: By choosing to require the use of a personal password, after entering the Windows Login credentials, the user must type three requested characters of a predefined eight-character password. A given password may be used only once. For example, if your Personal Password is "password" and you are being asked for the 5th character, you will use the dropdown menu to select the letter "w".

SSL encryption: Once a connection is established, all traffic is encrypted with end-to-end 128- to 256-bit SSL encryption. This is the same technology trusted by major banking institutions to allow secure online banking.

For detailed information, you can visit:
https://secure.logmein.com/documentation/Security/wp_lmi_security.pdf

There is some comment on the internet about whether Logmein is more secure than remote desktop. The comments I found all agreed that logmein was more secure. See for yourself: http://www.computing.net/answers/networking/rdp-vs-logmein/29418.html


G. Key Features –

Works extremely well with Amazing Charts. You can move files between your remote computer and the host computer with Logmein Pro for additional cost. You can perform most backup and other maintenance.

H. Scalability –

With secondary accounts, you can have more than one doctor access a dedicated machine located at the office. Or, if you installed Logmein on dedicated computers by doctor, then each doctor could access their own computer and it would scale as needed.
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4. GotoMyPC http://www.gotomypc.com

A. Final Assessment

This was the best until Logmein came around. In 2008, GotomyPC is an overpriced offering in comparison to Logmein.

B. General Description.

GoToMyPC provides the registered user with remote access to the user's registered PC(s) from any Web browser. To use the Service you will need to download "gotomypcsrv" or "gopcsrv" software to each PC that you would like to access remotely. Each PC that you wish to access must also maintain a connection with the Internet in order to accessible remotely. Owned and operated by Citrix, the most mature remote access product in use for businesses.

There are three versions of GoToMyPC.
GoToMyPC — Secure remote access for individual users. Perfect for solo physicians.
GoToMyPC Pro — Secure remote access for teams and small companies. Would be used for practices with 2-5 physicians or additional office staff requiring remote access.
GoToMyPC Corporate — Secure remote access for small and medium-sized businesses. Not likely to be used for practices using Amazing chart..

C. Cost –

For a single PC, Amazing Chart users can try GoToMyPC free for 30 days if you supply a credit card. You may cancel anytime during your trial and your credit card will not be charged. Be careful here as they really mean your subscription will continue and renew automatically until you notify Citrix Online of your decision to change your subscription renewal.
If GoToMyPC works for you, your membership continues automatically at a flat monthly rate of $19.95, or you can switch to an Annual Plan for 179.40 ($14.95 a month). Add more host PC’s and the rates go up accordingly. For example, for 4 Host PCs the Monthly rate is $67.80.

For 10% off, visit this website: http://www.remotepcaccess.net/

D. Speed –

PENDING
impact on client computer? Impact on remote computer? Measured login time till in amazing charts? Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login? Time to open patient past encounter?

Program offers a session performance analysis and provides tips to improve performance.

E. Ease of setup – RATING: Extremely EASY.

Create an account and password online. Enter credit card information to enroll under the 30 day trial. Load software onto the HOST PC at your office. You will need to restart the computer. When prompted, enter your email address and account password (these are the same that you use to log in to the GoToMyPC Web site) and click OK. When prompted, enter a computer nickname for the host PC; if needed, select the account to which this computer should belong. Give the PC an access code, confirm the access code and click OK. Leave the Host computer running and connected to internet at all times. If you use personal firewall software, make sure GoToMyPC has been added to its list of software that is allowed to access the internet.

User Guide posted here: https://www.gotomypc.com/downloads/pdf/p/GoToMyPC_User_Guide.pdf


F. Security – No Known exploits. Sold as the “most secure Internet connection available in a remote-access product”.

All data is protected with AES encryption using 128-bit keys. Dual passwords and end-to-end user authentication. Option to use One-Time Passwords for maximum security.

Gotomypc also has a HIPAA compliance guide available:
https://www.gotomypc.com/downloads/pdf/m/GoToMyPC_Corporate_HIPAA_Compliance_Guide.pdf

Gotomypc also publishes this document to review the security features in great detail:
https://www.gotomypc.com/downloads/pdf/m/GoToMyPC_Corporate_Security_White_Paper.pdf


G. Key Features –

Software can easily allow you to work with Amazing Charts. Interestingly, you can also invite others into your remote session and use drawing tools to mark up the screen for a training session.

.

H. Scalability – Gotomypc can easily support 1-100s of doctors.

5. VPN Firewall Switch or other hardware (Netgear investigated)

A. Final Assessment

Not suitable for most Amazing Chart users due to performance issues using MSAccess over the WAN.

B. General Description

For a general overview of Virtual Private Network (VPN), please see:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/VPN_help.htm

Several vendors offer hardware based VPN solutions. This allows a remote client to connect back to the office as if they are still in the office. A high end gigabit switch offering from Netgear for a small office would be:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/VPNandSSL/WiredVPNFirewallRouters/FVS336G.aspx
The PDF data sheet can be found here:
http://www.netgear.com/upload/product/fvs336g/enus_ds_fvs336g_10jan08.pdf
This model is $264.29 from Newegg.com (now out of stock) or $296.99 from buy.com (in stock).

A slightly lower end offering, with lower processor speed and memory would be:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/VPNandSSL/WiredVPNFirewallRouters/FVS124G.aspx
The PDF data sheet can be found here:
http://www.netgear.com/upload/product/fvs124g/enus_ds_fvs124g_06dec06.pdf
This model is $144.99 from newegg.com (now out of stock) or $157.99 from buy.com (in stock)

C. Cost

Additional licenses are required for the VPN software. A single license is included with FVS336G model. For a 5 user license VPN05L at buy.com, it is listed at $142.99. If you wanted a single license VPN01L, then buy.com lists this at $48.99. Certificates for each user could be $20 each if purchased from Verisign.

D. Speed – PENDING

impact on client computer? Impact on remote computer?

Measured login time till in amazing charts?
Measured time to compact and maintain databases once successful login?
Time to open patient past encounter?

E. Ease of setup – RATING: Not for faint of heart.

A non-IT person would have difficulty setting up VPN in their office. Just knowing what to buy, configure and deploy takes a lot of research. Read this for a primer:
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/23362

Creating and importing a certificate from a granting certificate authority is required.
http://www.remoteidentification.com/en/digital_certificate.htm

Verisign is the leading certificate authority (and also the most expensive).
http://www.verisign.com/authentication/individual-authentication/digital-id/index.html

However, there are options for free certificates as is explained here:
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/networking/?p=298
and
http://www.startssl.com/



F. Security –

The security of VPN all depends on the configuration. Properly configured they are extremely secure. Top area to avoid is using a pre-shared key. Rather, you should rely on a certificate authority http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/22580

Point to Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) VPN such as used by Microsoft is considered not as robust as IPsec and SSL VPN and is not recommended. However, even the higher level IPsec are vulnerable with improper configuration. VPN hacking/cracking 'how-to' guides and tools are readily available on the Internet:

www.ernw.de/download/pskattack.pdf
http://ikecrack.sourceforge.net/

The availability of these 'how to' guides and tools means, of course, that even the relatively unskilled hacker/cracker can compromise a poorly designed IPsec VPN.

G. Key Features –

Once authenticated, you work as if you were in the office, double clicking on the same icons and the same procedures. However, as Amazing Charts is an MSAccess database, AC does not work well with VPN as performances is seriously degraded. This poor performance is due to moving the database records across a wide area network (the internet). MSAccess works well on local area networks but not wide area networks. For more information on why MSAccess does not perform well on a WAN, please see this link:

http://members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Wan/Wans.html

With VPN, you can certainly move files and perform backup and other maintenance.

H. Scalability –

The scalability depends on how much money you spend on the VPN firewall hardware itself. Prices go up from $100 to thousands for Cisco. Large corporations rely on VPN for their remote access requirements. VPN is the preferred method as it doesn’t open ports from the internet

Eric,

That is an excellent review. I read it over, and I agree with most everything you wrote save for a couple of details. I generally use RDP, and RWW (only with SBS) and some LogMeIn.

I, for one, appreciate all of the effort you put into that synopsis. Although not a big AC Wikipedia fan, that would fit right in.

I think this will help tremendously, and you may want to copy and paste all of it into one post and place it in Tips and Tricks.

Thanks again.

Eric,
Wow! Thanks for that wonderful and detailed reply. And I think I speak for the group in saying your research and results are well founded... Great work. Thanks for all the time you took to test and then post...

Nancy and I have started using "free" logmein and she LOVES it! And now that we will soon have two towers on site at the office I'm going to try to add a computer and see if we can have both of us doing work from home at the same time!!! Less late nights at the office. Still nice to stay a bit after dinner because who ever stays doesn't have the distractions of kids, cats, dogs, dinner and bedtime. But now one of us can stay for just an hour or two, come home to help with bedtime and see the kids off to dreamland and then resume with business. Absolutely great!!! I just bought us one of those lapdesks so Nancy can sit in bed and bang away at the keys without choking the vent holes.

But man thanks again. What an assume post. You certainly did your civic duty for the board my friend.... THANKS...

Paul

Paul,
The real key is to not have to take work home. I access my office computer through LogMeIn but only if I have an after hour's call. Now that I have fax to PC capabilities, I can now be out of the office for ANY reason and still take care of refills and other issues from ANYPLACE!! Think I'll be spending more time OUT of the office now.

Leslie

You lucky dog you. Now if I could only teach my wife how to chart at time of service, we would be all set....

Paul, here's how my wife trained me:

She asked me "How many patients CAN you see and chart on in the morning? How many patients CAN you see and chart on in the evening?" I told her, and she said, "Schedule that many patients."

Once I started doing it, I found that I could see a few more than I thought, because the closer to the actual encounter time, the more efficient you are (details are sharp, and your energy is at its peak).

This is a much more peaceful way to practice medicine, doing a day's work in a day, not leaving any charts behind.

Hmmmm. I wonder if this question will work on my sister.....

Eric,
That was an extremely well thought out review that you performed. I would like to commend your efforts. I would like to validate your findins by saying that I've used all of the options you reported upon (except GoToMyPC).

I've ben using LogMeIn since Bert told me about it back in January. It's a perfect compliment to an near completely paperless office.
Thanks again Man. Nice job!

My wife is logmein'ed as we speak...

"Mr Scott"... "Aye?" "Log me in." "Aye, aye, captin, one to beam up."

No fair Paul,
you used that line about a month or two ago.
No reposting allowed <<said in a whiney voice>> That's kind of like regifting. Vinney, someone's not playing fair!
<<JOKING>>