File Virtualization

Both Windows XP and Vista, along with Apple OSX, include integrated protocols for remote desktop connection. For business travelers, as well as those who need technical support, providing remote access to your PC can help to alleviate the problems that come with using multiple computers. As we shift toward a cloud-computing model, however, the idea of isolated physical machines is shifting towards a new model of data accessibility, increasing the need for enhanced security for remote connections.

On a simple level, you can enable your OS to allow for remote connections from a specified IP address or by way of a unique login, to allow you (or a trusted 3rd party) to have remote access to your desktop. A number of dedicated programs such as GoToMyPC and WebEx allow you to further filter these levels of access, so that you can, for example, provide yourself with complete access to your PC while giving technical support access only to certain functions (or folders.) These programs utilize the same basic technology as screen-sharing, and, in fact, they offer that capability, but also allow for variable interaction. Look for a program that provides a high level of encryption to ensure that any data transmissions are protected as well.

Security concerns should be paramount for those who need remote access, as you’ll have to make sure that nobody can gain unauthorized access to your machine files. In order to properly secure your machine, limit access to certain (approved) IP addresses and use difficult to guess passwords (also, never write down or save your passwords where they can be easily recovered.) Further, you’ll want to disable remote access outside of times when you need to establish a remote connections to limit your PC’s vulnerability.

For site publishers who are looking to move beyond shared hosting, but aren’t quite ready for the level of financial and technical commitment that comes with operating a dedicated box, a Virtual Private Server may be the ideal solution. VPS hosting allows you to have many of the same privacy and SEO benefits of a dedicated server (your own space, IP address and re-seller accounts) while simplifying the server administration process.

In general, most Linux-based VPS packages run on Web Host Manager, which is a multi-site version of cPanel server administration software. As a result, managing a series of sites on a WHM-based VPS is not much more difficult than cPanel itself and requires little to no command-line knowledge. Some users may opt for a Windows-based VPS, which provides the same benefits (and drawbacks) as a standard Microsoft server in a shared environment.

From a technical perspective, you are, essentially, operating a partition of a server with a few other users – while shared hosting usually places hundreds of users on the same server, a VPS is generally shared between a smaller number of users who have access to greater amounts of bandwidth, storage and options than a traditional low-cost hosting package. Make sure to look for a VPS package that includes 24/7 support, especially if you lack an internal server administrator, so that you can keep your sites up and running at all times. Many hosting companies allow easy migration from a VPS to a dedication server, allowing you to grow your network over time more easily.

As OSX becomes increasingly popular, many PC users have been adopting Apple products, especially as the company releases innovative new laptops such as the MacBook Air. As a result of the shift, however, many former PC users find that some of their programs (and files) don’t yet operate natively on OSX. As a result, there are a number of virtual options to run Windows on your Mac:

Boot Camp
This Apple-produced software allows you to run Windows on your Macintosh OSX-based computer with a disk restart. The primary advantage of Boot Camp is that your machine will be dedicated to your Windows Apps; however, the software does not allow you to run XP or Vista in conjunction with OSX as the following virtual applications do.

VMWare Fusion
Designed for home and business use, Fusion allows you to run Windows and OSX simultaneously, either on the same monitor or separated across different screens. With integrated support for multi-tasking, you can easily switch between operating systems, and can even utilize built in Windows features such as DirectX graphics support.

Parallels Desktop
The leading Windows virtualization products, Parallels is on its fourth generation product, and is the software of choice for home or enterprise-level users. Designed for optimal speed, the software provides seamless integration along with advanced security features that help protect your virtual installation. With easy installation, energy efficient management, as well as support for a wide variety of hardware formats, include the iPhone, over a million worldwide users rely on Parallels.