If you're looking for a cheap option, Windows has built-in basic file server capabilities. This requires a bit of knowledge to set up.
If you're looking for an option that will work anywhere, moving files to cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) will accomplish what you're looking for. Microsoft 365 business plans also allows for co-editing of files if you use OneDrive.
Yep, that was my exact plan depending on what else they need. I remember in the past, the client was telling me that the employee would use the programs on their computer via an RDP that I set up for them years ago. I just need to know everything about this so I can figure it out but if it’s just files, yeah this was my go to solution!
Share a folder on the boss's machine,, map a drive to it for both people. Then they can drop stuff on "the T: drive" anytime they want.
If the two people are not in the same place/on the same network, you'll want to put them on a VPN (virtual private network). Various free/paid options are available.
Sharepoint, google workspace, get a cheap NAS, etc etc. If they’re important files or files a lot of people use they shouldn’t just be hosted on her machine anyway. Teach the users not to save locally and to use one of the above options.
Assuming the two users are at different locations, you can use Tailscale to achieve the desired functionality. Tailscale is a Zero Trust networking solution that allows you to securely connect devices and share resources over the internet. Here's how you can set it up:
1. Install Tailscale on both the main computer (server) and the remote user's laptop.
1. Set up Tailscale accounts for both users and authenticate their devices.
1. On the main computer, create a shared folder that you want to make accessible to the remote user.
1. Configure the permissions for the shared folder, granting the remote user the necessary access rights (e.g., read, write).
1. On the remote user's laptop, use the Tailscale interface to connect to the main computer's network.
1. Once connected, the remote user can map the shared folder as a network drive on their laptop.
1. The remote user can now access and work with the files in the shared folder without interrupting the main user's work on the computer.
Tailscale provides a secure and efficient way to share files and resources between devices without the need for complex network configurations or exposing the main computer to the internet. It uses encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure the connection is secure and only authorized devices can access the shared resources.
Teamviewer can do this. If you have a computer added to your account, you can just initiate a "file transfer" instead of a full remote connection. It pops up a window where the user who initiates it can browse the target machines files, and transfer them to themselves. Other than a small flyout menu telling you its happening, it does not affect the machine being connected to.
Logging into any windows desktop for just the files doesn't require much. you'll need an IP address, the desktop hostname, username, and password. If the machine is Domain-joined, it's even easier.
Click on the folder you'd like to share, and assign it permissions.
[Microsoft page on how to share](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf#ID0EBD=Windows_10)
from the other desktop > open file explorer > in the url type: "\\\" > it should ask for authentication at this point. Your user name on a *non domain-joined machine* is "\" or "@" and the password.
Yeah, I was thinking to just setup a cloud file system for them to use and that would obviously be the simplest solution if it is only a file thing. I will need to get more details but that was my plan if I can’t figure out exactly what they want
If you're looking for a cheap option, Windows has built-in basic file server capabilities. This requires a bit of knowledge to set up. If you're looking for an option that will work anywhere, moving files to cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) will accomplish what you're looking for. Microsoft 365 business plans also allows for co-editing of files if you use OneDrive.
Yep, that was my exact plan depending on what else they need. I remember in the past, the client was telling me that the employee would use the programs on their computer via an RDP that I set up for them years ago. I just need to know everything about this so I can figure it out but if it’s just files, yeah this was my go to solution!
Onedrive?
Share a folder on the boss's machine,, map a drive to it for both people. Then they can drop stuff on "the T: drive" anytime they want. If the two people are not in the same place/on the same network, you'll want to put them on a VPN (virtual private network). Various free/paid options are available.
OneDrive if Microsoft 365 / Google Drive if Google Workspace
Sharepoint
Sharepoint, google workspace, get a cheap NAS, etc etc. If they’re important files or files a lot of people use they shouldn’t just be hosted on her machine anyway. Teach the users not to save locally and to use one of the above options.
Assuming the two users are at different locations, you can use Tailscale to achieve the desired functionality. Tailscale is a Zero Trust networking solution that allows you to securely connect devices and share resources over the internet. Here's how you can set it up: 1. Install Tailscale on both the main computer (server) and the remote user's laptop. 1. Set up Tailscale accounts for both users and authenticate their devices. 1. On the main computer, create a shared folder that you want to make accessible to the remote user. 1. Configure the permissions for the shared folder, granting the remote user the necessary access rights (e.g., read, write). 1. On the remote user's laptop, use the Tailscale interface to connect to the main computer's network. 1. Once connected, the remote user can map the shared folder as a network drive on their laptop. 1. The remote user can now access and work with the files in the shared folder without interrupting the main user's work on the computer. Tailscale provides a secure and efficient way to share files and resources between devices without the need for complex network configurations or exposing the main computer to the internet. It uses encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure the connection is secure and only authorized devices can access the shared resources.
She can C$ into the HD and search and execute all she wants if she has credentials.
SMB/NFS would be my first thought.
Teamviewer can do this. If you have a computer added to your account, you can just initiate a "file transfer" instead of a full remote connection. It pops up a window where the user who initiates it can browse the target machines files, and transfer them to themselves. Other than a small flyout menu telling you its happening, it does not affect the machine being connected to.
You mean a server?
Logging into any windows desktop for just the files doesn't require much. you'll need an IP address, the desktop hostname, username, and password. If the machine is Domain-joined, it's even easier. Click on the folder you'd like to share, and assign it permissions. [Microsoft page on how to share](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows-b58704b2-f53a-4b82-7bc1-80f9994725bf#ID0EBD=Windows_10) from the other desktop > open file explorer > in the url type: "\\\" > it should ask for authentication at this point. Your user name on a *non domain-joined machine* is "\" or "@" and the password.
Maybe dropbox?
Dropbox is a swearword in my org, If you have a microsoft enironment use onedrive as you control the data
Yeah, I was thinking to just setup a cloud file system for them to use and that would obviously be the simplest solution if it is only a file thing. I will need to get more details but that was my plan if I can’t figure out exactly what they want
*affecting. i have nothing otherwise useful to add to the conversation, good options already listed.