Remote Working

[Andy]

When I was about to go on holiday, I suddenly needed to sort out a website for a customer using my desktop PC to upload files and stuff. Then it dawned on me that a better way is to set up a purely online control center for my business activities so I can work anywhere on earth that has internet access.

Most things are easy to do online such as handle email, but FTP of files is a bit more tricky. Has anyone got a good solution to web server based FTP? i.e. how to store common files such as zipped up scripts on a web server and install them from the web server directly to a remote site on another server. Also, a way to edit and save files using web-based software running on ones own server would be useful.

Ideally this does not involve command line secure access to root etc.

[SensoVision]

Hi Andy and welcome back! hope you spend good vacations?
Regarding your question some time ago I've seen project which was aimed for creating remote office on some server where you'll be able to have tools and important documents to work from anywhere.
It was Linux based and supposed to be free service, although I can't remember name of the project and wasn't able to find it.
I know there are a way to work with your PC from any other computer using remote desktop applications, it could be good if you have PC always working.

[Andy]

I know there are a way to work with your PC from any other computer using remote desktop applications, it could be good if you have PC always working.

I know that too and hopefully we won't stray off topic here  The whole point is not to need a PC, only internet access.

[SensoVision]

maybe someone else know the name of the project and could share it. Or I'll sort out my bookmarks and find it.

[Andy]

I found some free software that is good for web-based FTP transfers between servers. However, you need to type in the name of the files (up to 10) that you want to transfer. It would be better if you could browse and select files.

http://www.mywebftp.com/

Also, I found a script that unzips archives using php:
http://www.phpconcept.net/pclzip/man/en/index.php?methods-extract

With the above solutions I was able to download the latest version of wordpress directly to my hosting and unzip the files without going via my PC.

Next, I will look for an online file editor.

[SensoVision]

actually if you're familiar with SSH and have it enabled on hosting there is no real need in any additional software, everything could be done within SSH session including downloading and sometimes install of script.
E.g. to download and unpack script for installation you just need execute something like this:
wget http://www.domainexample.net/somefile.tar.bz2
tar jxvf somefile.tar.bz2

for quick editing of web page you may use mcedit which is part of Midnight Commander it highlight text for easier editing and intuitive interface.
For using SSH from any Windows based PC you'll just need some program like Putty with you. BTW you can use it on PDA devices as well so can control what's happening on your server through mobile in any place on the earth.

or there is something drawbacks about method I've described?

[Andy]

or there is something drawbacks about method I've described?

Yes, a big drawback: ssh access is not usually available on shared hosting.


I found a solution for editing text files: www.gerd-tentler.de/tools/filemanager

This seems to work well as long as paths and permissions are set up correctly.

For doing word processing and creating office like documents, there are online solutions available from Google docs and others.

Now there is one more nut to crack, how to store passwords and sensitive data on line. I am thinking about doing this inside my gmail account. Since passwords are sent by email and I think I can trust Google not to share my emails, this may be one possibility. But I think it is best to encrypt any data like this so another tool is required. Something to encrypt and de-crypt text files.

I found suitable code for encoding passwords here:

http://www.tonymarston.net/php-mysql/encryption.html

I have implemented a version of this code on my site which is now a useable tool to encrypt and decrypt your passwords: http://www.aweconsulting.co.uk/crypt

[SensoVision]

Since you're working with Windows I may suggest you to try out RAR archiver tool, it may archive some data and ask for password when you need it. If I remember well it was told that it's possible to open such archive but it would take about year or more for good machine to crack down the code. Regarding possibility of storing on Gmail it's not very good idea but better than have passwords with you IMHO.

As for SSH and shared hosting, I thought that you mostly deal with clients who is hosted on your server so you may actually access their accounts through SSH that's why I suggested it.

[Andy]

Since you're working with Windows

Sorry, but you don't seem to get it. All this is about avoiding the use of a specific local computer. Access is via a web browser interface from a mobile device or Internet Cafe. Also, I don't own my own server. Very few people do.

Also, from my first post:

Ideally this does not involve command line secure access to root etc.

better than have passwords with you IMHO.

What about when I forget to take them and only remembered 1 or 2 passwords?