Live Mesh

I haven't used live mesh, or any of the many other web based remote desktop setups. I don't know the details of live mesh, but I inherently don't trust most remote desktop systems that:

a) don't use a vpn
b) store any of your personal info or login info on their server

You actually had a very timely post about this for me, as I've been looking into a setup that would allow me to securely access my work computer from home. I considered web based remote desktop setups, but they just weren't secure enough for my liking, so I will likely opt for a hardware vpn system. Basically, a vpn router at work creates a vpn with a router at my house, which gives me encrypted access to my work network so that I can just use normal (windows) remote desktop connection to access my work box.

The downside of my approach of course is that I can't just plop down at any computer in the world and access my work computer. But for my needs, that is unnecessary, and I'm unwilling to take on the associated security risks.

Of course, my approach also costs a few hundred bucks to implement, so that may not be a feasible option for most people. (Thank you business credit card.)

Seems like this sort of thing would be really handy for helping my grandma upload her photos, so I don't have to do the "Okay, how do I do this again?" phone call every time. ;)