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Setting Up a Home Server: A Guide to Turning an Old Computer into a Server (Web, Media, Minecraft, FTP)

If you want to connect to your computer at home from a different location, access your files, run programs, or simply manage it, remote desktop connection is the solution you're looking for. There are many different methods and protocols to do this: RDP, VNC, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, SSH, etc.

In this article, we explain all the ways to remotely access your home computer in the finest detail; we offer a visual and exemplary guide for both Windows and Linux users.

Requirements

• A computer at home that is turned on and connected to the internet

• Static IP or DDNS service (e.g., No-IP)

• A client to provide the remote connection (mobile, tablet, laptop)

• Access to router settings

1. Using Remote Desktop (RDP) for Windows 10/11

a) Preparing the Computer

1. Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop > Enable

2. Activate the "Only allow remote connections from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication" option.

3. Make sure that TCP port 3389 is open through Windows Firewall.

b) User Settings

• You must have a user account on the home computer that has permission to log in.

• Give the user remote connection permission: System Properties > Remote > Users

c) Access from External Network (Port Forwarding)

• Enter the router interface (usually 192.168.1.1)

• Forward TCP port 3389 to your home computer's IP.

d) Dynamic DNS (DDNS) Setup

• If your modem IP address is dynamic, define a fixed domain name using a DDNS service.

• Example service: noip.com

e) Establishing a Connection

• Run Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) on the remote client device

• Address: [email protected]

️ 2. Connecting with VNC (Virtual Network Computing) (All Operating Systems)

a) VNC Server Setup

• Windows: Tools like RealVNC, TightVNC

• Linux: x11vnc, tigervnc, vino

b) VNC Viewer (Client) Setup

• Install VNC Viewer on your desktop or mobile device

• Connect with the server IP and port (5900)

c) Advantages

• Platform independent

• Visual desktop sharing is possible

d) Security

• Create a VNC password

• Use encryption with OpenSSH tunneling

3. AnyDesk / TeamViewer: Simple and Encrypted Alternatives

a) AnyDesk

• No installation required (portable version)

• Automatic password definition can be done

• Mobile support is very good

b) TeamViewer

• Connect with ID + password

• Access is possible even when the remote computer is turned on

Advantages:

• NAT and port forwarding are not required

• Encryption (TLS + RSA)

• Multi-monitor support

️ 4. Connecting with SSH and Terminal (For Linux Servers)

a) Install the SSH Service

sudo apt install openssh-server

b) Do port forwarding (port 22)

c) To Connect:

ssh user@yourhomeipaddress

d) Security

• Prevent brute force with fail2ban, ufw

• Set up SSH key-based login

5. Establishing a Secure Connection to the Remote Network with VPN

• By connecting to your home network with services such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, you can access it as if you were at home

• All services such as remote desktop + file sharing work over internal network IPs

6. Connecting from Mobile Devices

• Android: Microsoft Remote Desktop, JuiceSSH, VNC Viewer, AnyDesk applications

• iOS: Microsoft RDP, TeamViewer, Screens

Conclusion: Choose the Most Suitable Remote Desktop Method According to Your Needs

There are many ways to connect to the computer at home, and each method has its own advantages. If you want comprehensive access and security, you can create a hybrid structure by using multiple methods together.