What's the easiest (software or hardware or both) way to network two
computers that are at different distant locations, both hooked up to
broadband internet connections via routers. In otherwords, we'd like
the two computers to appear as though they are on the same local
network to share files, etc. Ideally, we'd like to share music via
iTunes as can be done on a local network. Though logmein and gotomypc
are great products (but a little pricey), they don't accomplish what
I'm looking for -- would VPN be what I need, if so, what kind of
solution exists for a 2 computer situation (rather than enterprise
level)? Software/hardware recommendations would be very helpful.

Please see this link:
http://www.ftptitan.com/products/webdrive/index.html


Are you familiar with WedDav? It's like iDisk from Apple.

In short; you'll map a computer (computer A) and then you'll mount
that machine on the other (computer B). You'll have complete access to
everything on the computer (if you so desire)

download the demo and read the manual; you'll be up in running about
twenty minutes.


BTW: Here's the User Guide ;)
http://www.ftptitan.com/docs/WebDrive%20Users%20Guide.pdf


--Paul

Hi Paul, thank you for your comment. While WebDav simplifies the
transfer and sharing of files on a given server, it's not really the
type of network I'm looking for. I want a distant computer (different
home) to be on my network via the internet; to appear and act as
though it were on my in-home network.

Hey Jeff,

let's make sure we're on the same page. When you see computers on your
network that's occurring due to some type of file sharing. File
sharing on your intranet is and can be the same as the internet.

For the computer you want assess to, you'll need an ip address. 

When you say you see computers on your network, what do you see...
folders? if so, those are just shared volumes which can be done for an
internet via FTP; WebDav etc.

if you want  remote like access (complete computer control); then try
PcAnywhere or any other type of remote access. if you have xp pro on
both machines then you can do this for free. another free solution is
realVNC.


--Paul

I think a VPN is what you need. Just configure one computer to accept
VPN connections, and connect the other to the VPN. It can be done on
windows XP. Just make sure that you use a dynamic DNS service (like
no-ip.com or dyndns.com) and use the hostname to connect to the VPN
(the IP could change). I've done this before and it works.

maybe this helps:

http://www.zdnetasia.com/insight/network/0,39044847,39050037-39000223c-1,00.htm

I hope this tiny utility (sparcz) will be useful for you...

Try http://www.ronybc.8k.com/sparcz.htm

the zdnetasia link is PERFECT! Thanks so much. I even happen to have
windows xp pro and the step by step instructions should make it a
breeze. You rock!