Bypass Network Blocks with Remote Desktop [Tip Testers]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/VPAp6sTanxg/bypass-network-blocks-with-remote-desktop

Reader Bryan uses remote desktop to bypass network blocks at his work sites to get to Gmail and write his blog. Bryan writes:

In a world of virtual communication, having personal email, Twitter, and access to blogs, etc is critical and necessary for many of us. Therefore, it becomes a nuisance when our employers block us from the sites that we love and hold so close to our virtual-loving-hearts. Many of my client's networks do not allow me to access my non-work related email (Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.), Twitter, and Blogger. Google Reader is also blocked at several.

For this reason, I have set up a Remote Desktop connection on my home computer which I use as a proxy-ish means to access my Gmail and other sites from these clients. I use my Vista sidebar Remote Desktop connection gadget to click and log in to my home computer from my work laptop and have access to all that I need in a little minimize-able window on my desktop. I recommend this for anyone who has that tight network administrator who has blocked all your favorite sites.

Check out a screenshot of Bryan's setup above. He gives us a few links on how to set this up on your own:

• How To Set up Remote Desktop on Windows Vista [Microsoft]
• How To Set up Remote Desktop on Windows XP [Microsoft]
• Five Best Remote Desktop Platforms According to Lifehacker Readers

Congrats to Bryan for snagging a signed copy of Upgrade Your Life! Tell us your best time saver of 2008 to win your own.