How to retrieve files from other location

[Sdahe]

Hello,

Im wondering if this is something it could be done. Let's say I leave home with my Laptop (MBP) and while Im away I need to access a file I left back home in my iMac. Can I leave my iMac ON and download the file to my laptop through the internet?.. Access my iMac remotely and copy any file from my iMac..

Can this be done?... if yes... how?

 

[chown33]

Back to My Mac can do this. Except in Mojave.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I’ve done it a couple of ways...using and application like Teamviewer was one way. Most reliable for me has been to have a VPN server on my home router and accessing my home computer via Sharing.

 

[techwarrior]

If you use iCloud for desktop and Documents, they sync in the cloud and to your other Macs. No need for BTMM or Teamviewer or anything else.

 

[superscape]

Would keeping your files in something like DropBox be an option?

 

[BrianBaughn]

Personally, I don't have every file on my home computer and its connected hard drives synced with a cloud service. That would be 4TB of stuff not counting system files.

Now if I had an offsite, cloud backup (like Backblaze, Arq or similar) I could probably access a file that way.

 

[Fishrrman]

I have a better solution:

Buy a portable USB3 SSD. Even a USB flashdrive of sufficient capacity might do.

Copy the files you might need from the iMac to the SSD or flashdrive.
Take this along with you.

Much less trouble!

 

[jtara]

VPN is the right way to do this. I do not mean a "VPN service", but a VPN running on either your router (best) or Mac (not the best way).

Works best if you are lucky enough to have a decent symmetrical bandwidth. Cable modems have asymmetrical bandwidth - much more "down" than "up". Unfortunately, when you are retrieving files from your home computer, it is sending "up" to the network.

And best with a router with a decent CPU (if you have a high-bandwidth connection that won't throttle the VPN.

If you set up a VPN, you can also protect yourself from mischief and protect your privacy by using the VPN to access the Internet from your notebook/tablet/phone when away. Encrypted "tunnel" over the Internet from your device to your home router, and then out to the Internet from there.

You might take that you will geolocate from your home as a plus or a minus.

 

[Sdahe]

I have a better solution:

Buy a portable USB3 SSD. Even a USB flashdrive of sufficient capacity might do.

Copy the files you might need from the iMac to the SSD or flashdrive.
Take this along with you.

Much less trouble!

Hahaha yes I know.. Its when you forget to put something in the HD you take with you and you need to access your computer

 

[Longkeg]

I have Jump Desktop on my iPhone and iPad. It’s not free but the iOS version is relatively inexpensive and it’s very good at what it does. I can log in to and control my iMac over the internet from anywhere. Once I’m logged in to the iMac I can drop any file I need into Dropbox, Box, iCloud or any cloud service you have access to. The file(s) sync up and are copied to any device or computer that has that cloud app logged in to my account. I’ve done this with large video files. As long as you have a speedy, dependable internet connection and enough room in your cloud storage the sky’s the limit.