VPN over the Internet: Hamachi

File this one under "Looks awesome, but I've not tried it yet" (but will be soon)

Hamachi
http://www.hamachi.cc/

Hamachi is a zero-configuration virtual private networking application. In other words Hamachi is a program that allows you to arrange multiple computers into their own secure network just as if they were connected by a physical network cable. Hamachi is fast, secure and simple. Its core version is also free.

This software allows two or more computers to establish a VPN connection via a mediation server (aka a Hamachi server). This reminds me somewhat of EchoVNC (another great software - to be reviewed later) in methodology. This mediation server does not process any information, it only allows the computers to locate each other through various firewall/port/NAT setups. According to their website, they have been able to connect 95% of connectivity scenarios...nice. And, it is "all fully encrypted, authenticated and peer-to-peer."

Hamachi offers an easier way to connect to remote sites without having to open up any ports or creating specialized firewall configurations that may leave you vulnerable to attacks if you forget to reset it after your session is complete.

Some of the examples Hamachi gives for usage (but not limited to):

• Windows File Sharing
• iTunes
• Remote Desktop
• Remote Assistance
• Gaming

There seems to be a good amount of developer feedback and support, in addition to forums for community help.

You can apply for a free or paid subscription account (which gives you advanced network management features). Compare them here.

I for one am looking forward to trying this out, as I am looking into doing some online music collaboration with a few friends of mine, and this would make saving projects MUCH easier.

Update 6/27/06:

I installed this on my wife's computer as well as my own at work to help her out with some printing issues at home.

Zero configuration is right, this thing was installed and up and running in less than a minute. We just had to create an alias for ourselves, then one of us (me) had to create a network name and a password. The other person has to join the network with the password, and BAM, it is connected and you can share resources, chat, VNC, or whatever - to your heart's content.

Since Hamachi generates a new network adapter, you are VPN'd to the other computers via that adapter, and your current Internet/network connection is still up and running for a nice split-tunnel.

This software is A+ in my book - I can't say enough good things about it.