How can I access my desktop Mac while traveling with a laptop?

The built-in VPN is Screen Sharing.

Yes you can access files and even control the computer through Screen Sharing.

Yes you can access files and even control the computer through Screen Sharing.

By Eric Root. 🙂

I'm not sure what you were doing before, but File Sharing, by default, only works over a local network, not over the Internet. The easiest way to access your files from the Internet is to enable "Back to My Mac" in iCloud. Both client and server must be running OS X 10.7 or later.

As Linc says Back-to-My-Mac is the obvious answer. However, if you run into any issues, I favor TeamViewer.com over LogMeIn.com as a backup. And if you are traveling and can not be sure of the network setup where you are, having a backup method is a good idea.

I favor TeamViewer.com over LogMeIn.com as a backup.

Can a TeamViewer connection be initiated remotely? And can it transfer files?

Can a TeamViewer connection be initiated remotely? And can it transfer files?

Yes and yes.

Thanks. This is a question that comes up in regard to the fake tech-support scams that make use of TeamViewer (which is itself legitimate.) Is it possible for the scammer to pull files from the victim's computer in the background while carrying out unrelated GUI operations?

Back to my Mac... works flawlessly

I gave file transfer a try (been a while since I tried it, and versions have changed), but I got a dialog on the remove system when a file transfer was attempted:

I do not know if this can be disabled or not via preferences.

However, in the OP's case, it is not a 3rd party trying to help, so using TeamViewer as a backup connection method should be perfectly OK.

I have found that TeamViewer.com almost never has a problem with home routers, and unless the corporate firewall blocks TeamViewer.com (my company does, along with LogMeIn, etc...), TeamViewer.com can work with Proxy servers and overall, it makes a good backup connection method, or even a primary, especially when it is between your own equipment.

Now, personally, I'm Old School. I use ssh tunnels 😝

Thanks again.