VPN for complete morons?

I am a network idiot - I can't even get my lappy and my desktop to Homegroup through my router ... and now I want a VPN!

I am working out of town a lot, and I would like access to files that are on my desktop from my hotel room. I don't want my whole life on Dropbox. Theoretically, this what a VPN is for, right?

I did not see a Tutorial on the topic and I've searched a few old threads. I perused the native windows VPN setup deal, but like most M$ documentation it is either worthless or impenetrable. Thinking maybe there is a better way by now, I'm am querying the collective sage of the forum.

It needs to be simple, moderately secure (there is no keeping the NSA out, but hotel networks are public these days), and as close to free as possible.

If you leave your desktop computer logged on all of the time (and you have it set to automatically log on with each reboot), then Hamachi is very simple and free. The paid version works without being logged on.

TeamViewer's VPN might be better, but I've not used it since I already have/trust Hamachi.

Thanks. I decided to give Teamviewer a try - its seems well liked. Fingers crossed!

TeamViewer is well liked for its ability to remotely control another computer... and I use it for that. The VPN tool within TeamViewer is a relatively recent addition and I've just not had any need to install/test it. Let us know how it works for you