Gbridge is a free software-only solution available for all versions of Windows and uses your Google Account for authentication. It is an extension of Google's gtalk service and lets you remotely control PCs, sync folders, share files, and chat securely and easily. You can share your desktop with your designated friend from anywhere in the world and automatically traverses firewalls and NATting routers without the need for configuration! Gbridge allows you to securely share and access files and let friends view photos instantly remotely with no download needed. Transfer and sync large files and folders to and from anywhere with no size restrictions, then use AutoSync to auto-schedule, auto-resume, and do incremental transfers as well as set up and auto-backup of your important folder to a local or remote PC.

I connected to a box on our Hak5 Cloud Lab with GoToAssist Express to show you how to easily connect Gbridge and start sharing files.

Click on the download link to go to the download page on Gbridge.com. Start the download and click yes a couple of times. A popup will say it needs to install the VPN driver so click ok, then wait for the install to finish. Click allow if Windows tells you any warnings about downloading and installing. Click finished once it's done installing. Start Gbridge and it'll ask you for your gmail info.

You can also create a new gmail account or google apps account if you dont want to use your regular one. The first thing I see is my friends list. It automatically includes my chat friends, none of which are online right now.

If you have OpenDNS or some other DNS resolving service, it may keep Gbridge from functioning properly, so you will either need to configure your service with a VPN exception rule for gbridge.net or just raise the Gbridge virtual adapters binding order. (which can be changed back anytime you want.) Now at the top, you can log off, Invite friends by typing their email or add friends from your list of contacts. You can also create new shares: To do so, click on the volume you wish to share, then add any friends you want to share this folder with. I'm going to add Darren, then password the volume. Darren is currently on my list of friends but not included in my list of friends that I share with, so I'm going to allow him, and there we go! My SecureShare is now created. I can go into the SecureShares tab to make changes to my shared folders, and on my friends list, I can make changes to friends or chat with them. To backup your folder onto the main machine or another machine, click the Add EasyBackup icon, choose the SecureShare, choose which machine to put the backup on, and let the backup begin. To use desktop share, click on the icon, choose Configure, and change settings. All in all, Gbridge is lightweight, easy, and free. All good in my book!

It won't replace a proper PPTP or IPsec VPN but it will be up and running in minutes giving you the majority of what you need. Email me what you think at feedback@hak5.org Thanks to Go To Assist Express for this weeks Snubs Report. GoToAssist Express If you're in technical support... I want to tell you about an easy way to save time... money - AND make you look like a HERO to clients and colleagues. GoToAssist Express - bought to you by our friends at Citrix is an EASY and SECURE remote support solution! With GoToAssist Express, you can SEE and SOLVE the problem WITHOUT being there in person! GoToAssist Express is specifically designed for small businesses and professionals to support clients and the best part is that with GoToAssist you don't have to pre-install software to on your customers' machines so you can instantly start supporting them online. Try Go To Assist Express FREE for 30 days! For this special offer, you must visit gotoassist.com/Hak5. That's gotoassist.com/Hak5 for a FREE trial.