Hamachi – “no configuration needed” VPN

- your own VPN network
- encrypted file sharing and transfer
- messaging client 
- a clean interface
- free software (for non-commercial use).

What is Hamachi?

Well, for starters it is the easiest way to set up a secure private network. There are a few solutions to the problem of a “secure” access to remote sites or machines: SSH (whether you’re running Linux, Mac OS or Windows), VNC, remote desktop, ftp, etc. Unfortunately all of the above require some networking knowledge or router configuration; not to mention all of the above software solutions can get pretty complicated.

Enter Hamachi. An awesome free product from LogMeIn. It is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS, although the Mac version doesn’t have a pretty GUI (graphical user interface).

Hamachi automatically creates a virtual network adapter (think additional network card without the hardware) that uses the 5.x.x.x IP addressing range. Don’t worry about this if you’re not familiar with IP addressing or networking and you want something that “just works”. This is exactly what Hamachi gives you. For more advanced users – feel free to run whatever servers you want on this IP address. All traffic will now be encrypted and only accessible to users that have joined your Hamachi network. Read on to find out about how to create or join networks.

Hamachi - main window

Step One – Installation

We’re going to start with two things you will see during the setup process. First is the Security  screen where you have the option to “Disable vulnerable Windows services over Hamachi”. What this does is block access to Windows File Sharing over Hamachi connections, as well as access to Windows system services that are commonly targeted by viruses. Make sure you check this option if you’re going to add people to your network and you don’t want them to automatically have access to your Windows shares.

Hamachi - Note: disabling vulnerable Windows services

Next we have the licensing options. Wait – didn’t we say it was FREE software? Yes, it is free for non-commercial use. This option doesn’t require a license. Hamachi even gives you a 30 day trial of the commercial abilities, after which it automatically reverts to the non-commercial version. No need for you to re-install or do anything at all.

What are the differences between the free vs. commercial versions? There are very few.
First is the number of users in your network:
- sixteen (16) people for the free version
- fifty (50) for the commercial
Second is the use of High Bandwidth Relays. LogMeIn website says: Use relays to connect Hamachi clients that cannot, for any reason, establish a direct communication channel.
Commercial version of Hamachi allows you to use the high bandwidth relays, but the free version only permits access to the low bandwidth ones. The good news is that only about 5% of Hamachi clients require the use of any relays, so even with the free version you shouldn’t experience any bandwidth problems. 

Step Two – creating your own password protected private network

Now that you’re all done you have installed Hamachi. Next step is creating your own VPN – virtual private network.

Hamachi - creating your own network

If you want anyone else to join your network – just give them the network name and password to it. Hamachi comes in very handy if you have a desktop PC at home that you need access to from a remote location using another machine, like your laptop. Just run Hamachi on the remote machine and join the network. From there you can access your files remotely and securely. All communication between clients is encrypted, so you don’t have to worry about someone eavesdropping on what you’re doing on your network.

One last thing you need to know is how to view and change the preferences. It could not be easier. Just click on the icon on the bottom-right of the Hamachi window and select Preferences.

Hamachi - Preferences

Hamachi - Preferences