Do I need a server to access my home files while traveling?

I've used Google Drive and OneDrive for syncing important files, which allows me to access them seamlessly from different locations. However, if you're looking for real-time backup without syncing, a 'home server' might be overkill. It's generally about accessing files rather than a traditional server setup. What exactly are you hoping to achieve?

The easiest way is definitely using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you install Tailscale on both your home computer and your mobile device, you can access your home files directly while you're away. Just keep in mind, Tailscale can be a bit technical to set up, but it's free and a fantastic option.

Yes, you do need a server to access files remotely. But here's a tip: consider using Syncthing to sync files directly to your mobile device. It provides a great way to access your data on the go with a bit of setup.

You can indeed access your C drive over the internet, but it's important to be cautious about security. When you set up file sharing like that, your computer acts as the server, and it might expose you to some risks. A better approach would be to sync the necessary files to a cloud service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive instead.

Just to clarify, a 'server' here basically refers to any computer that provides access to files. For remote access, your home PC would need to stay on, and you'd want either a static IP or a dynamic DNS setup. Also, make sure the server software you're using is secure, as it can have vulnerabilities.