>>>>Hi,
>>>>
>>>>I have SQL Server Management Studio 2005 on my PC (this is what says on the Connect to Server window). Can I use it to connect to SQL Server 2008? TIA.
>>>
>>>Yes, I believe you can. BTW, if you have IP address you can connect directly from your SQL Server - no need for VPN.
>>
>>Only if the firewall the SQL Server is behind has port 1433 opened to the internet. A security risk to be sure.
>>
>>Most IT departments will not allow that.
>
>Actually, good point. I know I use this for our company's SQL Server, though.

That's a scary thing to leave open.

I've had hacking attempts (brute force login attempts) against one of my SQL servers on my home network apparently just because the port was open. Port scanners can just roll through IP ranges to find SQL servers that way.