>What's available to allow one of my system's users to work from home with a copy of his VFP executable so that he can read and update the VFP file server machine on the LAN at his office ... just like he does (other than for speed) at the office?

If it's a VFP executable updating VFP data tables, for acceptable performance the executable and tables should be on the same LAN. While it's possible to have a remote machine connect via VPN and then run the executable on the remote, typical VPN network speed is only a few percent of LAN speed, and the VPN has much higher latency and lower overall reliability.

In your case that would mean the user would need to obtain a session on a machine on the office network. If he has a machine that's always at the office, then he could remote-connect to it using various technologies and run the EXE there.

There are 2 main approaches to remote access:

1. Direct connection via VPN or port forwarding

2. Third-party mediated access

With direct connection an IT person needs to set up a VPN (preferred) or port forwarding (possible but not recommended) so a remote user can log on to the work network, and then connect to a machine in the office. Most business class, and some consumer class routers support VPN access. Once the user connects via VPN, he can use Remote Desktop or some other product to connect to the office computer.

If VPN connectivity is not supported in the office router, port forwarding can be used instead but is much less secure. If you go that route use a non-standard external port (I generally recommend somewhere between 50000 and 60000).

If the router supports VPN access, and the office machine is a Pro version of Windows then no extra investment in hardware or software or ongoing subscription fees is required, there is just some IT setup required to get it all working.

The main advantage of 3rd-party mediated services is easier initial setup. "Host" software is installed on an office computer (LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, TSPlus, many others) and then remote users go to a web site to start a session on the host computer. Another advantage is that some of these offerings let users access their office computer with non-Windows devices such as iOS tablets/phones, Android etc. or even any web browser capable of running a Java app.

The main downside is they are not free and require ongoing subscriptions.