Need help with VPN basics

Archived from groups: comp.dcom.vpn (More info?)

After searching and reading and getting all mixed up, I decided it
would be best to just ask the experts myself There´s so much
information lying around I don´t know anymore what´s right for me and
what isn´t...

Here´s the deal: I need to do some testing with vpn for future needs.
Right now, I just want to get some experience with remotely accessing
ressources at my office. Later on, a small number of users should be
able to simultaniously use vpn for remote access.

I´ve tried to get something done (within one LAN, just for testing
purposes) by using the Windows2000 vpn-features but I don´t even know
how to access files even though the vpn-connection is established.

We have ADSL with a public IP-Address and a router with no vpn
capabilities. My problem is: I don´t know where to start. Do I need
hardware, software or both? If a new router would be sufficient, what
would be a cheap way to get started?

I´m sure I´ll have more questions as things become clearer (hard to
believe that ever happens..), but I´ll let you guide me into the right
direction. If you need more information about our network etc. just
ask. I´d really appreciate some help!

Petr