[X-Unix] finding the ip of my work machine (DHCP) on demand, file/dir sync'ing

[Rad Craig]

I want to run Apple Remote Desktop.  I have a computer at work and need 
to access it from home.  It has a DSL connection using DHCP.  
Therefore, my ip address changes occasionally.

Is there any script, utility, app, whatever, that allows me to find out 
what the current ip address of that machine is?  I mean something that 
sends me an email when the ip address changes, uploads a text file with 
the ip address in it to a website, or some other means, so that when I 
need to connect to it from home, I can go one place, find the current 
ip address, then put that in ARD and connect.

I want to be able to do the same thing from work (connect to this 
laptop at home which also has DSL/DHCP).  If this laptop is asleep, is 
there any way to connect to it via ARD?  Or does it have to be open and 
running?  Can ARD wake it up while it's closed?

Also, whats the best way to keep some directories synchronized between 
these two machines?  I have price lists, tech docs, spreadsheets, word 
docs, etc. that I may modify at either location, I need a way to keep 
them up to date on both machines.


Rad...