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ArticlesDifferent Remote Access Software Used to Connect
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Remote access is the ability for one computer to log on and control another computers desktop and functions. It is especially useful for IT specialists when attempting to troubleshoot a computer problem that the user/customer is having. It make things easier than trying to direct the user on troubleshooting their problem and thus can be a huge time saver.

In order to achieve remote access, one must use some type of remote access software. The types of software that can be used ranges from installing a desktop program on both computers to now-a-days using a web browser in order to achieve this. For name purposes, the "Host" computer is the computer that is going to be controlled, the "Remote" computer is the computer that is going to do the connecting and controlling. Most remote access software allows you to control the mouse and keyboard functions simultaneously which is important for troubleshooting purposes.

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There are a number of software out there these days and I will briefly explain the pro's and con's of a few:

PC Anywhere - This is by far the pioneer of remote access software. It lets you manage computers efficiently, resolve helpdesk issues quickly, and connect to remote devices simply and securely. It usually comes with a CD/DVD that you install on both the "Host" and "Remote" machine. When there was only a 56k modem for internet connection, this proved to be the very best and for the most part it still is for what it does.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software Proven software that has worked throughout the years
different remote access software Excellent knowledge base on installation and setup
different remote access software Very rich in features and ability
different remote access software Allows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
different remote access software Excellent for file transferring
different remote access software Rebooting host can have it auto-start
Once purchased you can use it for your purposes on multiple PC's
Con's: different remote access software Can be difficult when dealing with firewall ports and allowing access over complex networks
different remote access software Obviously it is not free, but only a one-time purchase
different remote access software If you are a novice & need immediate support to connect to you, setup can be challenging
different remote access software Can consume quite a bit of memory
different remote access software Sometimes restarting can be difficult if program hangs up in memory
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software


GotoMyPc - This is another very good software for remote access and file transfer. Unlike PC Anywhere where you purchase the software, the difference here is that it is a paid monthly subscription in order to use. So it can get expensive if you do not plan to use it a lot. It is also licensed per computer so that can also drive up the costs. It features are very good and allows simultaneous mouse and keyboard control.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software Very easy to download and setup
different remote access software Once Installed...Very easy to reconnect, no real work on "Host's" side
different remote access software Easy to connect when "Host" reboots PC
different remote access software File transfer is really good, no problems
different remote access software Allows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
different remote access software Very good when dealing with firewall ports
Con's: different remote access software The biggest con is there is a recurring charge unless you use heavily
different remote access software Licensing is based on individual computer so it can cost more
different remote access software Must have an online account in order to connect and use
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software


Team Viewer - This program is very good, easy to setup and is free for personal use. Download instructions are easy for both the host and remote side. Again, the free part is for personal use... business use can cost more. The "Host" must tell the "Remote" what the ID and Password is. These values change each time one wants to connect. Unlike GotoMyPc, you will need someone at the Host computer to make sure the software is running and read off the ID and Password.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software Very easy to download and setup
different remote access software File transfer is really good, no problems
different remote access software Can have 2 or more remote connections to a computer
different remote access software Allows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
different remote access software Very good when dealing with firewall ports
different remote access software Personal use is free
Con's: different remote access software Business version is very expensive
different remote access software Some work on Host's side to read ID/Password for each re-connect
different remote access software Rebooting host will need human communication
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software


Log Me In - This program is pretty good just klike GotoMyPc. It does take some IT knowledge to set this up on all the computer that you want to connect to. The standard version is free and does not allow file transfer. In order to get file transfer, you will need to buy the Pro version per computer. Initial Host's setup can be a bit tricky and is best used by an IT specialist. Allows easy grouping of computer remote access. Good for large companies.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software Very easy to download and setup
different remote access software Pro version file transfer is pretty good, no problems
different remote access software Allows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
different remote access software Very good when dealing with firewall ports
different remote access software Standard use is free
different remote access software Works well when rebooting
Con's: different remote access software Pro version costs money
different remote access software Need to go through several steps to connect
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software


Join Me - This program isn't the best remote access software but it is free. It uses the web browser in order to see the host computer. Mouse navigation is slow, and it seems like you can only transfer one file at a time. It is cumbersome when fighting for the mouse but is simple to setup and need no supplimental software to run.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software All you need is internet access and web browser
different remote access software Easy to instruct user on setup
different remote access software Allows clunky simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
different remote access software Software is free to use
Con's: different remote access software Clunky and slow
different remote access software Can only transfer one file at a time
different remote access software Rebooting host will need human communication
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software


Windows Remote Desktop - This is Microsoft's built in software that allows you to connect to a remote computers desktop. It is widely used by IT experts but can be difficult if you are a user trying to set it up. It allows file transfer but this part is not as efficient then standard file transfer programs.
different remote access software Pro's: different remote access software Built into Microsoft Windows
different remote access software Easy to instruct user on connection once IT professional installs
different remote access software Usually comes with Windows for one connection
Con's: different remote access software When you connect the Host gets booted off
different remote access software Some programs/services will not run over remote desktop
different remote access software Cannot simultaneously use for troubleshooting
different remote access software Uses windows file copy/paste and can be very slow
My Rating: different remote access softwaredifferent remote access softwaredifferent remote access software