Different Remote Access Software Used to Connect

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Different Remote Access Software Used to Connect

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.

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.

	Pro's:аа	ХаProven software that has worked throughout the years
	а	ХаExcellent knowledge base on installation and setup
	а	ХаVery rich in features and ability
	а	ХаAllows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
	а	ХаExcellent for file transferring
	а	ХаRebooting host can have it auto-start
	а	ХаOnce purchased you can use it for your purposes on multiple PC's

	Con's:аа	ХаCan be difficult when dealing with firewall ports and allowing access over complex networks
	а	ХаObviously it is not free, but only a one-time purchase
	а	ХаIf you are a novice & need immediate support to connect to you, setup can be challenging
		ХаCan consume quite a bit of memory
	а	ХаSometimes restarting can be difficult if program hangs up in memory
	My Rating:аа

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.

	>Pro's:аа	ХаVery easy to download and setup
	а	ХаOnce Installed...Very easy to reconnect, no real work on "Host's" side
	а	ХаEasy to connect when "Host" reboots PC
	а	ХаFile transfer is really good, no problems
	а	ХаAllows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
	а	ХаVery good when dealing with firewall ports

	Con's:аа	ХаThe biggest con is there is a recurring charge unless you use heavily
	а	ХаLicensing is based on individual computer so it can cost more
	а	ХаMust have an online account in order to connect and use
	My Rating:аа	а

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.

	Pro's:аа	ХаVery easy to download and setup
	а	ХаFile transfer is really good, no problems
	а	ХаCan have 2 or more remote connections to a computer
	а	ХаAllows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
	а	ХаVery good when dealing with firewall ports
	а	ХаPersonal use is free

	Con's:аа	ХаBusiness version is very expensive
	а	ХаSome work on Host's side to read ID/Password for each re-connect
	а	ХаRebooting host will need human communication
	My Rating:аа	а

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.

	Pro's:аа	ХаVery easy to download and setup
	а	ХаPro version file transfer is pretty good, no problems
	а	ХаAllows simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
	а	ХаVery good when dealing with firewall ports
	а	ХаStandard use is free
	а	ХаWorks well when rebooting

	Con's:аа	ХаPro version costs money
	а	ХаNeed to go through several steps to connect
	My Rating:аа	а

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.

	Pro's:аа	ХаAll you need is internet access and web browser
	а	ХаEasy to instruct user on setup
	а	ХаAllows clunky simultaneous mouse/keyboard control
	а	ХаSoftware is free to use

	Con's:аа	ХаClunky and slow
	а	ХаCan only transfer one file at a time
	а	ХаRebooting host will need human communication
	My Rating:аа	а

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.

	Pro's:аа	ХаBuilt into Microsoft Windows
		ХаEasy to instruct user on connection once IT professional installs
		ХаUsually comes with Windows for one connection

	Con's:аа	ХаWhen you connect the Host gets booted off
		ХаSome programs/services will not run over remote desktop
		ХаCannot simultaneously use for troubleshooting
		ХаUses windows file copy/paste and can be very slow
	My Rating:аа	а

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