In the past if you were out of the house or office it was virtually impossible to access the files and functions that are available on your PC. Since then this has become less of an issue because USB flash memory technology has made it easier to take data with you, but this carries its own limitations and risks, because portable storage devices can be lost and stolen and they cannot help if you want to retrieve a file that you have not brought with you. This is where remote PC access comes into play and there are many services which are available to help simplify the process.
Many remote PC access services allow you to fire up the web browser of your choice and gain direct control over the PC. This means as long as you are near a computer with an internet connection and the other computer is powered up, then you will be able to interact as if you were in your office or home without actually having to physically be there. You will be able to run programmes, send emails, view files and perform every other task. The one requirement is that the PC you want to control has the remote PC access service’s software installed to enable these capabilities and so you may have to get permission from your employer. The upshot is that you can work from home or whilst abroad as if you had never left the office. Because there are competing services offering remote PC access, you will be able to try it out for yourself before you subscribe using the various free trials, so let us take a quick look at the different options.
GoToMyPC has become one of the best known remote PC access firms thanks to its promotional activities and reputation. It can be subscribed to on an individual basis, or used by a whole organisation to enable home working with no need to make internal infrastructural alterations. A 30 day free trial is available to test out its capabilities and it claims to be able to improve productivity and working flexibility, with full access to internal networks and PCs using your web browser.
An alternative to GoToMyPC is LogMeIn, which, as with its major rivals, offers packages for both business and personal users. Remote PC access is comparable to that of GoToMyPC, but LogMeIn offers a range of packages which are scaled to suit different types of users in different situations. For example, it is possible to subscribe to one deal that lets you network multiple PCs and internet-enabled devices, no matter how geographically distant they are. It boasts that over 100 million PCs and devices are already networked using its service and also promises that the system is totally secure to keep your personal data safe. Significantly it offers cross-platform compatibility between Windows PCs, Apple Macs, iPhones and even smartphones running the Google Android platform, which will greatly enhance the versatility for high end business users.
Those who are looking for subscription-free remote PC access might consider Symantec’s pcAnywhere package, which has an initial one-off payment for a software package that can link two PCs on a one-to-one basis for remote access and control. It is compatible with multiple operating systems and devices and it has security levels that are typical of this calibre of software vendor.
There are many other remote PC access services available and usually you will be able to try before you buy to make sure that you get the one that is right for you.
Rate This Post