Remote Access

Access your PC from anywhere

It’s two hours past your bedtime, you’re in the middle of a proposal for a client and you need two documents that are on your computer at the office!  A number of words come to mind before you decide that you have to get dressed and run down to the office and retrieve the information.  The best you can hope for is that once you return, you’ve brought back the right files and will not need any additional information. 

Fear not…Remote Access help is on the way.  If this happened to you or one of your employees, it’s probably time to checkout a way to remote access your information.  That’s right, you can retrieve information between two PC’s while you are at the office, at home or even on the road.  Remote access is nothing new, how you go about using it however has changed in resent years.  You now have multiple avenues that will allow you and even your employees to access company information when and where you need it.  I have compiled a list of what I believe to be the best way to control your information via remote access.  Please note that some are stand alone software programs and others are services. 

When choosing the right remote access device it is important to understand the difference between a program and a service.  Stand alone programs such as LapLink and PCAnywhere are purchased one time and allow access to remote systems via phone lines, WAN, LAN or direct cable connection and do not normally allow control over the internet.  Services are normally run over the Internet and allow access to remote computers using your browser.  Stand-alone programs seem to offer better security, as they do not rely on third party software to control security.  Service based remote access normally charge for usage or by a monthly fee.

 All the devices listed below do a good job getting you connected.  The big difference is how much time and money you want to devote to remote access. Like most small businesses, you need to make sure the cost is worth the rewards.  I have used (or attempted to use) all these programs.  PCAnywhere, Access-Remote-PC, Laplink and GoToMyPC (in that order) seem to work the best and didn’t require a great deal of time to setup.

Access-Remote-PC (Easy to Install)

System requirements: Modem or other network internet connection, , MS Windows.

PROS:  Lets you access your computer from any Net-connected PC. By far the easiest to set up,  Even the free trial download does not require you to give them information. Small, takes up less than 1.3Mb of your hard drive space.

CONS: Although the install was easy and quick, on one Windows Me PC we received constant RPCSETUP errors when attempting to use the connect-to drop down list. Access-Remote-PC was reinstalled several times and the error continued.

 In a Nutshell: Access-Remote-PC , the trial version downloaded quickly, installed quickly and provided a no-brainer approach to setting up a internet connection to another PC. We liked the simple security feature of users and passwords.  The file transfer seemed to be its best feature. File transfer window was simple, easy to understand and easy on the eye’s. All in all this program is a winner and with the free trial period, you have nothing to lose by trying it.  You can download the free trial at www.access-remote-pc.com.

GOTOMYPC  

System requirements: Modem, Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT4. 

PROS              Lets you access your computer from any Net-connected PC, Mac or Linux system, Easy to set up, Best security features. 

CONS             Can be vary expensive, Host must use always-on DSL, cable, or broadband connection. 

          In a Nutshell:  GoToMyPC is by far the easiest remote control agent to date.   If you travel often for business it’s about the best you can use.  GoToMyPC is a web-based service that will allow you to access any PC with Java enabled at anytime.  You can use e-mail, place and retrieve files and run programs just like you are in front of the keyboard.  Creating your account is simple and only takes minutes. Keep in mind that it does not allow digital key signing so is lacks in the security department.  Still, for ease of use GoToMyPC is the best so far. Depending on the features you want, it can also get pretty expensive.  The cost for monthly use starts at about twenty bucks and goes up from there. 

PCANYWHERE 10.5  (My Choice) 

System Requirements: Modem or Parallel connection Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT4, and XP 

PROS·       Enhanced security, WYSIWYG GUI Interface.

CONS        No browser based connection, Restrictions to files and folders, access is limited, hard to setup Host and Remote procedures, phone charges may apply. 

In a Nutshell:  PCAnywhere has a proven track record for many years and is still going strong.  It has outstanding security level features allowing for multiple passwords. PCAnywhere uses a WYSIWYG user GUI interface meaning you will feel like you are sitting right in front of the PC you are connected to.  If you have a modem in both the host and remote PC’s you can attach over the phone lines with PCAnywhere.   Keep in mind that long distance charges will apply.  You can use the built in file transfer utility, sent live chat to the host or remote, and run programs.  You purchase the software so there are no monthly fees.  The two drawbacks to Norton’s PCAnywhere, it is not easy to setup and will take some time to configure.  The second draw back is the lack of WEB enabled connection. Hopefully this will be fixed in the next version.  All in all, for my money, PCAnywhere is the best solution for remote access. 

WinVNC

System Requirements:  Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT4.0, Apple Mac OS 7.

PROS·       Can’t beat the price, it’s FREE, Supports the most Operating Systems, WEB Browser connection.

 CONS:       Not user friendly at all, no support available, security is non existent,  Must use internet connection. 

In a Nutshell:  If you need to have remote access and you have plenty of time and no funds this is the remote access program for you.  WinVNC is extremely hard to use and its security is crap. It is only available for WEB browser use and is guaranteed to make you crazy. 

LAPLINK

System Requirements: Modem or Parallel connection, Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT4

Pros:       Extremely easy to use, best file transfer utility.

CONS:      Poor Technical support. 

In a Nutshell:  Laplink is another tried and true remote control program that has been around since the days of DOS.  It’s stable for small business access and doesn’t require WEB access. If you need file transfer form PC to PC via parallel cables, Laplink is your best bet. 

TIMBUKTU

System Requirements: Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, Mac OS 8.1 

PROS·       Best selection for use on MAC.

CONS·       Expensive, Poor Support, Hard to use. 

In a Nutshell:  This one is easy, if you need a MAC/PC connection Timbuktu is the answer.  If you are only connecting PC’s the cost of Timbuktu makes it a waste of time and money. 

Not so many years ago, small business owners could run a business with a copy machine and a typewriter.  Today’s SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) finds itself not only competing with other SOHO’s but also with medium to large businesses. Knowledge is king and information at your fingertips is imperative.  Office hours are no longer nine-to-five and accessing your vast storage of information is now your biggest challenge.   The tools available in remote access computer programs is making that information retrieval and editing a little easier.  Bottom line, if you need a stable remote access program to connect to your home or business over phone lines using a modem, PCAnywhere is your best bet. If you travel frequently and don’t want the phone bills you should go with GoToMyPC for WEB based connection. If your office has no networking installed, you may be better served using a parallel cable and LapLink.  All three programs do a good job of connecting you to your business.