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Access your PC and Data from Anywhere!
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What is the difference between GoToMyPC and remote control software such as PCAnywhere?GoToMyPC is not really software, it's a service. Remote access software such as PCAnywhere require you to buy expensive software that can start at $200 (plus costly updates) and aren't nearly as convenient as the GoToMyPC service because you need to carry the program CD and install a bulky program on every PC you want to connect from. Most public terminals don't even allow you to install anything, making the software useless. With GoToMyPC all you need is a PC with a Web-browser to log-in at the GoToMyPC website. For a more detailed explanation of the benefits of using a service versus software read this short article. |
Have you ever been away from your office, maybe working from home or a client site, and wished there was some way to get access to documents or programs that live on your company network or PC? Or maybe you work primarily from a home office and when you are traveling you have the need to access your home PC from the road to check your Outlook email or grab some files? Well, thanks to a remote control service called GoToMyPC you can access your pc remotely easier than ever!
Let me briefly explain what I mean by ‘remote control’. Traditionally people have used remote control software; once configured, you can use this software to control a remote computer as though you were actually sitting right in front of it.
These programs, like PC Anywhere, Carbon Copy, or Timbuktu, need to be installed on 2 computers. The HOST (or the computer you would like to control) and the CLIENT (the machine you will be using to control the Host computer).
As an example, if you wanted to be able to control a computer in your office from home you would install the software on both the office computer and your home computer. You would set up the office computer as a HOST and it would be listening for an incoming connection.
You could then use your computer at home as the CLIENT to control your office PC. Once connected you would see the screen of your office computer in a window on your home PC. You could then work in that window just as though you were sitting in front of your office PC; you have access to all the programs installed on that computer as well as all the files (including files on the network). You can even transfer files back and forth between the 2 PC's.
Although these programs are very useful and provide an affordable, easy way of getting remote access to files and data, they have always had one major downfall: In order to connect to the computer you want to control you need to be at a computer that also has the remote control software installed and configured. Unless you have a laptop that you always carry with you, this limits the locations you can use remote access.
Well . . . we don’t have to accept these limitations any longer thanks to GoToMyPC.
GoToMyPC allows you to remotely access your computer from any other Internet-connected computer in the world with almost any operating system through a secure, private connection.
Instead of being a software program, GoToMyPC is a web-based remote control service. It's very easy to use - in fact there are only 3 steps involved:
1. Register, download, and install GoToMyPC on your Internet-connected HOST computer. The one-time install is simple and you can add additional HOST computers at any time – control your home AND office PC remotely.
2. Log into GoToMyPC.com from any computer with a web browser and use it to control your HOST PC. There is no additional software to install; you will see your HOST computer in a browser window.
3. Begin working on your HOST computer as if you were sitting right in front of it - you can immediately access your email, applications, documents and network resources.
It is amazing how much more flexible GoToMyPC has made me as a mobile worker.
For example, now if I'm at a client site and realize I left a file behind that I need, no problem! I just jump on someone's computer that has a web connection and get into my office PC to grab that file. If I'm expecting an important email or need to reference a message someone sent me a few days ago . . . I quickly connect to my office PC and check my email.
I know what you're thinking - how does this service handle security? That was my initial concern as well. Well, they thought of that too: there are 2 levels of password protection - one username and password that you use to log into their website and then a second access code you use for each PC you control. The access code resides on the host computer and is never transmitted or stored on GoToMyPC servers.
They also use 128-bit encryption for the remote session so all the data traveling back and forth between the PC's is encrypted.
Host security features also allow you to blank the host screen and to lock the host keyboard and mouse so that they cannot accept input.
I was wondering when I first tried this service how it would compare to the other remote control software I have used. One nice thing about remote control is that all the processing is being done on the HOST computer and the only thing being sent across the line are pictures of the screen.
Like any remote control solution, the faster the connection the better. Although you can use it over a dialup connection (and I have) it works best if you have a hi-speed connection on both sides. I have a cable modem in my home office and am usually connecting from a client’s office that uses DSL or a T-1 line (or I'm using my Cable modem at home to connect to a client’s machine). When using it this way you barely notice any delay and it's quite fast!
The service has different monthly fees depending on how many computers you need to control, but the basic personal service to control one PC is currently only $17.95 a month if you pay for the year in advance, otherwise it's $19.95/month. With all of their plans they offer a reduced monthly rate if you pay for a full year in advance.
If you work from the road a lot it is well worth the investment for the increased flexibility and productivity you gain. I love the ability to connect from almost anywhere without having to carry a laptop around and quickly got addicted to using this service. It's amazing how often I use it!
See for yourself why GoToMyPC is the best remote access solution, and why it is the perfect PCanywhere alternative; use the link below to get a FREE 15 day trial.
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