Remote Access SoftwareA review of the best remote access software |
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This is page 2 of this remote access software review. To go to page 1 click here How does GoTOMyPC stack up? Very well indeed. Making a connection is simplicity itself. You just surf to the GoToMyPc web site and login. If it's not already present on the PC you are using, the web server automatically downloads the thin client. This takes just a few seconds on a fast connection and only a couple of minutes using a modem. Once downloaded you are then connected via the web server to the remote PC. In essence you see the desktop of the remote PC just as if you were sitting in front of it. You can then do pretty well anything you would normally do on the remote PC. Collect your email, alter word processing documents, run a spreadsheet, whatever. You can also transfer files in either direction between the remote PC and the local client. It's all remarkably simple. No fiddling with settings, playing round with IP addresses and the other distractions associated with other remote access software products. But the best feature of all is that, unlike other products, it actually works!
Now these characteristics may seem unexceptional but I can assure that in the world of remote access software they are rare. In fact, I can still recall the shock when I first tested GoToMyPc. To really push its capabilities I remotely downloaded my email using my heavily customized version of Outlook 2002. I just sat flabbergasted as the mail arrived, ran through the Bayesian Spam filter and sorted into itself into the correct categories using my complex 3rd party filters. I just sat mumbling "I just don't believe this ... I don't believe it ..." The downside Although GoToMyPc is faster than any of the other remote access products I've used, it's still no speed merchant, particularly if you are using a modem for connection . However it's fast enough to be totally usable and the fact that that the connection is nearly 100% reliable and stable makes the slowness much more acceptable. Another downside is that GoToMyPcis a subscription based service so you pay by the month rather than a once-only charge. The fees work out to about $179 a year for a single license and this drops with multiple licenses. This is not cheap but with a single copy of PCAnywhere 11.5 now costing $199.95, it's not dear either. Add in the fact that it actually works, then in relative terms, I guess you almost have a bargain ;>) Conclusion GoToMyPc is quite simply the fastest, most stable and convenient remote access software currently available. Anyone who needs to remotely access their computer should put it on top of their shortlist of products to consider. GoToMyPc is not cheap but it more than justifies its cost in its performance. However everyone's needs are different so, before committing, I suggest you take up the vendor's offer for a 15 day free trial and see for yourself. David Collins Contributing Editor, PC Support Advisor June, 2005. Product Details: Vendor: ExpertCity Inc WebSite: http://www.gotomypc.com Price: $179 per year. Competitive Products:
Full disclosure notice: After preparing this reviews I set up a commercial arrangement with the vendors of both products reviewed. This is a very fair arrangement as it means I have no commercial interest in which product you choose. That's the way it ought to be. |