Remote Computer Access Software

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Buyer's guide - what to look for in Remote Computer Access software

Remotely accessing your computer sounds horrendously complicated. Pour yourself a drink, breath into a paper bag or count backwards from ten - do whatever you have to do to calm yourself down - there is nothing scary here.

With an increasing portion of our lives housed on our hard-drives, it's becoming more common to want to access a computer when we're not physically near it. Always-on broadband means that it's actually very easy remotely connect to our machines and perform tasks in complete security.

Connect to your home PC while at work to retrieve important information, or while on a break to show some photos to a colleague.

Connect to your work computer while at home to catch up with admin over the weekend. Allow your staff the flexibility of missing the rush-hour commute by logging in from home.

Connect to your computer from your mobile phone ? while on holiday or out for the evening.

The uses for such technology are growing every day.

So how does it work? There are two types of remote PC access:

1. A system whereby a little piece of software is installed on both computers. These two bits of software are securely paired and talk to each other, and allow you to control each machine.


2. A system where software is installed on the target computer, and then a web-based system is used to control the computer. This system is better if you want to use any computer to access your target machine, as there is nothing to install.

Here's what to look for in your remote access software:

• Ease of setup and use - At most the setup process should involve installing two pieces of software, one on the machine that you want to control, and one on the machine you want to use as access. Some titles will require a single install, where you will log in to a website to connect to the target computer.
  
  Use of the software should be as simple as opening the software (or logging in to a website) to control the target machine. You should see your desktop and be able to move the mouse pointer around just as you would when sat in front of the machine.


• Security - Obviously security is paramount when remotely accessing your computer. Check which security measures each software title employs.


• Remote access features - What can you actually do remotely? You should be able to perform almost any task that you would if sitting in front of your machine. The software should provide a virtual desktop so that you can use your computer in a familiar fashion.


• Price - There is some free software titles that allow you to remotely connect to another computer, however they tend to be a little bit more complicated to set up with limited help and support. Paid software tends to be easier to set up with better support.


• Help and support - As with all software, sometimes you will require assistance. Whether it's a lost software key or software failure you should look for a responsive vendor. Comprehensive online help files, tutorials and training material or user forum are a bonus. Telephone or live-chat support is also recommended.

Remote access to a computer can help to simplify your life and make you a more productive person. If you can think of a benefit to you, dispel those fears about it being complicated and jump in. All the titles listed on Shoutdown have been designed specifically for home users, are very easy to use and are backed up with plenty of help and support.