Remote Access Computer Solutions and pcAnywhere
There are a dozen
or more remote access computer packages available. Some, like Symantec's pcAnywhere
or Netopia's Timbuktu for Macs or PCs, have been around for years and work great,
but especially pcAnywhere require a little elbow grease to get set up. The advantage
of one of these remote access computer packages over the free or cheap solutions
I'll describe below is flexibility and features.
For example,
pcAnywhere let's you reboot the computer you're connected to and log back on
automatically when it comes back online. Commercial remote access computer packages
also offer more connection options, such as direct-dial modem to modem or serial
cable, in addition to typical Internet connections.
A favorite remote access computer product for system administrators who need to work on lots of computers but are too lazy to get out of their chairs and too cheap to buy pcAnywhere is RealVNC. This free, "open source" application installs a "server" component on your office computer and a "viewer" component on your laptop or home office PC.
If your office computer is running Windows XP Pro, you already have a free remote access computer solution called Remote Desktop. Unlike pcAnywhere, making it work can be a real hassle, especially if the computer you're trying to connect to is behind a broadband router or firewall.
GoToMyPC is a web-based remote access computer service that will set you back $20 per month, but the no-hassle convenience is well worth the price, especially if you're between sales calls and job sites. Unline the pcAnywhere, GoToMyPC uses a web browser to connect. This means you don't even need to work from your own computer: Any computer with Internet access will do.