Remote Access software

what is the best software to remote access my computer from work?

well actually, my friend is having an issue and since he's on another continent on a trip, he wants me to solve a problem for him.

 

I used pcanywhere years ago and it worked great.

 

LogMeIn is also another option

https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/

 

Remote Administrator

 

Depends on what you need to do and how long you want it for. Professional solution would be Webex, which is what I and a lot of other Tech Support businesses use, as well as many of the larger companies like Linksys. If you want something similar but not quite as good (at least in my opinion) then check out Team Viewer. You can use it for free if it's for non-commercial use, which is what you're talking about. Webex isn't cheap - even at my rates it runs me 125/month. But you can use it on an individual basis, charged by the minute. Like TeamViewer, Webex allows you to do a remote connect (with user present), assume desktop control, run applications, transfer files, anything you need to do as a Support Rep to fix a system or diagnose the problem it has. You can even record the session's Chat panel traffic, and it keeps track of the time you use it.

The difference between the 2 is that Webex remote connects via their own secure server - the remote system user installs an ActiveX or Javascript that installs and runs the Webex panel. The Support Rep initiates the session, and sends the remote user a session number either by direct email, over the phone, instant messenger, whatever. The user then enters some basic info and the session number, which connects the 2 system through Cisco's secure server.

Team Viewer is different in that it's like many remote connection programs - it connects directly to the system in question, and that usually presents setup problems itself. With Webex I was up and running within a few minutes of initiating the first session - learning it is easy. Team Viewer might be cheap, but I question just how easy it is to use. It seems to be popular enough, so it must be worth at least trying.

I do know that Webex is good for foreign support sessions as well. One of my clients is in Baja this month and had a problem last week. Took 3 hours to take care of the problem (slow connection) but it got done without any real problems. Webex also has Video and Audio support, so you can use it, or you can use Skype in conjunction with it.

Check out both and see which one fits your solution. Another thought - Webex will setup a full trial version for you, so if you're looking to just do one or two sessions, that might be your answer.

But you didn't hear that from me.....