Remote Access Software
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Remote Access Software
When you are traveling, you might sometimes you might need to access information and software on your computer. Remote access software can give you the opportunity to use your office or home computer no matter where you are. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can access the files and software on your computer from a remote location.
Remote access software can offer numerous advantages for people in a wide range of industries. For instance, if you work in the financial sector, then you might want to access software tools on your office computer. If you work in construction, then you might want to access blueprints from remote locations.
Since this software allows you to access information from remote locations, though, you need to make sure you choose an option that has the proper security features. Without reliable security features, someone else could access your computer without your authorization. Depending on the type of information that you keep on your computer, this could have disastrous consequences.
To learn more about your software options, follow the links that Business.com has provided on the left. That way, you can weigh your choices to select one that truly suits your needs.
Connecting to Your Computers from Anywhere
How to access your computer's files and programs on-the-goBy Nathan Janos How many times have you needed to access a picture, document or program on your computer only to find that you can't because you're out of the office?
You'll be happy to know that this is a common business problem with established solutions. You no longer need physical access to your computer to use every program and view every document. In fact, you can use your computer remotely in exactly the same way you would if you were sitting at it in person. Think of remote computing as a window to your computer from anywhere.
There are three steps to connecting to your computers from anywhere:
- Choose a service that meets your cost and operating requirements.
- Download and install the required software (usually one or two small programs).
- Connect to your computer from anywhere.
Connect through a Web-based service
Web-based services are quick, easy and usually billed monthly starting as low as $9.95. Most offer free trials. Download and install their software onto the computer you wish to access (your target computer) and voila! The computer you are using to access your target computer does not need any special software — just a standard Web browser. No technical mumbo jumbo. Simple as that.
Try: GoToMyPC is a big name in this business. They offer individual, small business and corporate services as well as free trials. LogMeIn and MyWebExpc are similar services that tout the security they provide, although all three provide standard encryption and security.
Connect through a software-based service
These software solutions are identical to their Web-based cousins, except that you need a small software program running on both the computer you wish to access remotely and the computer you are using to access it. Arguably, these services aren't as quick of a solution because you will need to download software first, while a Web-based solution only requires a browser.
Try: RealVNC is one of the best known solutions in this category (VNC stands for virtual network connection) and it's supported for PC, Mac and Linux platforms.
Connect through a virtual private network (VPN)
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are best suited for middle to large sized companies which have a dedicated information technology (IT) support team. They work by simulating a local network (or intranet) by using the public internet and secure communications. A VPN is the best solution for connecting everyone in a company together, as if they were in the same office building, even if people are working remotely from anywhere in the world.
Try: It's best to get the help from your IT team on this.To learn more about VPNs see Howstuffworks.com.
- Try using one of the free web-based services first. These are easy to use and often free. They will let you get a feel for what remote access computing can do for you.
- Only resort to a VPN if you have dedicated individuals to support your VPN and a distinct need to allow a large amount of people full interconnectivity.
- A VPN is probably the best way to allow many people to share the same documents.
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