PC (and Mac) remote control software is nothing new, but seeing that mouse cursor fly around the screen by itself still gives that old "look ma, no hands!" feeling. But remote-control software isn't only cool; it's also seriously useful. It's more powerful than ever, and easier to use, too. No longer relegated to support technicians or businesspeople with their own personal IT staff, the new generation of products like as TeamViewer 5 are easy enough for anyone to set up. And software like LogMeIn Pro2 and can even do tricks like printing or playing the remote computer's (the "host's") sound on the computer you're sitting in front of (the "guest").
You don't actually have to install an app to get some remote control abilities, if you have Windows 7 installed. Microsoft's latest operating system offers users remote-control with its Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Assistance apps. The commercial products in this roundup offer easier setup and more advanced tools, however, like file sharing, clipboard sharing—and in the case of TeamViewer—even VOIP and webcam viewing. Another neat trick of these services is that most let you simply email an invitation for an acquaintance to take control of your machine for a specified period of time.
The remote-control game isn't just for Windows PCs, anymore either. Apple offers the Back to My Mac remote-control feature as part of its MobileMe service ($99/year). All of the software in this roundup has at least some Mac OS functionality, and you can even remote-control a full-fledged PC or Mac from your iPhone, using apps from TeamViewer and LogMeIn. A couple of the products also offer some level of Linux support.
So whether you need to show someone far away what's going on on your system, conduct a remote demonstration, log in to the office PC from the road, or simply access a file on one of your far-flung computers, there's a remote control solution that can meet your needs. As always, click the links below to read full reviews of the products.
Reviews:
GoToMyPC 7.0
$69.95 direct
GoToMyPC is a decent remote-computer-control solution. It's especially valuable if you need to print locally from a remote computer, but setup was more troublesome than for competitors, there's no free version for consumers.
Laplink Gold for Windows 7
$89.95, direct
Laplink is a remnant from an earlier time in PC computing. These days there are easier, slicker ways to transfer files and take remote control of other systems.
LogMeIn Pro2
$69.95 per year
LogMeIn Pro2 gives you an easy way to remotely control a PC or Mac and adds tons of new features, but TeamViewer goes even beyond this, with VOIP and VPN capability and a simpler setup.
TeamViewer
Free for non-commercial use
If you're looking for feature-packed remote control, desktop sharing, and presentation software, TeamViewer 5 is both the simplest and most powerful option. Businesses will have to shell out a bunch up front, but individuals can use it free. Either way, it's a very good deal.
WebEx PCNow
$12.95/month direct
To the standard remote screen-viewing and system control, WebEx adds online backup, online file sharing, and SMS alerts. Unlike other products, it offers no chat feature, but file transfer is pretty well done. The screen response time, though was among the slowest of the services I tested, and usability was deficient in places.
Other Remote Computer Control Options
These aren't all the remote control options are out there. Look for more reviews in the coming months:
Anyplace Control—bills itself as secure and easy-to-use remote access software for administering and controlling remote computers from anywhere.
Bomgar—with an emphasis on remote support, this respected company makes both software and hardware appliances for remote control.
CrossLoop—offers simple screensharing, as well as unattended remote access for support on PCs and Macs.
Symantec pcAnywhere—The security giant offers this $199 software package that allows one computer to remotely control and access another computer. Works on Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, or Microsoft Pocket PC.