When Mike Berry asked me for tech support, he said I could do it remotely. The first things which sprung to mind were Window’s Remote Assistance, which doesn’t work for me as I uninstalled Windows Messenger, and VNC, which I couldn’t be bothered with. I refused. Then, he sent me the link, and to my amazement it was a reasonable Jave or ActiveX (user’s choice) powered remote control software. This software is LogMeIn.
LogMeIn allows users to both remotely and locally remote control a Windows PC; as well as sharing files and sending out help invites (which don’t require the other party to have anything apart from either Java or an ActiveX control).
The thing I most like is that I don’t have to mess on with port forwarding. It may use uPnP, but the advantage is I don’t need to worry about changing my DDNS and remembering my IP, as the software automatically does it. The software also lets you control your PC from a Pocket PC, which is useless for me – but still a great concept. Also, all communications are encrypted under a 128bit SSL.
However, the software is clearly intended to be used commercially: it is available in both free and commercial versions. It also starts you off on a trial, which will make you feel disappointed when it’s over. Still, I’m not one to pay for software. Still, it’s nice to see a somewhat-free service competing with GoToMyPC.
Tags: remote control, vpn, vnc, remote assistance, software
This is a really great tool, although I would suggest anyone who has XP Pro to use the built in Remote Desktop. If your an XP Home user, than LogMeIn is awesome.