How To Access a Home Computer from Anywhere
Posted on March 16, 2009 by admin
As the computer geek of the family, I feel inclined to help out everyone (from cousins to grandparents) when they’re having computer problems. However, since most of my family is spread out out from Florida to Oregon, house calls are a bit of an inconvenience. Of course when I visit family there is always the inevitable “Can you take a quick look at this?”. Well, this is not so problematic when I am there in person and have 100% control over the computer, but when a similar question is asked over the phone, then even simple tasks can turn into long, drawn out sessions of frustration.
On a recent visit to an uncle of mine, I took a chance and installed this particular software on his particularly fussy PC. The uncle in question does not know much about computers yet he unfortunately makes it a point to mess with the settings and then call you-know-who problems arise. Luckily, the software that I had the foresight to install on his PC permits me to log onto it from any other Internet-connected computer in the world with almost any operating system! The software, of course, was GoToMyPC.
I have since installed this program on many other family member’s PC’s (the program allows me to access up to 20 PC’s!). As long as their PC’s are connected to the net, I can use this software to log into their PC and fix problems remotely. By using my PC to control theirs, it usually takes me a matter of minutes to fix a problem that could have potentially taken hours to fix over the phone.
I did have some issues using the software with a couple of computers who’s browsers were not Java enabled. However, after a quick call with Customer Support I was good to go and have not had any problems since.
Based on my experience with GoToMyPC and all the time I have saved using this software, I highly recommend it. Also, if you are as skeptical as I am, have no fear- they offer a 30 day free trial.
Comments (2)
But LogMeIn is free …
LogMeIn has a scaled down version of their pro version, which does not let you connect to more than one other computer, share files, hear audio, etc. To get those features it will cost you $69.95 per year.
Granted Go To My PC is still more expensive, but at least you have the option of only paying for the months that you need service ($19.95). Also, in a product to product comparison, you would see that Go To My PC just has more to offer.
In my opinion, sometimes you get what you pay for.