Best Remote Access Software

Remote access applications are making life much easier for business persons, technology support companies, and computer buffs all over the world. The business person who racks up frequent flyer miles and who has a bad habit of forgetting important files at home will appreciate being able to access important documents from thousands of miles away without making a family member or office associate scour her hard drive in search of obscure files. People who make their living or spend their free time helping others with their PC problems will be glad to do away with long, frustrating phone calls detailing where to click and what to type. All that these people need is remote access software, which is available in a variety of options and prices. Choosing the best remote access software may seem difficult, but one need only consider individual needs and interests to find the right package.

Basically, remote access applications enable a person to connect with a remote computer from any location providing Internet service, giving entry to the computer's programs, applications, files, e-mail, and even allowing the ability to restart or shut down the computer or lock its mouse and keyboard. This way, a person can easily manage data on multiple computers without having to worry about carrying a jump drive; she can get the needed information, even using cut and paste on a clipboard and printing from the remote computer. From almost any place on earth, a person can access a home or office machine or gain control of the computer of a friend or customer, seeing its programs from her own screen and controlling its functions by using her own mouse and keyboard. This software saves individuals and companies a great deal of time and enables them to do their work much more effectively and efficiently. Because seeing a computer problem on one's own screen is a lot easier than trying to determine the issue over the phone with a customer who may not understand what is asked of him, remote access applications mean increased customer service satisfaction for technology support companies, not to mention decreased confusion and frustration on both ends.

There are many different companies offering this kind of software in an array of forms, at varying prices; some programs can be downloaded online for free, while others can cost up to $70 a month. Some allow the subscriber access only to one computer (especially the free options), while others allow connection to an unlimited number of machines. To decide on the best remote access software, a buyer should ask herself what her primary technology needs are and then compare the different offerings of each application, including price, security, and features. Does she need to control only one or a few computers for her own private use, oversee several computers in the workplace, or be able to connect with any computer temporarily for the purposes of tech support? Also, how does she plan to use the remote access--only to retrieve files and e-mail, or to provide troubleshoot--or even to stream video from a computer's web-cam to keep tabs on home or office security?

Answering these questions should rule out remote access applications that won't be sufficient to a buyer's needs, but there are still a few aspects to be considered. Some software does not function well with dial-up connections, so if a person needs to connect regularly with machines that use dial-up, she will need to choose an option that works with slower connections. Also, persons who provide tech support need to be aware that some software must be downloaded both by the person providing the support and the person who needs the help. Thus, it is in a tech support company's best interest to purchase software that allows temporary access to any computer with permission without necessitating the customer's download.

Of course, price is a major consideration; the best remote access software is not necessarily the most expensive. Rather, many of the $10 a month applications will meet a buyer's needs just as well as the more expensive ones. For the person in Boston who needs to help his grandmother in Florida figure out why a computer keeps freezing up, a free or inexpensive download will suffice. However, for highly advanced activities, the more expensive options might be what a shopper is looking for, especially if the remote access is needed for network administration.

A last consideration is security. Most applications are fairly secure because shared information is encrypted, but some are better than others. The best remote access software promises to be firewall friendly, prevent computer hacking, and provide top-notch protection. Of course, Internet safety is important to everyone, but especially for business persons dealing with confidential information, choosing the most secure application is a high priority. Before purchasing a package, buyers need to ask their provider what measures are being used to ensure that the information they retrieve and send remotely is safe from hackers and other fraudulent persons.

Remote access applications can be a real source of help for today's busy users of technology, allowing them greater freedom and flexibility. Even better, this technology can allow business persons to increase their productivity and customer service satisfaction. Taking measures like these is a sure sign of commitment and assiduousness, traits which the Bible praises as the means to success: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men" (Proverbs 22:29). This software can not only make one's life easier, but also might be the next step in one's road to business achievement.

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