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LogMeIn |
LogMeIn is the ultimate remote access tool. LogMeIn allows you to gain access to their computer from a remote location, even if both sides are behind a firewall. I can install a nifty little client on my friends laptop and tech-support him no matter where in the world he is, as long as he has a broadband Internet connection. This in and of itself is not that impressive. Free services such as VNC or Windows Remote Desktop (terminal services) allow me to remotely access a computer from anywhere; however, they are not easy to use and require some muddling with firewalls on both sides of the connection to make it work. Even behind a NAT you can still use LogMeIn, unlike VNC and Remote Desktop (that’s where each computer gets an internal only IP address). In fact, no matter what network I have thrown my computers on, even one with almost every inbound and outbound port blocked, I was still able to get LogMeIn to function.
To use LogMeIn simply go to their web site at http://www.logmein.com and register for a free account. Basic remote access is completely free. That’s right, you can set up an account and access your computers from anywhere in the world for free. Once registered you’ll need to add computers to your list of available remote devices. Go to the system you want to control, log in to the LogMeIn site, and download the remote client. Once installed this client will talk to the LogMeIn server and update your computers status in real time. To gain access to that remote machine, go back to the LogMeIn web site, and simply click on the computer you want to control. All systems are protected by password, either by one that is set up by you when you install the remote client, or by the same username/password used in your Active Directory domain. This helps prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your system. From a security standpoint the entire line of products is incredible secure with 256bit encrypted tunnels over SSL. |
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