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Technology Tuesday is a publication of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. The first Tuesday of every month we will cover at least one technology issue in depth. If you have any questions about these or any other technology issues, please contact the free MAR Tech Helpline at 866-232-1837.
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Be in the Office, Even When You Aren't
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Have you ever been far from the office and realized you forgot to copy an important file from your computer? Or maybe you are swamped by work and email but can’t stomach the thought of staying at the office until midnight? How can you get access to these documents and continue working when you are miles away? As with many problems in our networked world, the Internet has an ever-growing number of tools to help.
In the past, remote access to a PC was complicated to configure, fraught with security problems, and often couldn’t simulate the experience of sitting down at your distant computer. Fortunately a new breed of software applications promises to fulfill the dream of distance computing with simple setup, secure connection, and a top-notch user interface. Remote access tools allow you to transfer files between your remote PC (your office computer) and your current location (a beachfront resort in Hawaii), print documents, access network drives, send and receive company email, and more. In fact, anything you can do sitting at a computer can also be done remotely, short of putting a CD-Rom in the drive, of course.
The requirements for a remote access tool are basic: a PC running Microsoft Windows, an “always-on” Internet connection like a cable modem or DSL, and either the Internet Explorer or Firefox web browser with Java installed. The exact program versions required for remote access vary slightly (some work on Windows 95, others do not), so consult program documentation for specifics. You also must leave the computer turned on to connect.
Now that you’re intrigued by the possibilities of remote access, you probably want to know some of the major players. All of the following services offer trial versions of their programs so you can test the water without diving in.
| - MyWebex PC offers a low cost solution for the small office. The basic service is free to install on up to 5 PCs in the same location and you can connect an unlimited number of times from an unlimited number of places. For roughly $10/month per computer they also offer a Professional version of their software with useful features and configuration options. |
| - GoToMyPc is another classy program that features simple setup and easy access from remote locations. A full feature set from this industry leader allows you to access your remote computer and interact just like you are sitting in front of it. Starting at $20/month for 1 PC, GoToMyPc is a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but you get discounts for purchasing annual subscriptions and signing up multiple PCs. |
| - LogMeIn is well-tested software for remote access from Boston-based 3am Labs. Built for security, LogMeIn comes with encryption and verification options not available in many other remote access tools. LogMeIn, similar to MyWebex, offers a free version with unlimited use in addition to a full-feature subscription version for $13 a month. |
These products also offer packages for system administrators which allow someone to set permissions, log access, and administer accounts for users with multiple PCs. While the small office won’t need these functions, they can be quite handy for the larger organization.
Whatever product is right for your office, the benefits of remote access far outweigh the cost. Depending on your workload you may find a single day of remote productivity pays for an entire year of the service.
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