Access Your Computer Remotely from Anywhere for Free.

Remote Access software has certainly come quite a way compared to a few years ago. I still remember using remote access software like PCAnywhere, and thought it was neat even then to be able to control another computer remotely as if you are there. One drawback of most of these software was that you had to install software on both ends. The problem with such approach is that often the computer you are using to access the remote computer does not even belong to you sometimes. You borrow it for a quick access to your remote computer. And this limitation of needing to install the client version of the software in order to access the remote host computer, makes it an inconvenient way to access your computer remotely.

A few years ago, I discovered a software called Logmein. Actually it is is a mixture of an online service and software, that lets you access your Windows PC from anywhere in the world. If you need to log in to your home or work computer remotely and you want complete control of your host PC, just as if you were sitting in front of its monitor, I recommend LogMeIn for the following reasons:

• It is 100% FREE. I have had my account for more than years, and never once have I felt pressured to upgrade or anything like that.
• It is easy to sign up. All you need to do is go to their website and create your free LogMeIn account with your email address. Then install the software onto the computer you wish to control remotely. You are then are ready to begin controlling your other computers remotely.
• Fast. Logmein is extremely fast when compared to it's competitors. There doesn't seem to be any noticeable lag time. Of course it is never the same being physically at the computer, but I must say I was impressed with the speed nevertheless.
• Easy to Use. You can use any Windows, Mac, Linux or Pocket PC Internet browser to log on to the LogMeIn Web site, and then select your remote computer to control. LogMeIn automatically downloads the client software onto your remote client and connects you to your host computer.
• Secure. This remote access software supports 128-256 bit encryption in conjunction with RSA, and Windows Authentication. And it simply is one of the most secure option available. What equally amazing is these features are available on the free version.
• Easy setup. There is no headache on configuring port fowarding on router, or having to reconfigure various firewalls. LogMeIn uses the secure HTTP tunnel via port 443. Making it easy to use, with little or no configuration required.
• Unlike many other free software out there which are crippled in some ways, Logmein offers all the essential features on their free version. And if you want advanced features like Drag and Drop Files, Drive Mapping, File Transfer and more, you can always upgrade to the Pro version via monthly subscription. For more advanced usage like offering IT support to other users, there are also a number of other versions to suit your needs accordingly.

Ok. Having looked at all its good points, what does this mean for you? Do you need this software? If you use two or more computers, if you travel frequently and need to access your data or application on another computer, say in the office, it would certainly be a useful tool to keep on your belt. Let me give you a personal example. In the office, we use Microsoft Outlook as our corporate email software. And at home I use other pop mail program for my personal mail. I just didn't want to install MS Outlook on my home PC. So I simply access my office PC using Logmein whenever I need to do corporate emails. Or if I have left my office PC processing something, and I need to quickly check its status, I could do that from the comfort of my home. Sounds familiar? Telecommuting made simple.

As I have mentioned earlier, for the more advance users, there are other versions which are more suitable for providing remote support to your users. Even using the free version, you could do that as well, though you would be better off using the other advanced versions.

For more information, to create your free account or download the host software, visit their website.