sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories Remote desktop software??

I have been using a trial version of LogMeIn Pro to access a couple of remote machines. While I can get a free version of this software, the free version is stripped down quite a bit. So I am going to bite the bullet and pay for a 5 user license to start. Before I do, I thought I would check and see if anyone had any other suggestions as to which software to use.

I haven't used it personally, but have heard good things about it.

The best remote desktop software I ever used, bar none was Hilgraeve's (the folks that made Hyperterminal) KopyKat.

Unfortunately I think it was only for OS/2, so that probably won't be that helpful.

Sam

I have had good luck with VNC and like LogMeIn there are free versions.

I use UltraVNC. Works and is reasonably priced. FREE.

in order to use VNC, I need to have it installed on both computers right? This probably won't work as I need more of a web based access. I will probably just buy a 5 seat license for LogMeIn for $250 per year. I can bill my customers for it anyway.

I use Citrix GoToAssist, but I'm supporting 60+ users. LogMeIn is fine for what it is. Bomgar is also kinda cool if you have to support Blackberrys or Windows Mobile as well. I would only use VNC within a network, because it is open source, there have been instances in the past with various flavors of VNC being vulnerable to outside attack (cause you gotta poke holes in th erouter as well, same with RDP). If i need to get into a network segment, I'll RDP into the terminal server then VNC my way around the LAN. I've just had bad experiences with an out facing VNC box. GoToAssist ain't as cheap as $250 a year, but you get some decent reporting out of it to bill back customers, and you can reboot in safemode, and stay connected, you can have multiple sessions, set up unattended support, get diagnostic info etc.

I use Hamachi with Remote Desktop. It's free and works well.

I like TightVNC, also free.

I also use Hamachi with Remote Desktop. Works well. You can have several (15 I think) connections before you have to pay.

What features do you need in LMI Pro that Free doesn't have?

FWIW, I use LMI Free and haven't needed any of the features in the Pro version. I did purchase LMI Ignition, so I don't have to use a web browser to use LMI. Very handy. I installed it on my office computer and my laptop so I can support multiple customers where I have internet.

I also use Teamviewer if I don't want to install a permanent LMI Free on a customer's computer. I can usually walk most of my customers through going to Teamviewer.com, click on Customer Module, give me the ID and Passcode. Then when I am done with the support session, I close Teamviewer, they close it on their end, and boom no software to uninstall. I'm pretty sure GoToAssist is the same thing.

I've been tempted to setup something like this no-install feature, using UltraVNC singleclick. But the instructions are sort of complicated and I haven't gotten around to making the .exe file.