Recently I've found myself spending more and more time wishing I could log into my home computer from work. My home computer's a Mac, which explains why I can't simply Remote Desktop from my work laptop running Windows XP. In addition to that, the corporate firewall creates more connectivity issues than I knew existed. What a drag.
But then I found a service on the internet called LogMeIn. All you have to do is create an account, then download the LogMeIn software to the computer you want to log into from a remote location. Once that's done, remote control of your computer is as simple as visiting LogMeIn.com, and literally logging in. Once authenticated, you can click the Remote Control button and be connected to your home computer via your web browser. (Side note: for the best experience, you'll need to install a small browser plug-in, available for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and other browsers.)
Amazingly, this even works using the iPhone. If you're on a WiFi connection, you can access your home computer (or whatever other computer you've set up with the LogMeIn software) remotely and I must say it works great.
Best part: the service is free. You can't copy files or print to a local printer--for that, you pay extra--but that's why it's free. LogMeIn is willing to bet that if you start using its free service, you'll eventually come to appreciate the value of the added functionality of the paid services it offers, of which there are several.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Scotty: Log Me In
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4 comments:
Been using the service for 2+ years now. In addition to remotely accessing my own PC, I have installed LogMeIn on computers of friends and family so that I can fix their computers without having to pay them a visit.
Yep, that's something I've done with my mom's computer as well. I've installed LogMeIn on her computer and can support her that way, instead of paying the high price of LogMeIn Rescue, which is geared more toward tech professionals who need to service many users per day/week/month.
The reason I really like LogMeIn most is because (1) VNC has been shaky for me when I used it trying to help my mom's computer out, and (2) I can use this thing behind my corporate firewall, which is rock solid and didn't allow any kind of VNC whatsoever to my home computer. Somehow LogMeIn gets around this, and I am loving it!
Mike, another great service which is even easier for remote support is Techinline (http://www.techinline.com) It's probably the simplest method of connection out there (runs through the browser and requires no installations) and is perfect for sporadic use such as assisting family members. I use it to support my clients but it works great for personal use as well.
Serge: while Techinline would work just as well, I did not see a free version. There is a free 15-day trial, but once that period expires you're looking at $30/mo. On the other hand, LogMeIn offers its basic service for free, counting on a certain percentage of those users to upgrade to paid subscription so they can do things like transfer files, print locally, etc. Sounds like Techinline could be good in a pinch, though, since LogMeIn would need to be installed on the target machine you want to control.
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