Free Alternatives to GoToMyPC
If you need to access your own computer or someone else's from a remote location, you probably already know about GoToMyPC, which is often advertised on radio and TV. GotoMyPC's remote access service costs $20/month. But did you know that you can do the same thing for free? Here's how... |
Paying for GoToMyPC? Get Remote Access for Free!
GotoMyPC allows you to log on to a remote computer, access the desktop, open files or run programs, just as if you were sitting at its keyboard. This screen sharing ability can be handy for technical consultants solving clients' problems; people who are away from their home or office computers; or just showing Grandma how to save photos of the kids on her hard drive.
But there's no need to pay $20 a month for remote access, when there are other tools that let you do it for free.
Every remote access solution has two software components. One, installed on the host computer you wish to access remotely, accepts connections via the Internet, dial-up phone lines, Ethernet, or other means. It also accepts command sent via the connection and executes them on the host computer. Finally, it takes the output of the executed routines and sends it over the connection to the remote party. The remote component, from which you type commands, handles login to the host computer, transmission of commands, and responses received from the host.
In the past, the remote component of remote access software was a dedicated utility that you installed on your laptop or other remote machine. But most of the functions of the remote access component are built right into modern Web browsers, so an additional program is unnecessary in many cases.
There are many remote access solutions on the market. Here is a run-down of some of the most popular FREE alternatives to GoToMyPC. Each operates slightly differently so you should experiment with several solutions before choosing the one that's right for you.
Free Remote Access Tools
Logmein.com offers a remote access service that's very similar to GotoMyPC. Although it may be a little confusing when perusing the Logmein website, the 'Logmein Free' option is what you want - not a free trial. Just download and install the LogMeIn software on the PC or Mac computer you want to access. Then log into your LogMeIn Free account from another computer and click the icon corresponding to the computer you want to control. Just as with GotoMyPC, you'll have complete access to the remote desktop, file and applications as if you were sitting in front of it.
I used GotoMyPC for over a year before I discovered Logmein Free. And now, several years later, I've found that LogMeIn does everything I need in a remote access tool. There's also a paid LogMeIn Pro option, which gives you additional features such as file transfer, remote sound (so you can hear what's coming from the remote speakers), and the ability to print remote files on your local computer.
Crossloop is a free screen-sharing tool that can connect two PC or Mac computers. Here's how it works: Both parties download and run the tiny Crossloop program, then the person who wants help clicks the Share tab, and send the access code to the helper. The helper clicks the Access tab, enters the code, and Crossloop ensures the right machines get connected to one another through the magic of the Internet. Crossloop just works, and doesn't require either party to muck with obscure firewall or router settings.
TeamViewer is another free, full-featured remote desktop program. You can control another computer that's connected to the Internet, or share files with a group of co-workers. TeamViewer works on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Apple, and Android devices.
Microsoft Windows has remote access built into it, in the form of the Remote Assistance tool developed by the company. See my article Remote Assistance for help setting this up, or consult your version of Windows Help for instructions in its use.
UltraVNC is designed specifically for tech support applications. It is a free, open-source program developed by people who do tech support for a living, so it has numerous bells and whistles designed for such work. No host software is required with the SingleClick addon. Text chat is supported so you can talk to a client while showing him or her what to do visually. UltraVNC supports multiple monitors for tech support reps who have several clients going at once.
Do you have something to say about remote access or screen sharing tools? Post your comment or question below...
|
|
Share this article with friends! |
|
Posted by Bob Rankin on 20 Nov 2009
| Need More Help? Try the AskBobRankin Updates Newsletter. It's Free! |
 |
Prev Article: Completely Erase a Hard Drive |
The Top Twenty |
Next Article: Does PCTools Threatfire Boost Security? |
 |
|
Link to this article from your site or blog. Just copy and paste from this box: |
Post your Comments, Questions or Suggestions
Free Tech Support -- Ask Bob Rankin
Subscribe to AskBobRankin Updates: Free Newsletter |
||
|
Copyright © 2005
- Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy -- See my profile on Google. |
||
Article information: AskBobRankin -- Free Alternatives to GoToMyPC (Posted: 20 Nov 2009)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/free_alternatives_to_gotomypc.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Free
Most recent comments on "Free Alternatives to GoToMyPC"
Posted by:
Paul Caldwell
20 Nov 2009
Also from the makers of LogMeIn is Hamachi.
From their website: "LogMeIn Hamachi² is a hosted VPN service that securely connects devices and networks, extending LAN-like network connectivity to mobile users, distributed teams and business applications. You can easily create secure virtual networks on demand, across public and private networks."
Hamachi gives you a static IP address in the 5.x.x.x range. Very helpful when using UltraVNC or Windows Remote Desktop or mapping network resources (Shares, printers, etc.). There is a free version.
Posted by:
bill mantey
20 Nov 2009
Great article, Bob. Once again I am reminded why I subscribe to your fine newsletter.
Posted by:
mark
20 Nov 2009
I've been using LogMeIn for a few years and I love it. One thing the free version doesn't do is let you copy to or from the computer you are accessing. To get around that I use DropBox, copying from one computer to DropBox, and then downloading it from there. Before that, I used email. Dropbox allows you to transfer larger files than email usually does.
Posted by:
Robert Stell
21 Nov 2009
Another very good program for remote access is TeamViewer. The reason I prefer it is they have a small program (TeamViewerQS) that can be placed on the desktop of the person you are helping but does not install on the computer. They just run the program and give you the information and the computers link together. Files can be transfered as well as all the other functions you would expect. It is free for noncommercial use.
Posted by:
BrianM
21 Nov 2009
I've used Logmein Free for a while now. While you can't officially transfer files, here's an easy way to do it. Just attach the file to an email using the computer you are controlling and send it either to another address (i.e. your business address), or send it to yourself, where you can then access it through your own webmail account.
Posted by:
troy hoebee
21 Nov 2009
Have you seen Teamviewer. Great free software for remote access. http://teamviewer.com/index.aspx
So easy, computer novices like it.
Posted by:
JeffG
24 Nov 2009
I've also used Teamviewer for a couple of years and it's great. I can easily do techsupport for my 84-year old mother who's actually a technophobe with a computer :)
Posted by:
Darryl
24 Nov 2009
I use the free version of TeamViewer, and one advantage it has is that you can remote reboot and retain the connection on restart. I have found that Microsoft Update sometimes removes TeamViewer from the Services list. I also use ShowMyPC once in awhile, but I find it to be a bit slower, like CrossLoop.
Posted by:
Jim Mackay
24 Nov 2009
Very useful article, thankyou. But is there a security risk to installing LogMein? What's the chance of a rogue employee gaining access to all these computers carrying the application?
Am I being over suspicious?
Posted by:
victor
24 Nov 2009
Thanks Bob. Nice article. I'll like to know if it is possible for someone to log-in to a remote PC behind a NATed private IP address Network. E.g I want someone from US to login to my PC here in Nigeria running Linux or Windows, if my systems connects to the internet through an ISP that doesn't grant me a global or routable IP address, i get my ip address from the ISP but a private IP, how can any of these above methods help?
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm pretty sure Crossloop will do it.
Posted by:
Mark Madere
24 Nov 2009
Alhough the following is a little different than remotely accessing a computer, I am able to access all my files remotely through the company that does my online backups. For only $54.95/year, all my files are backed up through remote secure servers. If I'm away from home, I can retrieve any of those files by logging onto the online backup company's web site, log-in and then navigate to the files I need. Then I just save the file to the hard drive on the computer I'm working from.
Check it out: http://www.spectralight.com/backup
Posted by:
Scott Colbert
22 Feb 2010
Another free tool for non commercial use is Team Viewer, which I found had a better response time and better video reaction time than Crossloop...Just a thought!!!
Posted by:
Kevin
25 Feb 2010
Hey Bob, sounds like everyone wants you to use Team Viewer. Do we need to buy you a Snickers first?
Posted by:
Braintiller
25 Feb 2010
Thanks a lot Bob. remote access technology continues to evolve, but I think multi-functional systems like RHUB TurboMeeting are going to rule the roost. TM is the first-ever to combine 4 complete collaboration technologies – remote access, web conferencing, remote support, and webinar – in a single system.
Posted by:
Viv
18 Nov 2010
Thanks Bob, nice article.
I use TeamViewer for my lovely older clients - it's great for them, as they don't have to install anything - just click a couple of Run buttons - nice and easy. Always like the easy way :) Cheers Viv
Posted by:
Nicole
11 Jan 2012
You may also want to try free Ammyy Admin
http://www.ammyy.com
It doesn't require installation or specific config. It works behind gateways NAT without port mapping as well as within one LAN.
Good alternative though!
Posted by:
Dennis
03 Mar 2012
To assist someone else with computer problems, Just type - join.me - into your browser and enjoy.
No email to mess with. All Internet based. Easier than Team Viewer.