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Remote Access Software (RAS) allows a user to remotely administer another computer through a GUI (Graphical User Interface). RAS software usually falls into three categories:
Attended (someone must be present on the remote machine)
Unattended
Self-hosted RPC proxy servers (middleware for accessing firewall-protected networks).
In this review, we are interested in the first and second categories.
There are also two different kinds of packages:
Those that are downloaded and run without requiring any installation
And the other, which is installed and either uninstalls at the end of the session or remains for future sessions.
Unattended sessions would of course need to have the installed version to allow for connecting at any time in the future. I will explain the pros and cons of each type of session and the two categories.
Discussion
Let's first talk about the two different categories, attended and unattended. Attended is of course when there is a person sitting at the computer that you want to access. This is most likely a one-time session or when helping someone fix a problem where you will not be allowed to access it without the other person being present. This type of access is usually quicker to establish, but also comes with fewer capabilities when compared to a fully installed software that runs as a service.
Typically the process for establishing an attended session is simple. You ask the other person to download a small application which runs in their user session and has access to everything the user has rights to. From here the situation varies, but usually requires that you and the other person exchange a small pass code - either auto-generated or set by you. Once they initiate the session you are connected and able to request control of their mouse and keyboard. If the software is simply run and not installed there are typically some limitations like not handling multiple monitors or losing connection and having to start the process over again because it doesn't have an auto-reconnect feature.
If the software installs then typically it falls under the unattended category. There are more capabilities with an unattended solution but the trade-off is that the user needs to have authority on their computer to install software. Installed software also leaves behind a footprint, although there are some that ask the other person, upon completion of the session, whether they would like to uninstall the software.
The first and highest rated product in the unattended category is LogMeIn. This is a web-based service that's extremely easy to set up and use and can be accessed from any PC with a browser. The free version won't allow file transfer or remote printing but is a great solution for accessing your remote data as well as file sharing. Registration is required before using the product. It is really meant to be an 'install and leave it' kind of tool and not for the 'quick connect to help a friend' scenario.
I still very much believe that the features and speed of LogMeIn are unmet by any other product and worth the extra hassle if you have access to the other machine(s) or means to connect remotely and install it. It is free for personal and commercial use.
Next is TeamViewer. It is very reliable, allows both attended and unattended control and has great features. There is a portable version of the viewer if you want to use an application or they also have a web-based control site that requires no installation to remotely control computers. The web-based version uses HTML and Flash, so it is usable even if the browser or firewall doesn't allow Java or ActiveX. TeamViewer is a commercial product and is only free for personal use. Any commercial use is prohibited by the TeamViewer use policy.
The fastest solution in the attended category is Join.me. Its small 1 MB download and simple security code make it very quick to establish a remote session.
The last solution in this category is Mikogo. Mikogo is not the fastest nor is it the most reliable, but it offers the most features of any of the solutions in this article. It is a full-featured solution comparable to the commercial Citrix GotoMeeting product with features such as presenter switching, remote control, white board sharing, file sharing and session recording.
To sum everything up, you may need different tools to accommodate different situations. In my years of experience helping people solve computer issues remotely I use the best tool for the job. When speaking with a person that has no understanding of their computer and no idea of whether they are allowed or capable of installing software I use an attended, non-installing type of tool. Other times I might choose to get the person to install an unattended tool. Let the situation dictate the best tool but always have both available.
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server. Mac OS X
TeamViewer
9
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Quick download and great reliability as well as loaded with the features you would most likely need while accessing a computer remotely.
Leaves a reminder window on the host and local computer about using the product - for personal use only. This product is only for personal use and using it for commercial purposes violates the use policy.
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOS
Join.me
7
Is a web service or web application
The fastest way to create a remote control/sharing session. Reliable and good screen quality. Allows up to 256 sessions viewing one computer session with Chat, file transfer and remote control. This is from the same people that make LogMeIn.com.
Does not show multiple screens and you cannot change presenters.
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Free for personal use. It also has the most features of any free solution including: screen sharing; remote control; switch presenters; session recording; file transfer; specific application sharing only; and up to 10 computers joined simultaneously to the session.
Sometimes disconnects if you have a less than perfect connection. Not the fastest screen updating of these solutions.
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Take a look at Crossloop. Not sure how Logmein works, but with Crossloop, the other party has to give you an access code before you connect. Its been a real lifesaver for friends and relatives that have PC problems!
I've been using LogMeIn Free for YEARS and have been 100% satisfied, until.... They're doing away with the free account soon (or restricting it to 10 computers).
I'm in need of a solution where I can have the ability to remotely connect to at least 20-30 computers (not at the same time). Its going to be a pain to switch because I need to log onto all of these computers to install the new software. :/
Can anyone recommend one over the other based on my criteria needed?
Another free ( for commercial use also ) remote software:
[edited out]
it uses VNC.
Pros:
- free for commercial use,
- sessions are encrypted,
- connects to client via WAN, LAN or DIAL mode,
Cons:
- quite big ( 7,2 MB )
- takes some time to start ( due to setting up the initial configuration ),
- only polish version :D
- could be a little compilicated for newbie users,
As per site policy, we do not allow links to non-English sites. Also, since the software too does not have any English version, therefore too, we cannot allow the link, as obviously it won't be of no help to the English users. Either have an English version of the site, or atleast the software, available on a reputed download site.
by Mrwizard (not verified) on 22. November 2012 - 15:42(102737)
Tried Supremo, mentioned previously, seems to work great, beats the others hands down since it is stand alone, no registration required etc. Works like VNC but FREE. Thanks for the heads up Anupam
by Eloise (not verified) on 18. November 2012 - 3:43(102497)
I have a question as I see there are some IT pros on this discussion. I have an elderly mother who often needs help in using her computer just for email, internet browsing, opening attachments, and simple word processing. (She may not be able to find the submit button on a website.)
She has Windows 7 and I have Windows Vista. I want to to help her with issues so she will be "attending" when this happens. However, I don't want her to have to login to grant permission to grant me access so it seems unattended is the better choice. I don't mind installing software on both machines so long as it's easy peasy once installed.
I've narrowed the choice to Logmein or Teamviewer. Any recommendations? Comments?
Eloise,
I use TeamViewer for friends and family. Mostly because it is simple to use. You can actually install Teamviewer and it can be set-up to start when the remote computer restarts or is turned on. You then will want to set-up a permanent password so it stays the same through a reboot. There is a password that Teamviewer generates (generally for attended remote use) but it changes if you have to restart the remote computer. I have never had any issues with firewalls etc.
This software is free to use for personal use. If it is being used for a business then you have to pay for it.
Instructions: Go to Extra menu item and select options. Then click on the "Security" button on the left.
Set and confirm password. I have the "Windows logon" option set to "Allowed for administrators only.
Test your connection through a reboot with your mom standing by. If for some reason it won't connect your mom can give you the password generated by Teamviewer and you can check the settings.
Good Luck!
For several years, I've been using TeamViewer on a laptop (now considered a dinosaur by today's standards) running XP Pro to maintain over a dozen machines on different continents, running everything from XP Home to Win 7 Pro (I now have a new state-of-the-art rig running Win 7 Pro).
A few of these computers are operated by people whose technical abilities are rather modest, and for those, TeamViewer is configured with a permanent password, loads with Windows and is always available to me when the telephone rings. On the other machines, new random passwords are generated, whether TeamViewer starts with Windows (a few) or is manually called-up (most), thus assuring that user's peace of mind.
TeamViewer has worked very well for my needs; one outstanding feature is the ability to perform remote reboots, including into Safe Mode (it also has the added feature of being able to create a VPN -- Virtual Private Network -- between the two machines, such that files too large to email or for which encryption is not practical can be sent securely, though not necessarily with the greatest possible speed, for which there may be an improvement with the impending release of version 8).
by tom s (not verified) on 2. October 2012 - 2:55(100086)
I have used mostly all the remote programs, but i am a security professional that needs to log into pc that are running video recording programs. The problem i run into to is that the remote viewer program changes the default resolution on the host pc. By doing that it screws up the recording program that i can not recover from.. any thoughs, any help would helpful?
by Jim Van Damme (not verified) on 25. July 2012 - 2:02(96628)
I've used Team View to control a spectrum analyzer (XP) from my Linux PC, while running a Skype session to talk to folks at the remote site. How cool is that. Simple to install, too. The rest of 'em won't run on Linux natively, so phooey.
by Andrew Fox (not verified) on 22. August 2012 - 13:35(98141)
Teamviewer isn't Linux native, it just has a wine wrapper. I've found it really unstable if you share your Linux desktop through it. You shouldn't have had to use skype as teamviewer has built in audio/video chat which works pretty well.
by oborm (not verified) on 24. July 2012 - 19:21(96612)
For me is the LogMeIn the best, I am IT professional and I have used it many years and it helped me every time only one time when I have forgotten login password to local computer and it blocked my ip address, but have used (conected trough) another ip address when I have remembered password.
I've used TeamViewer since 2005. Started off with just working on the daughters computers without me having to go upstairs.
It really can in handy in 2007 when the youngest was diagnosed with cancer and we had to take her from Florida to New York for treatment.
When it was the wife's turn to be with her in NY, I would still get the call for computer help. TeamViewer always allowed me to quickly attach to her computer to fix the problem.
Now, 5 years later I still get the calls. But not is is from her away at college. Different laptops but the same reliable Teamviewer. Has never failed.
Of this lot, and VNC software I've tried before, TeamViewer is by far the best. Very easy to install (even going through the install process with a family member over the phone was a pleasure) and very easy to use. And the Android app gives me remote access on my phone to all registered PC's without any problems. Brilliant (free) software and (free) app.
by Céline G. (not verified) on 30. March 2012 - 1:12(91405)
As of today March 29th, Mikogo is no longer a good choice. The statement to the fact that up to 10 simultaneous computers can join to a session is no longer true. With the free version, only 2 computers can join the presenter's session.
by Bob.P (not verified) on 28. March 2012 - 15:21(91331)
Windows Live Mesh should certainly be considered. I believe it uses rdp but eliminates any port forwarding needs. Very simple plus you can integrate with skydrive storage.
by Derek D (not verified) on 29. February 2012 - 18:14(89712)
Don't overlook AMMYY Administrator. It is free for non-commercial use which the developer has officially defined as less than 15 hours per month.
(And that limit applies only to connections made through the company's servers. If the remote computer is on your LAN, or if you can use port-forwarding to get to it directly over the internet, then that connection is free and unlimited.)
It is like Teamviewer or LogMeIn Free in many ways. I like AMMYY's file transfer interface better than TeamViewer's.
Unlike the others, there is nothing to install. Each side simply runs a compact, self-contained executable.
It can be used in attended or unattended modes.
Get it at www.ammyy.com
BTW, I have no idea how the name is supposed to be pronounced. I call it "amy", but of course that's just a guess.
Sorry but I have to disagree about Ammyy Admin. I tried it today and got maliciously hacked. The software lacks the security needed for a good secure connection. I'm now using Teamviewer.
by Matt N. (not verified) on 22. August 2012 - 19:27(98159)
Amazing little application. I thought I had tried the vast majority of apps and like most others on here I had settled on TeamViewer. AMMYY has now replaced it. Many thanks for the tip!
by cwl (not verified) on 4. February 2012 - 3:20(88267)
TeamViewer 7 is undoubtedly the best RAS that I have ever used. LogMeIn gets a C- from me while TeamView 7 is an A+. The service is free for personal use but is expensive to buy. TV6 has all the features and has worked flawlessly for many transfers and remoting with friends around the world. No glitches, no advertising, and first class operation.
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Comments
Take a look at Crossloop. Not sure how Logmein works, but with Crossloop, the other party has to give you an access code before you connect. Its been a real lifesaver for friends and relatives that have PC problems!
I've been using LogMeIn Free for YEARS and have been 100% satisfied, until.... They're doing away with the free account soon (or restricting it to 10 computers).
I'm in need of a solution where I can have the ability to remotely connect to at least 20-30 computers (not at the same time). Its going to be a pain to switch because I need to log onto all of these computers to install the new software. :/
Can anyone recommend one over the other based on my criteria needed?
Hello!
Another free ( for commercial use also ) remote software:
[edited out]
it uses VNC.
Pros:
- free for commercial use,
- sessions are encrypted,
- connects to client via WAN, LAN or DIAL mode,
Cons:
- quite big ( 7,2 MB )
- takes some time to start ( due to setting up the initial configuration ),
- only polish version :D
- could be a little compilicated for newbie users,
best regards,
V.
As per site policy, we do not allow links to non-English sites. Also, since the software too does not have any English version, therefore too, we cannot allow the link, as obviously it won't be of no help to the English users. Either have an English version of the site, or atleast the software, available on a reputed download site.
Sorry, but the comment will be deleted later on.
Whoa! Been using Crossloop for a lot of years and pretty happy with it. Why is it missing from this comparison?
TeamViewer has been updated to v8.0.16642, 5.57 MB (2012.12.19).
Tried Supremo, mentioned previously, seems to work great, beats the others hands down since it is stand alone, no registration required etc. Works like VNC but FREE. Thanks for the heads up Anupam
Glad you liked it, and thanks for the feedback. I didn't try it myself, but just posted it here, since I saw it somewhere. Good to know it works well.
I have a question as I see there are some IT pros on this discussion. I have an elderly mother who often needs help in using her computer just for email, internet browsing, opening attachments, and simple word processing. (She may not be able to find the submit button on a website.)
She has Windows 7 and I have Windows Vista. I want to to help her with issues so she will be "attending" when this happens. However, I don't want her to have to login to grant permission to grant me access so it seems unattended is the better choice. I don't mind installing software on both machines so long as it's easy peasy once installed.
I've narrowed the choice to Logmein or Teamviewer. Any recommendations? Comments?
Eloise,
I use TeamViewer for friends and family. Mostly because it is simple to use. You can actually install Teamviewer and it can be set-up to start when the remote computer restarts or is turned on. You then will want to set-up a permanent password so it stays the same through a reboot. There is a password that Teamviewer generates (generally for attended remote use) but it changes if you have to restart the remote computer. I have never had any issues with firewalls etc.
This software is free to use for personal use. If it is being used for a business then you have to pay for it.
Instructions: Go to Extra menu item and select options. Then click on the "Security" button on the left.
Set and confirm password. I have the "Windows logon" option set to "Allowed for administrators only.
Test your connection through a reboot with your mom standing by. If for some reason it won't connect your mom can give you the password generated by Teamviewer and you can check the settings.
Good Luck!
-WebGremlin
Hello Eloise,
For several years, I've been using TeamViewer on a laptop (now considered a dinosaur by today's standards) running XP Pro to maintain over a dozen machines on different continents, running everything from XP Home to Win 7 Pro (I now have a new state-of-the-art rig running Win 7 Pro).
A few of these computers are operated by people whose technical abilities are rather modest, and for those, TeamViewer is configured with a permanent password, loads with Windows and is always available to me when the telephone rings. On the other machines, new random passwords are generated, whether TeamViewer starts with Windows (a few) or is manually called-up (most), thus assuring that user's peace of mind.
TeamViewer has worked very well for my needs; one outstanding feature is the ability to perform remote reboots, including into Safe Mode (it also has the added feature of being able to create a VPN -- Virtual Private Network -- between the two machines, such that files too large to email or for which encryption is not practical can be sent securely, though not necessarily with the greatest possible speed, for which there may be an improvement with the impending release of version 8).
I hope this is useful input to you; good luck!
Cheers,
AJN
TeamViewer was updated to version 7.0.15723 on 2012.10.23, 4.7 MB - http://www.teamviewer.com/ (version 8 is currently in beta).
I have used mostly all the remote programs, but i am a security professional that needs to log into pc that are running video recording programs. The problem i run into to is that the remote viewer program changes the default resolution on the host pc. By doing that it screws up the recording program that i can not recover from.. any thoughs, any help would helpful?
using Logmein and Teamviewer can you as the host use your software on the remote computer without file transfer?
Wesley,
Yes, they have settings on the host computer that could deny the file transfer portion.
I've used Team View to control a spectrum analyzer (XP) from my Linux PC, while running a Skype session to talk to folks at the remote site. How cool is that. Simple to install, too. The rest of 'em won't run on Linux natively, so phooey.
Teamviewer isn't Linux native, it just has a wine wrapper. I've found it really unstable if you share your Linux desktop through it. You shouldn't have had to use skype as teamviewer has built in audio/video chat which works pretty well.
For me is the LogMeIn the best, I am IT professional and I have used it many years and it helped me every time only one time when I have forgotten login password to local computer and it blocked my ip address, but have used (conected trough) another ip address when I have remembered password.
I've used TeamViewer since 2005. Started off with just working on the daughters computers without me having to go upstairs.
It really can in handy in 2007 when the youngest was diagnosed with cancer and we had to take her from Florida to New York for treatment.
When it was the wife's turn to be with her in NY, I would still get the call for computer help. TeamViewer always allowed me to quickly attach to her computer to fix the problem.
Now, 5 years later I still get the calls. But not is is from her away at college. Different laptops but the same reliable Teamviewer. Has never failed.
is thier any software which provides multiple remote connections at a time....??if it please let mee know....?
TeamViewer Free does not run on Windows Server (not an option during install even if Personal use only).
Of this lot, and VNC software I've tried before, TeamViewer is by far the best. Very easy to install (even going through the install process with a family member over the phone was a pleasure) and very easy to use. And the Android app gives me remote access on my phone to all registered PC's without any problems. Brilliant (free) software and (free) app.
As of today March 29th, Mikogo is no longer a good choice. The statement to the fact that up to 10 simultaneous computers can join to a session is no longer true. With the free version, only 2 computers can join the presenter's session.
Windows Live Mesh should certainly be considered. I believe it uses rdp but eliminates any port forwarding needs. Very simple plus you can integrate with skydrive storage.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/explore/access-your-pc-from-anywhere
Don't overlook AMMYY Administrator. It is free for non-commercial use which the developer has officially defined as less than 15 hours per month.
(And that limit applies only to connections made through the company's servers. If the remote computer is on your LAN, or if you can use port-forwarding to get to it directly over the internet, then that connection is free and unlimited.)
It is like Teamviewer or LogMeIn Free in many ways. I like AMMYY's file transfer interface better than TeamViewer's.
Unlike the others, there is nothing to install. Each side simply runs a compact, self-contained executable.
It can be used in attended or unattended modes.
Get it at www.ammyy.com
BTW, I have no idea how the name is supposed to be pronounced. I call it "amy", but of course that's just a guess.
Sorry but I have to disagree about Ammyy Admin. I tried it today and got maliciously hacked. The software lacks the security needed for a good secure connection. I'm now using Teamviewer.
Amazing little application. I thought I had tried the vast majority of apps and like most others on here I had settled on TeamViewer. AMMYY has now replaced it. Many thanks for the tip!
TeamViewer 7 is undoubtedly the best RAS that I have ever used. LogMeIn gets a C- from me while TeamView 7 is an A+. The service is free for personal use but is expensive to buy. TV6 has all the features and has worked flawlessly for many transfers and remoting with friends around the world. No glitches, no advertising, and first class operation.
Logmein Free is free for all use so that is why it is still very high on the list.
New one.
Supremo : http://www.supremofree.com/index-en.aspx