Only one thing in life is more frustrating than helping computer-illiterate family members with their PC problems: trying to do it over the phone. After an hour of saying, 'No, right-click it, right-click it, right-click it, RIGHT-click it!' you realise it would be easier to go round to their house and beat them about the head with their hardware. Thankfully, there's now an alternative to GBH. BeAnywhere is a little piece of software that allows the PC on which it's installed to be remotely controlled over the Internet, and it doesn't involve the daunting setup and budget typically associated with this trick.
You set up an account with beanywhere.com, download the server software and install it on any PC that you want to be able to control. Yes, that does mean you'll need your target technophobe to be able to manage this, but installation is almost completely automatic, including the necessary tweaks to Windows Firewall. Just make sure the target PC meets the system requirements. From then on, wherever you are, you need only log in to beanywhere.com, choose from a list the PC you want to remote control, and enter its password (which you defined during setup). BeAnywhere then opens a new browser window, within which is displayed the desktop of the PC that you're remote-controlling. You can work the remote PC just as you would if you were sitting in front of it.
From London, we configured a wireless network in the Scottish Highlands, far more quickly than if we'd had to give instructions over the phone. Although both PCs had broadband connections (which you'll need), the remote system felt a little sluggish; fine for troubleshooting, or finding a file, but not fast enough to use a program seriously for a long time.
As well as allowing you to operate a computer remotely, the program also lets you transfer files between it and your own PC. The price quoted is for an annual account to control one PC.
System Specifications
Requires: Windows 2000/XP, 450MHz processor, 128MB RAM, broadband Internet connection
Verdict
Access and remote-control a PC over the Internet. A great solution if you're often away from your PC or need to help other users regularly.
Author: Karl Wright
Computer Buyer Online