GoToMyPC is the extremely popular remote access program I use. It supports remote printing (to either the printer at the host location or the remote location) and drag-and-drop file transfers. Click the link for my comments about the program.

LogMeIn is a remote access application with a free and a pro version with file transfer, remote printing, and more. I’ve tried this program too, but didn’t find it as nice to use as GoToMyPC.

CrossLoop is a remote access utility with file sharing.

Finally, you can use Remote Desktop, included with Windows XP Pro, Vista, and Windows 7 to connect to your computer across the Internet from nearly any computer, Pocket PC, or Smartphone. Once you’re connected, Remote Desktop gives you mouse and keyboard control over your computer while showing you everything that’s happening on the screen. With Remote Desktop, you can leave your computer at the office without losing access to your files, applications, and e-mail. This option is for those comfortable setting up remote access to their computer and leaving it accessible from the internet.

Maybe I’m worrying unnecessarily about someone else being able to access my computer and files, but I prefer the security of using professional remote access computer software and all its add-ons like remote printing and file transfers.

What follows is a review of GoToMyPC (which now has a Mac beta version, so it’s no longer just for remote pc access). If you just want to visit the GoToMyPC website, click here.

I wrote my original GoToMyPC review for another website but noticed that a lot of people were finding it useful, so I wanted to make it easy to find (instead of buried in a website about telecommuting). I didn’t need to read any reviews when I bought GoToMyPC because I had a personal recommendation for the product from the tech guy who comes into my office and does all the computer maintenance and networking stuff.

Now I’ve got my own opinion and I wanted to share it so that those who don’t know who to ask about the software can see what it’s all about from someone who actually uses it on a regular basis.

If you prefer to try before you buy, that’s okay because GoToMyPC has a 30 day trial you can sign up for before you make a decision about the software. Click here to learn more about or sign up for that trial.

The thing I most like about GoToMyPC is the ability to log into my office computer from anywhere. Logging in is simple and quick. All I have to do is enter my username and password, and then my access code.

I can print to the office computer just as easily as I can print to my home computer, which is good when someone at the office (usually my boss) needs a printed report.

If I’m using a computer other than my home computer where I already have a “shortcut” set up, it’s very easy for me to go to the GoToMyPC website, login, and download the small piece of software needed to run GoToMyPC.

From the GoToMyPC website I can review reports of my access activity.

Printing was an issue for me at first because I have an older LaserJet at home, but the customer support talked me through the setup. I’ve successfully used several newer printers without any special setup at all.

I’m not a tech wizard when it comes to remote access security and computers, but one of the things that makes GoToMyPC secure is that it requires two passwords for you to log in, and each has to be at least 8 characters long and use letters and numbers. The first password is your account password and the second is called an access code.

If someone tries to remotely access your computer, they only have a limited number of tries to get it right. However, this can work against you if you don’t find it easy to remember your passwords.

There are other security features and if you’re concerned that someone might gain remote access to your computer, you should review them on the Citrix GoToMyPC website before you sign up. Click here to visit the GoToMyPC website.

Key Features of the GoToMyPC Software

These features are important to me and are a few of the reasons why I recommend GoToMyPC.

• I can log into the computer from anywhere as long as I have internet and a browser

• I can set up a desktop “shortcut” to the program so I can quickly log in from a specific computer

• I can access my remote computer’s software programs, including my email, my office documents, and the network files

• I have the ability to print to either the office printers or my home printer, which is useful if I want to have a hardcopy of a document waiting for me the next time I go into the office, but don’t need it at my remote location

• I have access to activity logs so I can support my at-home work hours

• The price was low enough that my employer doesn’t complain about providing the service for me

• Setup and configuration is simple (I have a video you can watch to prove it) and logging on to my host computer is quick and easy whether I’m using the shortcut or the web interface
• GoToMyPC is a secure program that doesn’t compromise the integrity of my computer’s remote access security

In short, I have no problems recommending this program to anyone who needs remote access computer software for their office or home computer because I’ve found that it fits all my needs for remotely accessing my computers.

Click here to visit the GoToMyPC website for more information about GoToMyPC.