Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Remote Access Software?Remote access software allows an individual to connect the computer in front of them to another computer elsewhere. For example, if you were working from home you could connect to your work device and gain access to all your files and programs as if you were actually sitting at your desk – negating the need to download costly and often intensive software twice.
Another benefit is that it can allow trusted third parties to control your computer remotely – rather than IT trying to run you through a solution over the phone they can temporarily access your device and apply the fixes personally.
Do I need Remote Access Software?As companies are rapidly adapting to a new ‘hybrid’ style of work, with productivity split between the home and work office, it is essential that seamless connectivity exists between both. Nothing hampers productivity quite like realizing you have left a vital document at home, or you can only complete a task with a program only accessible at work. Remote access software takes the separate spaces of the work and home office and makes them one.
The benefits of remote access software also expand beyond hybrid working. Remote access does not merely mirror the screen of a connected computer, it provides complete access to that machine’s hardware and software. Say you don’t want to invest in endless licenses for an expensive piece of software you only use infrequently, such as photoshop. Now, a single license and single device can serve an entire office as and when it is needed, simply by accessing it remotely.
What to Look for When Choosing Remote Access Software?What precisely you need will be dependent upon the reason you wish to access a device remotely, as well as the environment you work in. However, here are the key factors you should certainly consider before making a decision.
Wake on WAN - All this means is the ability to turn a device on without physically flicking the switch. If you want to activate a work computer over the weekend or a home machine while no one is there, this is a must. By sending a wireless signal to the computer you wish to access, you can turn it on and off remotely without anybody present.File Transfer - Allowing you to remotely move files from one computer to another. A must-have function if you or your employees are working remotely at least some of the time.Device Compatibility - Do you only need to remotely access computers, or do you also need to access tablets, smartphones, and other devices? Make sure to check your service of choice supports the correct devices and operating programs. Simultaneous Connections - Whether you are a single user or a team leader of 100+, make sure your remote access software permits enough users to connect at the same time.Can I use Free Software to Access My Computer?Though there are numerous free versions of remote access software they are limited to fairly basic functions. The absence of advanced and particularly convenient features such as file sharing and limited simultaneous connections make them unsuitable for more professional applications. They may serve a limited purpose for small-scale use but to feel the full benefit of remote access, free software does not compare to a premium model.
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