Advice on Network Setup

[Laughing Heir]

I have experience with both, I did not need transferability so I just stuck with Logmein free version, but I liked both. They both preform the same in my experiences, so I'd suggest just get the cheaper version for you.

I just signed up for a free trial of Logmein Pro2 (and I'm posting this remotely BTW).

It's a pretty easy process to enroll for a test-run. No credit card required, just an e-mail address.

It's a pretty enjoyable experience. It supports the multiple monitor setup I have on the host computer and they even have an iPad app ( ... for $29.99).

If I don't hit any major roadblocks I'll probably pony up the $70 annual subscription. Plus, I found a coupon for 60% off the subscription at RetailMeNot DOT com).

For anyone that doesn't do this yet, it feels like a game-changer. At least for me. I can't tell you how many times I've been out in the field ... had access to WiFi ... but didn't have a file / folder / PDF / image / whatever that I needed because I forgot to put it on my laptop or zip.

My thanks to everyone, your opinions and advice are golden.

 

[David Beasley]

Hey Laughing, glad you got the advice you needed and have apparently found a workable solution for you.

I just wanted to add that GoToMyPC is also a pretty sound remote access solution. I have done some consulting work for several companies where I had to work with their remote access software - and most of the big boys use Citrix MetaFrame-based access along with RSA SecureID stuff for security. Citrix has been in the remote access business for a long time - since Al Gore 'invented' the internet back in '93. Moral to the story is that GoToMyPC is simply Citrix for the masses, it's their "consumer-grade" remote access package. And even though it is consumer-level, it still smokes the likes of PCAW (PCAnywhere) from back in the day, in so far as speed of connection and ease of use. The one thing that standalone packages like PCAW has going for them, however, is the one-time fee that the software costs you. It is not a monthly subscription like LogMeIn or GoToMyPC, and costs significantly less than stand-alone installs of Citrix WinFrame/MetaFrame which amounts to commercial PCAW on steroids.

 

[Laughing Heir]

Hey Laughing, glad you got the advice you needed and have apparently found a workable solution for you.

I just wanted to add that GoToMyPC is also a pretty sound remote access solution. I have done some consulting work for several companies where I had to work with their remote access software - and most of the big boys use Citrix MetaFrame-based access along with RSA SecureID stuff for security. Citrix has been in the remote access business for a long time - since Al Gore 'invented' the internet back in '93. Moral to the story is that GoToMyPC is simply Citrix for the masses, it's their "consumer-grade" remote access package. And even though it is consumer-level, it still smokes the likes of PCAW (PCAnywhere) from back in the day, in so far as speed of connection and ease of use. The one thing that standalone packages like PCAW has going for them, however, is the one-time fee that the software costs you. It is not a monthly subscription like LogMeIn or GoToMyPC, and costs significantly less than stand-alone installs of Citrix WinFrame/MetaFrame which amounts to commercial PCAW on steroids.

Speed is the only variable I'm worried with at this point. I'm satisfied with the security and stability of LMI Pro2. I would really like to compare it one of the other industry leaders before I drop the dough. The experience is good but definitely a tad bit choppy when using large PDFs, WinTOTAL, very large spreadsheets w/ macros, etc.

If anyone has had experience with the full, paid versions of both LMI & GTMPC I would be extremely interested in your feedback.

For what it's worth, the free trial of LMI Pro2 is definitely worth checking out. It's ultra-convenient to be able to move files between two machines and/or having one master copy of spreadsheets, workfiles, etc. It eliminates a lot of confusion and redundancy. The web-based system is great, too. Having the flexibility to use virtually any computer to access your office is fantastic.

Mike

 

[VegasWayne]

Speed is controlled more by the connection's bandwidth and latency than the program used. The upload speed of your home connection and the download speed of the remote computer have the most effect. I used to do these over satellite links and the latency was very noticeable. If you are at a remote location that only has satellite internet you will notice the latency too. You probably will only have control of your home account, so the faster the better. If you are at a location with a poor connection try turning off features to maximize the experience.