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PC Remote Control Software
Remotely controlling another PC means working from one computer while using
another PC's resources (programs, printer, data, email) just as if
you were sitting in front of it. The most popular product to facilitate this
is GoToMyPC  .
Remotely controlling a PC can be done over any Internet bandwidth
technology, including slower modem connections since only keyboard, mouse
and screen change information is transferred,
With Internet access being available almost everywhere, PC remote control
has become increasingly popular, with new and interesting solutions appearing
almost weekly.
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GoToMyPC is a popular new technology that lets users access their computer
from any Web browser. Easy set up in minutes allows users to work from home
or the road and gives them secure and immediate access to their email,
files, programs and network resources from anywhere. An award-winning
service that PC Magazine calls "revolutionary,"
GoToMyPC
offers FREE TRIALS.
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PC Remote Control Software can be utilized for:
- Teleworking (from home, work, the local cafe, or a hotel room)
- Help Desk Support (no need for a technician to visit your PC physically)
- Training and Learning (teachers controlling their students' PCs)
- Collaboration and Demonstration (live sharing of desktop screens with colleagues or customers)
- Accessing company resources from everywhere (order processing, customer care, databases and legacy applications)
- Centralized delivery of applications within an organization (lowering costs for software licensing, and maintenance
You need only know the IP address and password of the remote PC you wish to be controlled directly via TCP/IP across a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. If there is a firewall between you and your remote PC, things become complicated and challenging. To access a remote PC through a firewall, the firewall must be configured in advance for the specific port number used by the remote control software, or you must use one of the special web services, designed to propagate firewalls via HTTP. Currently almost all remote control solutions use proprietary protocols, so they are not compatible with each other.
Other Popular Remote Control Solutions and Related Tools
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CallingHome
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Open Source tool to make and maintain a stable SSH connection via an SSH server to any PC located behind a firewall. This secure connection may then be used to run remote control software, such as VNC, or any other TCP/IP port-oriented application from the outside, effectively tunneling firewalls and NAT routers in between. CallingHome requires MS.Net Framework, which limits its usefulness considerably.
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GoToMyPC 
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By far the best solution to access your PC at work (or at home) from anywhere, even if there are firewalls between them. Installation and operation is very easy, but you should ask IT management if they allow operating this software. This service is licensed with monthly fees.
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InQuiero
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Mainly focused on web based remote customer service. Customers can initiate a product demonstration or a support session by clicking on a web site button. Software is to be bought or rented by organizations who want to offer this service to their customers. Includes case and contact tracking features.
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NetOp
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Well known commercial remote control software, especially well suited for classroom use.
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NetViewer
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Customers can initiate a product demonstration, advice or a support session by clicking on a web site button. Software is to be bought or rented by organizations who want to offer this service to their customers.
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NX Server
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Commercial thin client solution for Linux / Solaris servers and a free NX client for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Playstation 2. The software promises to rival basic Citrix features at a fraction of the price. Features include strong SSL encryption, good performance even over slow data links, local printing and an embedded Gateway to VNC and RDP / Terminal Servers at the server side. There is also an interesting open source initiative to develop a free alternative NX Server version called FreeNX.
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pcAnywhere
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Expensive commercial remote control software package, mainly dating back to the days before the Internet. With more than 100 MB in size and legendary compatibility problems in the past, this might be considered overkill unless you definitely need one of it's unique features. If you are looking for a non-intrusive solution, this will not be your choice.
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Terminal Server/ Remotedesktop
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Microsoft's offering, also known as Terminal Services. It is by far the best solution for tele-working and centralized delivery of applications. As with most Microsoft products, you are firmly tied to the Windows platform. The host software is already included in in Windows XP (single session) and Windows Server 2003 (true terminal services). Several companies, such as Citrix, are offering enhancements or alternatives to this product. Licensing is complicated and not cheap but it is definitely worth evaluating. New XP SP2 RDP Client for Win95, Win86, ME, NT4 and Win2000 can be downloaded here. Visit Brian Madden's site for the best in-depth and unbiased information about terminal server technology and products.
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Remotely Anywhere
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Compact but feature-rich remote control solution via web browser. It supports remote printing, file transfer and synchronization, SSL security and logging features.
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