Popular Remote Access Services

Remote access services are the perfect solution for anyone who uses more than one computer. When you use a remote access service you are able to access files form one computer with the other computer no matter where that other computer is. This helps you to avoid many of the normal pitfalls that can come with using two computers, such as inadvertently leaving files behind.

The idea of using a remote access service is really a no-brainer as pretty much everyone these days has at least a work computer and a home computer, but the question is which remote access service should you use? While there are now many remote services you can choose from, there are five in particular that have been around for some time. These five seem to always rate well with consumers, are loaded with features, easy to use, and are just flat out more popular than the others. The five most popular remote access services are:

1. Go To My PC: Go To My PC is a name that has become a constant in the remote access game. Although very easy to use, Go To My PC has many features that other easy-to-use services don't. They are the perfect solution for the person who wants to access their work computer from home or access their work computer while on the road. For what you get, they are very reasonably prices as well.

2. LogMeIn: LogMeIn has several applications for accessing your computers remotely. From the free version to the pro version, which does cost money, LogMeIn has an easy to use solution for just about any computer user in an easy to use style.

3. Laplink Everywhere: Rich with features and also easy to use, Laplink Everywhere offers easy remote access at a great price. Use their powerful tools from anywhere on anything that has a web browser in an easy to understand method that even a novice can use trouble-free.

4. Teamviewer: While Teamviewer is mainly targeted at business and corporate clientele, there is a free version of the service that is perfect for private use. Feature packed, even at the free level, this is a great remote access service to use, especially if you have a large corporation to tend to.

5. PCNow by WebEx: PCNow is put out by a Cisco company and is very feature heavy. If you are looking for a remote access service with a big name backing, this is the one. PCNow works for both PCs and Macs which makes the services that much more versatile.

With the low cost and the ease of use with today's most popular remote services, there is no reason not to use them. You don't have to run back and forth from your home to your office anymore just because you forgot to bring a file with you. With remote access you can actually be in two places at once and get the files and programs you need, when you need them most.

Jason Kay recommends reading go to my computer reviews at http://www.gotomycomputer.org

Remote Access Services

With the surge in popularity of the Internet, Remote Access Services (RAS) have become widely popular in the IT environment. RAS let you connect to your computer from a remote location, such as your home, to the SLAC network. RAS's primary function is to let you access files on a server from a remote location. In order to use RAS from a remote location, a RAS client program is required, which is usually built into the most versions of the Windows or PPP client software.

RAS is a built-in feature of Windows NT that enables the users to log in to an NT-based LAN environment using a modem, X.25 connection or WAN link. RAS works with almost all the major network protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX, and Netbeui.

RAS lets a user dial into any network and use any dialup connection just as if it were a network connection. Though it has its own set of disadvantages, like being slower in comparison to a regular network connection.

Once connected to the RAS, you need to follow the usual procedures to access the network. For example, of you want to connect to a drive on the network, use Windows NT 4.0's My Computer icon from your remote computer, with the map network drive, or explore the network neighborhood, just as if you would explore it from your office PC.

In order to run a program available on the host computer, download and run the executable code on your remote computer. RAS works just like any other network connection, not as a remote control.

Remote Access provides detailed information about remote access, remote PC access, secure remote access, remote internet access and more. Remote Access is the sister site of FTP Site Hosting.

Better Remote Access With Windows 2008 Terminal Services

Terminal Services have been greatly enhanced in Windows 2008 from Windows 2003, adding functionality for single sign-on, better remote display options, reduced administrative complexity, web access, and plug-n-play device redirection. These services allow both hosting companies and their clients to more easily regulate remote services and offer remote users a smoother experience by increasing speed, reducing the need for multiple sign-ons, and providing a cleaner display.

Remote Access from Anywhere

Windows 2008 allows Windows users better access to standard Windows-based programs from virtually anywhere using RemoteApp and the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). RemoteApp allows users to work with applications just as if they were operating in person on the remote computer, while maintaining a presence on the computer they access from-they can minimize and maximize the remote window. RemoteApp reduces complexity and administrative overhead. Branch offices, hoteling employees, support personnel, and multiple version application deployments can all benefit from this functionality.

A Better Display

Windows 2008 Terminal Services adds support for higher resolution ratios, up to 4096 x 2048, providing support for the latest displays. It also provides the ability to use multiple monitors, spanning one display over multiple monitors using a remote connection. Font smoothing is another aspect of the improved display. Windows 2008 supports ClearType, a technology that creates a more seamless experience for the remote user, allowing fonts to appear more clearly, especially on an LCD monitor. Most importantly, Windows 2008 Terminal Server has implemented display data prioritization, which automatically gives priority to the remote user's display, keyboard and mouse controls over other traffic, such as printing and files transfers, which do not require continuous bandwidth to provide a good user experience.

Reducing Log-in Time

Instead of logging on multiple times with multiple log-ins, as previously required, Windows 2008 offers an authentication method that allows a remote user with a domain account to log on once using one password.

Web Access to the Remote Desktop

Terminal Services Web Access enables users to connect from a Web browser to the remote desktop of any server or client, rather than by first starting the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client. With Web Access, users can visit an Internet or intranet Web site to access a list of RemoteApp programs. The benefits of Web Access include reduced administrative overhead, centralized program deployment, minimal configuration, and easier maintenance because programs run on the terminal server and not on the remote client computer.

Remote Access to Plug-N-Play Devices

Windows Server 2008 has expanded redirection, enhancing remote access to plug and play devices, specifically media players based on the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) and digital cameras based on the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), providing rich remote experiences. Using Windows 2008 Terminal Services, applications can access PnP devices seamlessly, whether they run locally or remotely.

Better Remote Connections with Windows 2008 and Infinitely Virtual

To learn more about Windows 2008 Terminal Services and how they can help connect your remote and mobile users, contact Infinitely Virtual. We can show you how enhanced Terminal Services can reduce your administrative costs while making work by remote access more productive.

Lisa Gecko is a staff writer for InfinitelyVirtual.com.
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Windows Server® 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services Resource Kit

In-depth and comprehensive, this official Microsoft® RESOURCE KIT delivers the information you need to plan, deploy, and administer Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2. You get authoritative technical guidance from those who know the technology best-leading industry experts and members of the Microsoft Desktop Virtualization Team. Coverage includes scenarios for Remote Desktop Services (formerly known as Terminal Services), virtualizing roles, setting up Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RDVS), managing application compatibility, customizing and locking down the user experience, using Windows PowerShell™ for configuration and management, administering security features, deploying a farm, publishing resources, managing sessions, and other life cycle issues. In addition, the RESOURCE KIT CD features a fully searchable electronic version of the book, along with sample scripts, white papers, links to tools and videocasts, and other essential resources.

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