Computer remote access comes in very handy when you need to control your home PC from work and viceversa. It's also a fast, efficient way to help a friend –or even your customers- with software installation and configuration. But remote control apps are usually difficult to use and hog system resources.

Well, not anymore: now LogMeIn makes remote control easier than ever by providing you a simple, fast and free tool to access your PC from anywhere. Just download the client and create an account on their website, and you're ready to go.

The client should be installed and launched in the computers you want to access remotely. Then all you need to do is start your session in the LogMeIn webpage and you'll have immediate access to your computer. You'll be able to manage files, transfer data from the local machine to the remote machine and viceversa (only during the first 30 days, though) and even control the desktop and mouse in the remote PC, with a surprisingly quick response to mouse movements. You can create various users with different privileges or open your remote session temporarily to a guest user, so that he or she can see what you're doing on the PC.

On the downside, image resolution is obviously not very high when remote controlling (forget about viewing photos in the remote PC). Also, the Java-based file manager looks a bit sloppy but that's probably due to Java itself. In all, I think LogMeIn is one of the best free remote control apps I've tried.

Download LogMeIn Free 4.0.732 in Softonic

Desktop sharing is not just the expert field of tech professionals anymore. Whether you want to show how an application works or simply to explain things on someone else's PC, you'll need to find a way to share desktops easily.

TeamViewer offers a simple way of creating desktop sharing sessions with other users whether on a distant PC, local connection or over the internet. Both users will each have an ID and password with which to connect to their session.

Taking control of another PC is a great way to solve issues from a distance and demonstrate things on a desktop without actually being there physically. TeamViewer also allows file transfer and includes a chat function to communicate with your contact.

You can also record sessions and play them back afterward. These can then be used as tutorials or to go back on what you've done in previous sessions.

If you dig in the details you'll be able to choose not only whether to optimize quality or speed, but also configure the amount of access you want to give to your desktop.

The free version of TeamViewer has a number of limitations, and lacks a number of modules like the TeamViewer manager or customer module. If you want more features you'll have to be ready to pay at least €159 for higher end versions.

TeamViewer is a good program to quickly share desktops with another user. The free version will let you create secure sessions and control what you show to your contact over the internet.

Download TeamViewer 3.6.4889 in Softonic

If you’re a bit of a computer whiz, then you probably often get asked by friends and family to sort out their latest PC disaster. However, if you live far apart, have a busy lifestyle or can’t get there easily physically, you might find Crossloop a godsend. There are many applications out there that allow you to share desktops but perhaps none that do it more easily and simply than Crossloop.

CrossLoop is basically a free secure screen sharing utility designed for people of all technical backgrounds so you don’t need to be a geek to use it. It allows you to connect to another user's computer and share their desktop without having to change any firewall or router settings. This is obviously perfect if you need to find out why someone is having problems with their PC or if you just want to simply share information with them.

The key to this program’s appeal is its simplicity. In fact, the developers claim you’ll be sharing desktops within 60 seconds of installation. After installing CrossLoop, you will see a welcome screen with two tabs. Select the ‘Join’ tab if you would like to connect and control a friend's PC. Select the ‘Host’ tab if you would like to temporarily share access to your PC. This host tab contains an important 12-digit access code that your friend will need to enter to connect to your PC. Obviously, the only requirement is that your friend has Crossloop installed too to initiate a session. Once done, you’re ready to go. A separate window opens with your friend’s desktop and you can tinker to your hearts content.

There’s not much you can do to customise such a simple program but the developers have recently spiced up the tabs with some new skins such as Aqua, Jungle, Nebula and even Pink Lemonade. The most recent release features a completely new design and they've extended the networking community functions. Now you can create your own profile where you can view your login history and rate those that have helped you. For those that are really handy, you can also receive a Crossloop "badge" and advertise your services on the site - great for IT support professionals.

Obviously, the main concern with such P2P connections is security. However, the developers maintain that all sent information is highly encrypted with a128-bit algorithm using the randomly generated 12-digit access code mentioned earlier. There’s no need to worry about anyone accessing your PC without permission either – a popup requesting permission from you alerts you before any information is exchanged.

The only real drawbacks of Crossloop are that as yet, it doesn’t offer file sending or a chat function. This is not a disaster because you can always use a separate instant messaging application to do this but these features would be the icing on the cake. Nevertheless, Crossloop really is an excellent application for what it offers. The fact that it is free only adds to its appeal, considering similar programs such as Copilot charge anything up to $5 for 24 hours of use. However, the popularity of this program means that the developers may start charging for it soon: so take advantage of it now whilst it's free!

To keep up with the latest developments with Crossloop, don’t forget to check the developer blog.

Download CrossLoop 2.11 in Softonic

Computer remote access comes in very handy when you need to control your home PC from work and viceversa. It's also a fast, efficient way to help a friend –or even your customers- with software installation and configuration. But remote control apps are usually difficult to use and hog system resources.

Well, not anymore: now LogMeIn makes remote control easier than ever by providing you a simple, fast and free tool to access your PC from anywhere. Just download the client and create an account on their website, and you're ready to go.

The client should be installed and launched in the computers you want to access remotely. Then all you need to do is start your session in the LogMeIn webpage and you'll have immediate access to your computer. You'll be able to manage files, transfer data from the local machine to the remote machine and viceversa, and even control the desktop and mouse in the remote PC, with a surprisingly quick response to mouse movements. You can create various users with different privileges or open your remote session temporarily to a guest user, so that he or she can see what you're doing on the PC.

On the downside, image resolution is obviously not very high when remote controlling (forget about viewing photos in the remote PC). Also, the Java-based file manager looks a bit sloppy but that's probably due to Java itself. In all, I think LogMeIn is one of the best remote control apps I've tried.

Download LogMeIn Pro 3.00.606 in Softonic

Remote Administrator (Radmin) is a secure, remote-control software that enables you to work on a remote computer in real time as if you were sitting in front of it.

This program is the ideal remote-control and remote-access solution. The remote computer screen appears in a separate window on your screen. You can remotely access the same computer from multiple places and use advanced file transferring, remote shutdown, and Telnet. Radmin uses strong 128-bit data encryption for all data streams.

It supports an OS-integrated NT security system with NTLMv2 support. Remote Administrator can be used for help-desk and network-management needs in small, medium, and large corporate networks.

Additional features:

• Smart protection from password guessing and DOS attacks
• IP filtering, and other security features
• optimized for high and low-bandwidth connections

Download Radmin 3.1 in Softonic

Yuuguu is a basic IM client with a very special feature that you will hardly find in other similar tools: it enables you to share your desktop with your friends while you're chatting with them.

When I say share I don't mean sending a screenshot of your desktop over to your friend. It means establishing a connection between you and letting them view your screen in real time. There's even the option of sharing the keyboard and mouse, so that your friend can remotely control your computer.

The concept is very good, as it enables anyone –even novice users- to use a remote controlling application. Yuuguu is certainly very easy to use and comes in very handy when you need to help your parents, friends or customers with a computer issue.

However, the IM client is way too simple and it wouldn't hurt to have a few more options. The main issue about the program is undoubtedly speed. Connection is extremely slow, so very slow that it makes remote controlling really difficult.

Yuuguu is a simple, easy-to-use IM application that features desktop remote control.

Download YuuGuu build 793 Beta in Softonic

VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. It is remote control software which allows you to view and interact with one computer (the "server") using a simple program (the "viewer") on another computer anywhere on the Internet.

The two computers don't even have to be the same type, so for example you can use VNC to view an office Linux machine on your Windows PC at home. VNC is freely and publicly available and is in widespread use throughout industry, academia and privately.

Download RealVNC Free Edition 4.1.3 in Softonic

WinRemotePC for Windows is remote control/administration software. WinRemotePC offers industry leading performance and security. It allows you to quickly and easily access your server, home or office computer remotely anywhere.

With WinRemotePC, you can see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer.You can also transfer files between machines, copy data via the Windows clipboard, and more.

WinRemotePC has two parts, a client and a server. The server is the program on the machine that shares its screen, and the client (or viewer) is the program that accesses and interacts with the server. It displays the screen of remote computer and transmits the keyboard presses and mouse clicks from the local computer to remote transfering data over a network.

Download WinRemotePC 2008 r.2 Lite in Softonic

EchoVNC takes control of the screen, the desktop and keyboard of a computer using the VNC protocol.

Both the appearance of the programme and the way it works resemble the popular UltraVNC and there's a good reason for that - it's basically the next evolution of the latter. The key difference is that EchoVNC allows you to bypass awkward router configuration allowing you to avoid messing around with proxies to make connections. This saves you hours of wasted time messing around with setting up NAT services and virtual servers on your router. Of course, if you're comfortable with router configuration, then this program will not really benefit you but the fact remains that many UltraVNC users aren't and EchoVNC will come as a godsend to them. It's also worth noting that accompanying this major improvement, there is the integration of a chat client server, a system for transferring files, several new viewing modes and the ability to record the screen activity in a SWF file.

A new chat client, new viewing options and automatic router configuration make this an essential for UltraVNC fans.

Download EchoVNC 2.32 in Softonic

If you're fed up of sitting glued to your keyboard and mouse and fancy a more relaxing way of using your PC then InfraRedEye could provide the answer. The program lets you control the execution of programs, volume control, mouse handling and simulation of keys on the keyboard remotely, in a similar way as you would with a TV controller.

Unfortunately the program only supports the AverMedia controller at present, but it's pretty straightforward to configure via a step-by-step wizard. Using the controller itself takes a little getting used to though, and it's far more complicated than working a television. If you have the persistence however, you can train yourself to navigate your computer in a whole new way, making it particularly useful if you have a large screen and use your PC as your home entertainment centre.

Download InfraRedEye 1.05 in Softonic

Have you ever needed to remotely control another machine but found that most software designed to do so leads to unreliable or slow connections? Anyplace Control aims to simplify and speed-up this process by allowing you to securely control remote computers and transfer files via the Internet or LAN.

Once connected, the program displays the remote computer's desktop on your local screen and lets you use your mouse and keyboard to control that PC remotely. This is invaluable if you need to offer technical support to someone who lives or works a long way from you or you need to share a file or presentation. Unlike many similar desktop sharing systems, there's also a built-in File Transfer feature which lets you transfer files between computers with relative ease.

You can perform a whole manner of tasks once you take control of a PC. With Anyplace Control, you can restart and shutdown a remote PC, lock a remote mouse or keyboard, and do various other remote tasks such as looking for potential problems. For Network Administrators, this tool will prove particularly useful because there's a wizard that allows you to setup Anyplace Control on multiple PC's.

This is a great tool for anyone needing to do some remote admin although the inititial connection time can be rather long. There are more efficient programs for the same task, such as Crossloop, but the fact that this includes a File Transfer feature makes it a more complete solution.

Download Anyplace Control 4.7.1.0 in Softonic

Ever needed to help a friend out with a technical problem in another location or connect to another PC remotely? Remote Anything allows you to completely control the keyboard, mouse, and screen of a remote PC via a modem, a LAN or the Internet.

The interface features explorer-like file transfers, the ability to install and use programs, to power up/down PCs, and to record sessions that you can play back.

Don't let distance come between you and another PC!

Download Remote-Anything 5.37.12 in Softonic

SSHVnc codifies VNC communication with the secure SSH protocol enabling you to remotely control a desktop with the peace of mind that nobody can intercept the packages that are sent.

It's a complicated process to secure a VNC connection via SSC so this is a deceptively powerful program. In a very light package, SSHVnc automatically carries out this job with absolutely no need to know anything about Secure Socket Shell connections (SSH).

The program is handled as a third party client-servant of VNC. You have control over the method of codification, the compression ratio, and other minor security features. It has a ton of other configurations that allows you to customise the type of connection you are attempting to make. The problem with this however is that unless you've got in depth knowledge of establishing remote connections, you may find yourself lost. There are very few instructions which does not help matters.

However, if you need to establish a secure remote SSL connection to a remote desktop, this is a good starting point.

Download SSHVnc 0.1.3 in Softonic

WallCooler gives your the power to easily access and use all of your applications and files in real time on any remote computer or network, as well as stay connected with your digital life by listening to anything stored on your remote PCs. Overcome the boundaries of geography, space and time: stay tuned with your digital life like never before.

Full VPN: small & powerful

All the features of a full hardware VPN solution. Access remote LAN and local networks at the same time (no need to switch).

Access office LANs from anywhere

Full access to the remote LANs, as if you were connected via a network cable. Connect to remote resources or servers using either a DNS/Netbios name or an IP address.

Access home computers

WallCooler is bi-directional: each computer running WallCooler has access to the remote networks. Thus home computers are accessible with WallCooler and an Internet connection.

No configuration: 100% software

Works with existing firewall & router settings (No need to configure your corporate firewall, router, nating...) No server or hardware required.

Secure & Fast

Industry standard SSL encryption & authentication. Fast relay service, data compression & very high thoughput

Download WallCooler 1.1.153 in Softonic

If you've ever needed to access your PC when you´re away from or administer a network from a remote location, you´ll need something like Access Remote PC to do so.

With Access Remote PC, you can control computers in your home network, access your home computer from office or work on your office computer from home or access your office or home computer while traveling. For those that are suffering PC problems, you can invite someone to access your PC to fix it remotely. For a business, it means that head office can access branch office desktops or branches can access the main head office server. At the same time, employees can access email, files, programs and network resources from home or on the road such as sales forces that need to access applications and documents. The program is remarkably simple to use and most importantly, very fast at accessing remote computers.

However, it does require you to install it on both computers that want to access and be accessed. The setup file adds two menu items (Client and Server) to your computer's Start menu and the server will be launched automatically after every computer restart unless you disable it. When running, the server will display its icon in the status area of your taskbar and all you have to do is click on this icon to bring up the main server window.

Whether you are a large organisation needing to link your offices or a maintenance engineer, you´ll find Access Remote PC simplifies remote accessing.

Download Access Remote PC 5.2 in Softonic

Remote Support lets you support any PC on the internet through firewalls and NAT routers. You can provide full on-demand remote control help desk support, transfer files, chat, re-boot & auto-reconnect and control a remote user's workstation in real-time without pre-installing software on the remote computer. You can even reboot the remote computer into "Safe Mode".

Download Remote Support System 1.7.0 in Softonic

GRC is a software for the gmail users which allows them to command their pc in a remote way, sending only an email to their Gmail account (from whichever computer or hand phone). GRC does not require any installation operation, you must only extract the file from the zip compression and execute the GRC.exe Insert username and password of your gmail account and click on Sign in... GRC will wait instructions. Each 60 seconds it will check if new instructions have arrived throught email.

Download GMail Remote Command 1.0 in Softonic

Beyond Remote allows you to view remote computers live, transfer files, chat, transfer the clipboard to and from the remote computer, and power on the remote computer (Wake-On-LAN). Beyond Remote also fully supports Microsoft Terminal Server and Windows XP Remote Desktop for a complete well-rounded remote control package.

Download Beyond Remote Client and Server 2.2.3.310 in Softonic

MioNet is the first and only personal private network that makes remote access and file sharing seamless, simple and secure. It is incredibly easy to set up and use - no dedicated hardware, networking protocols or firewall reconfigurations required.

It can access anything you want on any of your computers running MioNet - documents, music, photos, and more - regardless of where they're physically located. And you can access them all immediately since each computer simply appears as another drive on your local desktop. You can also share photos, home videos, work folders, webcams, you name it.

Finally, MioNet is seamlessly integrated with your Microsoft OS, so everything you can do on one computer you can now do across all your computers - simultaneously. Desktop search, Microsoft Office applications, photo and music management, even backup.

Download MioNet 3.6 in Softonic

GoToMyPC Personal allows you to remotely access your computer from any other Internet-connected computer in the world instantly with almost any Operating System through a secure, private connection.

Teleworkers

Work on your office PC from home, easily and securely, with just an Internet connection

Travel

Access and use your PC and files from hotels, airports, Internet cafes

After-Hours Access

Access and use your office desktop, email and other corporate resources after hours

Systems Administration

Remotely access and manage multiple PCs from anywhere

Features of the program:

• 24-bit true color
• Drag-and-drop file transfer
• Performance tuning
• Multi-monitor support
• Automatic set-up
• Universal viewer
• Encryption and maximum security
• PocketView wireless access
• Guest invite
• Remote printing
• Cut and paste

Download GoToMyPC 5.0 in Softonic