The Pros And Cons Of Remote PC Access

If you aren't near your computer, but you need a file or figure that's on it for an important business meeting, remote PC access can be a lifesaver. But just because it's great for some things, doesn't mean it comes without a downside. Considering everything that remote access software can do for you, and the risks you might be taking by using it, is essential before making a decision.

Remote PC programs allow access to your computer's files and software from a computer or electronic device that is not at the same physical location. One of the remote access features of Windows 7 is the ability to stream music from your personal computer onto any other computer. Other capabilities include remote access to the desktop and files, as well.

Microsoft began selling their operating systems with remote access software built in when Windows 2000 and XP came out. This version of remote software is not very highly thought-of, however-- it is generally considered buggy and hard to deal with. Windows 7 has software specifically for sharing media files with other computers, which is more popular. Free and purchasable software is available for download from the internet, as well.

Remote access software has multiple uses. One use is the ability of remote access to set up a home or office computer with a centralized database of information, from which multiple people can work. This allows an office, company, or other group of people who are physically spread out in location, to work on the same plans, files, and software.

Technical services also benefit from remote access software. Being able to let a technician find the problem themselves, rather than relying on the rather tedious process of asking you to perform tasks and report the results, can save time and money. Because in-person technical service can be so expensive, but technicians can find out much of the same information via remote access, it can be money saved without sacrificing quality, too.

Remote access software is usually created to work best with a particular operating system, such as Windows, Mac, or Linux. Sometimes these programs are later adapted to run on other systems. Do some research before choosing your remote access software, so that you can make sure your choice usually works well with your OS. Unfortunately, remote access software can create huge security holes in your machine. Installing the software necessarily opens the machine to some outside invasions, and they might not all be desirable ones. Sometimes viruses and bugs can slip in through the cracks the remote access software left. To reduce problems, always back up your entire computer right before installing the software, and consider wiping and restoring your machine if you later remove it.

Remote PC access, like many good things in the world, comes with benefits and downsides. You'll have to decide for yourself whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your particular case. You can keep the risks of this type of software to a minimum by only allowing remote access to the files that you really need, and by keeping your antivirus software up to data.