10/23/2020 Best Remote Login Software For Mac
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Remote desktop software, more accurately called remote access software or remote control software, let you remotely control one computer from another. By remote control we truly mean remote control â you can take over the mouse and keyboard and use the computer you've connected to just like your own.
Remote desktop software is really useful for lots of situations, from helping your dad who lives 500 miles away, work through a computer issue, to remotely administering from your New York office the dozens of servers you run in a Singaporean data center!
Generally, remotely accessing a computer requires that a piece of software be installed on the computer you want to connect to, called the host. Once that's done, another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client, can connect to the host and control it.
Don't let the technical aspects of remote desktop software scare you away. The better free remote access programs listed below require nothing more than a few clicks to get started â no special computer knowledge required.
Remote Desktop is also the actual name of the built-in remote access tool in Windows operating systems. It's ranked alongside the other tools but we think there are several remote control programs that do a better job.
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Remote UtilitiesWhat We Like![]()
What We Don't Like
Remote Utilities is a free remote access program with some really great features. It works by pairing two remote computers together with what they call an 'Internet ID.' You can control a total of 10 PCs with Remote Utilities.
Install a portion of Remote Utilities called Host on a Windows PC to have permanent access to it. You also have the option to just run Agent, which provides spontaneous support without installing anything â it can even be launched from a flash drive.
The host computer is given an Internet ID that they must share so a client can make a connection.
The Viewer program is used to connect to the host or agent software.
The Viewer can be downloaded on its own or in the Viewer + Host combo file. You can also download a portable version of the Viewer if you'd rather not install anything.
Connecting the Viewer to the Host or Agent is done without any router changes like port forwarding, making setup very easy. The client just needs to enter the Internet ID number and password.
There are also client applications that can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android users.
Different modules can be used from the viewer so you can actually access a computer remotely without even viewing the screen, though screen-viewing is definitely Remote Utilities' main feature.
Here are some of the modules Remote Utilities allows: A remote task manager, file transfer, power control for remote rebooting or WOL, remote terminal (access to Command Prompt), remote file launcher, system information manager, text chat, remote registry access, and remote webcam viewing.
In addition to these features, Remote Utilities also supports remote printing and viewing multiple monitors.
Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities can be confusing on the host computer since there are lots of different options.
Remote Utilities can be installed on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003.
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UltraVNCWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Another remote access program is UltraVNC. UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and viewer is installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server.
When you install UltraVNC, you're asked if you wish to install the Server, Viewer, or both. Install the Server on the PC you wish to connect to.
You can install the UltraVNC Server as a system service so it's always running. This is the ideal option so you can always make a connection to it with the client software.
To make a connection with the UltraVNC Server, you must install the Viewer portion during setup.
After configuring port forwarding in your router, you'll be able to access the UltraVNC server from anywhere with an internet connection â either via a mobile device that supports VNC connections, a PC with the Viewer installed, or an internet browser. All you need is the Server's IP address to make the connection.
UltraVNC supports file transfers, text chat, clipboard sharing, and can even boot and connect to the server in Safe Mode.
The download page is a little confusing â first select the most recent UltraVNC version, and then choose the 32-bit or 64-bit setup file that will work with your edition of Windows.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003 users can install and use UltraVNC.
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Chrome Remote DesktopWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Google Chrome web browser that lets you set up a computer for remote access from any other computer running Google Chrome.
The way this works is that you install the extension in Google Chrome and then give authorization for remote access to that PC via a personal PIN you create yourself.
âThis requires you to log on to your Google account, like your Gmail or YouTube login information.
To connect to the host browser, sign on to Chrome Remote Desktop through another web browser (it has to be Chrome) using the same Google credentials or using a temporary access code generated by the host computer.
Because you're logged in, you can easily see the other PC name, from where you can simply choose it and begin the remote session.
There isn't a chat function supported in Chrome Remote Desktop like you see with similar programs, but it's very easy to configure and lets you connect to your computer (or anyone's) from anywhere using just your web browser.
What's more is that you can remote into the computer when the user doesn't have Chrome open, or even when they're completely logged out of their user account.
Since Chrome Remote Desktop runs entirely within the Google Chrome browser, it can work with any operating system that uses Chrome, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.
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Windows Remote DesktopWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Windows Remote Desktop is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system. No additional download is necessary to use the program.
To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings (accessible via Control Panel) and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user through the Remote tab.
You do have to set up your router for port forwarding so another PC can connection to it from outside the network, but this is usually not that big of a hassle to complete.
The other computer that wishes to connect to the host machine must simply open the already installed Remote Desktop Connection software and enter the IP address of the host.
You can open Remote Desktop through the Run dialog box (open it with the Windows Key + R shortcut); just enter the mstsccommand to launch it.
Most of the other software in this list have features that Windows Remote Desktop doesn't, but this method of remote access seems to be the most natural and easiest way to control the mouse and keyboard of a remote Windows PC.
Once you have everything configured, you can transfer files, print to a local printer, listen to audio from the remote PC, and transfer clipboard content.
Windows Remote Desktop can be used on Windows from XP up through Windows 10.
However, while all versions of Windows can connect to other computers that have incoming connections enabled, not all Windows versions can act as a host (i.e. accept incoming remote access requests).
If you're using a Home Premium version or below, your computer can only act as a client and therefore cannot be accessed remotely (but it can still access other computers remotely).
Incoming remote access is only allowed on Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows. In those editions, others can remote into the computer as described above.
Something else to remember is that Remote Desktop will kick a user off if they're logged in when someone connects to that user's account remotely. This is vastly different from every other program in this list â all the others can remote in to a user account while the user is still actively using the computer.
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AnyDeskWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
AnyDesk is a remote desktop program that you can run portably or install like a regular program.
Launch AnyDesk on the PC you want to connect to and record the 9-digit number, or custom alias if one is set up.
When the client connects, the host will be asked to allow or disallow the connection and can also control permissions, like to allow sound, clipboard use, and the ability to block the host's keyboard/mouse control.
On another computer, run AnyDesk and then enter the host's Remote Desk ID or alias in the Remote Desk section of the program. Press Connect, and wait for the host to press Accept.
If unattended access is set up, the client doesn't need to wait for the host to accept the connection.
AnyDesk auto-updates and can enter full-screen mode, balance between quality and speed of the connection, transfer files and sound, sync the clipboard, record the remote session, run keyboard shortcuts, take screenshots of the remote computer, and restart the host computer.
AnyDesk works with Windows (10 through XP), macOS, and Linux.
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AeroAdminWhat We Like
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AeroAdmin is probably the easiest program to use for free remote access. There are hardly any settings, and everything is quick and to the point, which is perfect for spontaneous support.
Just open the portable program and share your IP address or the given ID with someone else. This is how the client computer will know how to connect to the host.
The client PC just needs to run the same AeroAdmin program and enter the ID or IP address into their program. You can choose View only or Remote Control before you connect, and then just select Connect to request remote control.
When the host computer confirms the connection, you can start controlling the computer and share clipboard text.
It's great that AeroAdmin is absolutely free for both personal and commercial use, but it's too bad there isn't a chat option included, and really too bad that you can't transfer files.
Another note that needs to be made is that while AeroAdmin is 100% free, it does limit how many hours you can use it per month.
AeroAdmin can be installed on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP.
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RemotePCWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
RemotePC, for good or bad, is a simpler free remote desktop program. You're only allowed one connection (unless you upgrade) but for many of you, that'll be just fine.
Download and install RemotePC on the PC that will be accessed remotely. Windows and Mac are both supported.
Share the Access ID and Key with someone else so that they can access the computer.
Alternatively, you can create an account with RemotePC and then log in on the host computer to add the computer to your account for easy access later.
There are two ways to access the RemotePC host from a different computer. The first is through the RemotePC program that you install on your computer. Enter the host computer's Access ID and Key to connect to and control the host, or even just to transfer files.
Another way you can use RemotePC from the client's perspective is through the iOS or Android app. Follow the download link below to get RemotePC installed on your mobile device.
You'll be able to receive sound from the remote PC, record what you're doing to a video file, access multiple monitors, transfer files, make sticky notes, send keyboard shortcuts, and text chat. However, some of those features aren't available if the host and client computers are running different operating systems.
RemotePC lets you have just one computer set up on your account at once, which means you can't keep hold of a list of PCs to remote into like you can with most of the other remote access programs in this list.
However, with the one-time access feature, you can remote into as many computers as you like, you just can't save the connection information to your computer.
The following operating systems are supported: Windows 10, 8, 7, Windows Server 2016, 2012, 2008, and Mac (10.9.5 Mavericks and newer).
Remember that the free version of RemotePC lets you keep track of only one computer in your account. You must pay if you want to hold on to the Access ID of more than one host.
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SeecreenWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Seecreen (previously called Firnass) is an extremely tiny (500 KB), yet powerful free remote access program that's absolutely perfect for on-demand, instant support.
Open the program on the computer that needs to be controlled. After creating an account and logging in, you can add other users to the menu by their email address or username.
Adding the client under the 'Unattended' section lets them have unattended access to the computer.
If you don't want to add the contact, you can still just share the ID and password with the client so they can have instant access.
To connect to the host computer with Seecreen, the other user needs to enter the host's ID and password.
Once the two computers are paired up, you can start a voice call or share your screen, an individual window, or part of the screen with the other user. Once screen sharing has begun, you can record the session, transfer files, and run remote commands.
Sharing the screen must be initiated from the client's computer.
Seecreen is a JAR file that uses Java to run. All versions of Windows are supported, as well as Mac and Linux operating systems.
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LiteManagerWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
LiteManager is another remote access program, and it's strikingly similar to Remote Utilities, which we explain above.
However, unlike Remote Utilities, which can control a total of only 10 PCs, LiteManager supports up to 30 slots for storing and connecting to remote computers, and also has lots of useful features.
The computer that needs to be accessed should install the LiteManager Pro â Server.msi program (it's free), which is contained in the downloaded ZIP file.
There are numerous ways to ensure a connection can be made to the host computer. It can be done through the IP address, computer name, or an ID.
The easiest way to set this up is to right-click the server program in the notification area of the taskbar, choose Connect by ID, erase the contents that are already there, and click Connected to generate a brand new ID.
The other program, called Viewer, is installed for the client to connect to the host. Once the host computer has produced an ID, the client should enter it from the Connect by ID option in the Connection menu to establish a remote connection to the other computer.
Once connected, the client can do all sorts of things, much like with Remote Utilities, such as work with multiple monitors, transfer files silently, take full control or read-only access of the other PC, run a remote task manager, launch files and programs remotely, capture sound, edit the registry, create a demonstration, lock the other person's screen and keyboard, and text chat.
There's also a QuickSupport option, which is a portable server and viewer program that makes connecting much quicker than the above method.
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I tested LiteManager in Windows 10, but it should also work just fine in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP. This program is available for macOS, too.
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Zoho AssistWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Zoho Assist is yet another remote access tool that has a free edition for both personal and commercial use. You can share screens and files, and chat remotely with the other user through a unique session ID and password.
The host needs to select Share My Screen on the Zoho Assist website, and then START NOW to get a session ID and password to give to the client. You can copy the ID and password manually, share a unique URL with the client, or just enter their email address to have the connection info emailed to them.
The host also needs to download a small tool so that the client can remotely access in order to control the computer. Use the Download button to save ZA_Connect.exe to your computer, and then open it to install it.
Once the host computer is fully set up and ready to go, the client needs to access the Join Screen Sharing Session page and enter the ID and password of the client computer.
Or, if the host shared the information over email or the URL, then, of course, the client can just use that information to connect to the host.
By default, the client does not have full control rights, but only viewing permissions. To change this, the client needs to go to Session > Request control, and wait for the host to click Yes.
Some other features included in this program are unattended access, clipboard sharing, a Swap Screen button, and an annotation tool so that the host and client can draw on the screen.
The Zoho Assist free plan supports only five unattended computers and one concurrent session. For more features, you can order the Standard, Professional, or Enterprise edition.
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Comodo UniteWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Comodo Unite is another free remote access program that creates a secure VPN connection between multiple computers. Once a VPN is established, you can remotely have access to applications and files through the client software.
Install the Comodo Unite program on the computer you wish to control and then make an account with Comodo Unite. The account is how you keep track of the PCs you add to your account so it's easy to make connections.
To connect to a Comodo Unite host computer, just install the same software and then sign on with the same username and password. You can then just select the computer you want to control and begin the session immediately through the VPN.
Files can only be shared if you start a chat, so it's not as easy to share files with Comodo Unite as it is with the other remote desktop programs in this list. However, the chat is secure within the VPN, which you may not find in similar software.
Only Windows 7, Vista, and XP (32-bit and 64-bit versions) are officially supported, but I was able to get Comodo Unite to function as advertised in Windows 10 and Windows 8 as well.
Comodo Unite has been replaced with Comodo ONE, but it's still available for download and is more appropriate for most people.
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ShowMyPCWhat We Like
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ShowMyPC is a portable and free remote access program that's nearly identical to UltraVNC (No. 2 in this list) but uses a password to make a connection instead of an IP address.
Run the ShowMyPC software on any computer and then choose Show My PC to get a unique ID number called a Share Password.
This ID is the number you must share with others so they can connect to the host.
Open the same ShowMyPC program on another computer and enter the ID from the host program to make a connection. The client can instead enter the number on the ShowMyPC website (in the 'View PC' box) and run a Java version of the program within their browser.
There are additional options here that aren't available in UltraVNC, like webcam sharing over a web browser and scheduled meetings that allow someone to connect to your PC via a personal web link that launches a Java version of ShowMyPC.
ShowMyPC clients can only send a limited number of keyboard shortcuts to the host computer.
Choose ShowMyPC Free on the download page to get the free version. It works on all versions of Windows.
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DesktopNowWhat We Like
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DesktopNow is a free remote access program from NCH Software. After optionally forwarding the proper port number in your router, and signing up for a free account, you can access your PC from anywhere through a web browser.
The computer that will be accessed remotely needs to have the DesktopNow software installed.
When the program is first launched, your email and a password should be entered so you can use the same credentials on the client side to make the connection.
The host computer can either configure its router to forward the proper port number to itself or choose cloud access during the install to make a direct connection to the client, bypassing the need for complicated forwarding.
It's probably a better idea for most people to use the direct, cloud access method to avoid issues with port forwarding.
The client just needs to access the host through a web browser. If the router was configured to forward the port number, the client would use the host PCs IP address to connect. If cloud access was chosen, a specific link would have been given to the host that you'd use for the connection.
DesktopNow has a nice file sharing feature that lets you download your shared files remotely in an easy to use file browser.
There isn't a dedicated application to connect to DesktopNow from a mobile device, so trying to view and control a computer from a phone or tablet can be difficult. However, the website is optimized for mobile phones, so viewing your shared files is easy.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP are supported, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
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BeamYourScreenWhat We Like
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Another free and portable remote access program is BeamYourScreen. This program works like some of the others in this list, where the presenter is given an ID number they must share with another user so they can connect to the presenter's screen.
BeamYourScreen hosts are called organizers, so the program called BeamYourScreen for Organizers (Portable) is the preferred method the host computer should use for accepting remote connections. It's quick and easy to start sharing your screen without having to install anything.
There's also a version that can be installed called BeamYourScreen for Organizers (Installation).
Just click the Start Session button to open up your computer for connections. You'll be given a session number you must share with someone before they can connect to the host.
Clients can also install the portable or installable version of BeamYourScreen, but there's a dedicated program called BeamYourScreen for Participants that's a small executable file that can be launched similar to the portable one for organizers.
Enter the host's session number in the Session ID section of the program to join the session.
Once connected, you can control the screen, share clipboard text and files, and chat with text.
Something rather unique about BeamYourScreen is that you can share your ID with multiple people so many participants can join in and look at the presenter's screen. There's even the BeamYourScreen online viewer so clients can view the other screen without having to run any software.
Best Remote Login Software For Mac
BeamYourScreen works with all versions of Windows, plus Windows Server 2008 and 2003, Mac, and Linux.
Best Remote Access Software For Mac To PcAren't There Other Free Remote Access Programs?
You do have other options like TeamViewer, which is wildly popular. Unfortunately, however, many users have had issues with it thinking that they're using it in a business setting, forcing them to pay to continue using the tool.
LogMeIn's free product, LogMeIn Free, is no longer available. This was one of the more popular free remote access services ever available so it's really too bad it went away.
Who Needs Remote Access Software?
Ever been in a meeting in another company's office and realized that the PowerPoint presentation you were planning to dazzle them with is back at home on your computer? Or tried to help your parents, who live halfway across the country, figure out why their computer just won't open a file? These are exactly the scenarios that remote access utilities are made to handle.
Remote access apps let you either access your home or office computer from another location, or allow others to have access to some or all of your files, as if they were actually sitting in front of your PC instead of somewhere else entirely. Some are tailor-made for personal use, while others, with their complex security protocols and granular menus, are better suited for a more corporate environment. Many even let you access a remote PC from your phone or handheld device. Here, we break down exactly what a remote access app does, and why one may make a lot of sense for your increasingly mobile life.
What Is Remote Access Software?
Remote access software lets one computer view or control another computer, not merely across a network, but from anywhere in the world. You might use it to log into your customers' computers and show them how to run a program, or sort out their technical troubles. Or you can even use it to invite friends or clients to view your desktop while you run a demo for them. You can use the screen as a temporary whiteboard, drawing lines and circles that help friends or clients understand what you're doing on your machine or theirs.
Remote access apps also let you transfer files between two machines without using email or file-sharing services. You can use remote access to print a file stored on someone else's machine on a printer connected to your own machine. Your tech-challenged relatives can use remote access software to give you access to their machine so you can repair their mistakes or clear out malware. It's far, far easier to grab the wheel yourself than it is to try and talk someone through the process of troubleshooting their PC. And your high-tech colleagues can use it to collaborate on complex projects in real-time, complete with chat via text or, with some apps, voice.
Not Just for Help Desks
Corporate help desks are major users of remote access software, but these apps can be useful for anyone. I personally use it for three reasons: First, I can give tech support to friends by logging in to their machine, without going out to make a house call. Second, while on the road, I can connect to my home or office machine and find and view an ancient file that I haven't stored on a file-sharing service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Third, I can invite friends or colleagues to join me in editing documents in a more straightforward way, with easier communication than other online collaboration methods, such as the real-time editing features in Office 365 or Google Docs. You may have very different reasons for wanting a remote access than I do, but there's no doubt that they are quite handy.
I looked at five remote access apps that work easily between any machines running either Windows or macOS anywhere in the world. In addition to these third-party apps, Microsoft provides its free Microsoft Remote Desktop software that lets you access Windows PCs from other Windows machines, mobile devices, or a Mac, but not from Windows to a Mac. Microsoft's app lets you access any Windows version going back to Windows 7, except for 'Starter' and 'Home' versions, for which you'll need a third-party app. Apple offers its $79.99 Apple Remote Desktop app for accessing other Macs onlyâbut that only connects to Macs running OS X versions 10.8 Mountain Lion or later.
I use Microsoft Remote Desktop from my Mac laptop when I want to run a program on a Windows desktop in another room in the same house, but only a full-fledged third-party remote access app lets me take full control of any machine anywhereâif the machine's owner wants to let me in.
Security Concerns
One of the first questions you may ask yourself when considering using remote access software is whether or not this is secure. If you've been using a PC for a while, you may remember pcAnywhere, which used to be the remote access software that was almost everyone's first choice. Symantec bought pcAnywhere from its original developer and eventually, after some major security breaches, stopped supporting it in 2014 and recommended that customers stop using it.
Some other remote access vendors have reported security breaches, but these seem to have been triggered by users who chose the same passwords for their remote access software that they used at hack websitesâalways a bad idea. Some remote access apps let you use relatively weak security if you choose, but they all encourage you to choose strong security, and our Editors' Choice products, GoToMyPC and TeamViewer, won't let you make an end-run around their security precautions.
What Remote Access Software Offers
We tested remote access software by installing each app or service on four machines: desktops running Windows 10 and Windows 7, a laptop running Windows 7, and a Mac laptop running macOS. We also installed each vendor's iOS-based mobile-access app for connecting to a Windows or Mac machine, though I wouldn't want to try running my desktop machine from a phone or small-screen tablet unless I were desperate.
Logmein
All the remote access apps we tested provide the same basic features. They offer remote access to another machine that has the app's server software already installed; remote access can take the form of full control over the other system or mere passive viewing. All feature a shared clipboard (in some cases optional), so that text or images that you copy to the clipboard on one machine can be pasted into the other. All have a text-based chat feature. Each app provides file-transfer features via a standard two-pane file manager interface.
GoToMyPC and LogMeIn add the ability to drag and drop files between the local desktop and the viewer window that displays the desktop of the remote machine, but this feature works only when connecting to and from Windows computers. TeamViewer has a FileBox window into which you can drag files that will be accessible to both machines. LogMeIn, TeamViewer, and VNC Connect include whiteboard features for drawing lines in the viewer. For more on each remote access apps individual features, see the individual reviews, which are linked to below.
Which Remote Access App Fits You Best?
We focused on remote access software designed mostly for one-to-one connections, though it's possible with all these apps for more than one user to log in to a remote machine. If you're looking for advanced conferencing features like a whiteboard, you should probably look elsewhere, though LogMeIn includes a whiteboard feature that makes it work well as a basic collaboration app.
The vendors of some of the remote access apps we tested also offer a specialized video conferencing app that uses an interface similar to the remote access versions. For example, GoToMeeting is a conferencing version of GoToMyPC; Splashtop Business Access offers Splashtop Classroom; and TeamViewer offers Blizz.
Security features differ markedly among these apps. Some make it possible to provide access in a straightforward way if you choose to do so. Others require you type in passwords more than once and provide email verification before you can do anything useful. All let you customize security to varying degrees, and you should take a close look at the options that you'll feel comfortable using.
If you're a complete hermit who never leaves the room, you don't need remote access software. But if you often find yourself as the de facto IT tech for family and colleagues, or if you need to connect to other computers for your business, or if you need to connect to your own computers while you're on the road, then you'll need remote access software. Check out our reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.
Best Remote Access Software Featured in This Roundup:
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