Remote Control software, also known as PC Access Software or remote desktop software, has recently seen a surge in popularity. These programs allow for direct connections among internet enabled devices such as computers and smartphones.The connections give users the ability to log into a system remotely for the purposes of accessing files and programs, providing technical support, exchanging ideas, giving demonstrations and a host of other uses.
With the recent release of Apple’s iPad, the newly updated iPhone, and the general advancement of mobile technology on the whole, these products are being used by more people every day.
Increased internet speeds, the widespread availability of broadband and the wireless networks such as 3G and 4G are all helping to enable people to have access to any machine, at any time. In this article we will examine some of the connections made possible through the use of remote access software.
Home PC to Work PC – Many workers are now able to be just as productive from the comfort of their home as the confines of the office. These home workers, known as telecommuters, often only have a single obstacle to overcome – the need to connect to a work based machine in order to gain access to files, programs, proprietary applications and other internal network related items.
Through the use of Remote Desktop Software, these workers can quickly gain access to the same data, and have the ability to control that data, as easily as a worker sitting in the actual office. All that is required is an installation of the same remote control software on both machines.
Once installed the user can immediately log into a machine located at their place of business and they will be given an exact visual representation of that machine’s display on their screen.
This type of connection is often used by companies to set up what is known as computer ‘virtualization.’ Virtualization is the process in which a single computer, typically a powerhouse machine or central sever, hosts all the software that the employees will need to access. The employees will be issued basic computers equipped with only the bare minimum of performance hardware.
The only hardware requirement they need is basic processing power, minimal RAM and a high speed internet connection. Rather than purchasing, installing and managing updates for software across an entire network of computers, a single machine is loaded with all necessary software.
This not only can save significant amounts of money on redundant software purchases, it can save many man hours as well, as there will no longer be a need for an IT professional to spend countless hours going from machine to machine, managing updates and configuring new software.
There are also security benefits to be had, as users will no longer be able to reconfigure and workaround security protocols, but will instead be bound to the settings of the central machine or server.
In the next article in this series we will reverse the situation, and look at some opportunities presented by a Remote Access Software based connection from the work computer to the home system.
