|
|
|
|
|
Web Developer's Journal Archive SectionThis article is out of date, but may still be useful to some readers.Norton pcANYWHERE For Windows Version 1.0 & ReachOut Remote Control ProRemote Access Software for PCsby Bob Pearsall |
||||||
|
It's ten pm and you need to complete a report that you must turn in first thing tomorrow morning. You're at home and your report is on your office computer over 30 miles away. You need to be two places at once! No problem. Either of these two remote-control software packages can get you connected in a matter of minutes and enable you to interface with your office computer as if you were in your office.
Symantec's Norton pcANYWHERE for Windows and Ocean Isle Software's ReachOut Remote Control allow you to provide support to a colleague in the next office or miles away, to connect with your office computer from your home system, teach users at remote sites, and more. Both programs are easy to install, have context-sensitive help, mouse support, and have a chat utility. Connections can be made via network, modem, or by direct connection. There are many similarities and a few differences between these two communication programs. Norton pcANYWHERE for Windows (pcAW), as the name implies, provides only Windows support. However, if you need a DOS version instead, there is a Norton pcANYWHERE for DOS package available. After installing the program, you will be pleased with the clean and lean appearance; there are only four icons (one is for exiting) on the main screen. The three icons for communications are Call A Host PC, Call Online Service, and Be A Host PC. They each have additional tools which are specific to the task at hand. There are additional features which can be accessed by five pull-down menus. The pcAW File Manager provides file transfer capabilities between Host and Remote computers in the foreground or background easily and effectively. To initiate background transfers, all you have to do is minimize the module. Additional features include support for both modems and networks, a proprietary file transfer protocol (on top of the standard protocols), and an option for uninstalling pcAW from your system. There is also a built-in Script Editor and a manual on creating scripts for pcAW which allow automation of more involved activities. The Record and Playback utilities enable the recording and play back of remote computing and online sessions. The Log feature allows tracking of user access and allows the creation of reports from collected access information. pcANYWHERE modifies the startup files AUTOEXEC.BAT, WIN.INI, and SYSTEM.INI. Requirements for pcANYWHERE for Windows are a 100% IBM compatible computer with 2MB of RAM (3MB or greater recommended), 5MB of hard disk space, DOS 3.1 or greater, Windows 3.0 or 3.1, and a Windows compatible mouse. Installation required about seven minutes, was simple and easy, and was accomplished without any difficulties. The program is supplied on two 1.44MB diskettes which can be exchanged for the 1.2MB diskettes at no additional charge. There were two manuals included with pcANYWHERE for Windows: a User Guide and a guide for creating scripts. The User Guide also has three appendices containing technical information, information on terminal emulation, troubleshooting tips, and information on system messages. Last, there is a 102-entry glossary of communication terms. ReachOut Remote Control contains the DOS module and the Windows module in the same package. But you must purchase either single-user support (a Modem or ACS (Asynchronous Communications Server)) or mutlti-user Network support. Single-user modules and multi-user modules are not included in the same package. I received the Modem Version, single user package for this review. ReachOut's File Manager allows point and click or drag and drop procedures to speed up activities. The Remote Clip Board provides support for integrating remote applications. The Modem Version contains a full function terminal emulator for connecting to PCs, BBSs, and mainframes. ReachOut has a multi-level security system utlilizing passwords and callback, log-in notification and confirmation, intruder notification and audit trails, and a Master security configuration for system administrators. ReachOut requirements are an 80386 or higher 100% IBM compatible, MicroSoft or PC DOS 3.1 or greater, DR. DOS 5.0 or higher, 640K of conventional memory, 2MB of disk space (Windows 3.1 is necessary if you use the Windows module), and a MicroSoft or Logitech compatible mouse. ReachOut supports three types of ACSs: NASI/NCSI API and NetWare Connect, Telebit ACS, and Int-14/6B. Networks supported are Banyan Vines, NetBIOS, NetWare IPX, and TCP/IP. ReachOut can also support monitors displaying up to 256 colors in resolutions up to 1280 by 1280. Installation of ReachOut required about nine minutes, was simple and easy, and produced no problems. The software was provided on two 1.44MB diskettes and included a 208-page User Guide. The User Guide also contained five appendices covering technical considerations, troubleshooting, tips on modem setup, gateways and modem pools, and remote accesss. ReachOut does not change your Windows SYSTEM.INI or WIN.INI files. The two programs were tested on a Compaq LTE LITE 4/33C (80486DX-33) notebook with 12MB RAM, DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, a 200MB hard drive, and a Compaq 2400 bps modem. The other computer was an 80386DX-25 compatible with 8MB RAM, DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, two 340MB Western Digital hard drives, and an Everex 2400 bps modem. Both computers served double duty, assuming the role of the local PC (or Host) and the remote PC (or Viewer). Best of all, both of these products come with a 60-day, money-back guarantee. So, try the product for 60 days! You may be surprised with the results. Norton pcANYWHERE for Windows retails for $199 with mail-order prices from $123 to $135. ReachOut Remote Control retails for $199 with mail-order prices from $105 to $130. The ReachOut 4-User Network version lists for $295 with a mail-order price from $165 to $189. |
| Advertising Rates & Policies | Contact | Subscribe to Our Mailing List |
Webmaster
|
Web Developer's Journal |
