Procomm's RapidRemote
Software Review by Jeff Zubricky

Remote control of a computer can be done with several different programs today. You have many choices, and Rapid Remote is one. Procomm's Rapid Remote is written for Window's '95 only.

The Need

Today there is a real need to be able to access a remote system whether you are a Road Warrior, a Service Technician, a Help Desk Professional or a person who just needs access to more than one computer.

The Product

Rapid Remote is a product that allows you to set up a Client / Host relationship between two computers. This ability proves very useful in many applications. Imagine this: You leave the office to visit a client, Notebook computer in hand. You arrive at your location and find an important file you need is back at the office, what are you going to do? You have to go get the file and get back to your meeting, or you can reschedule your meeting and possibly lose the Client. This could prove to be a no win situation, you will lose with either action you take.

You, being the savvy business person, were prepared for this and started Rapid Remote on your office computer before you left the office. This situation becomes an opportunity rather than a problem. You simply hook up your modem phone line and log on your office computer and retrieve the needed file. You can even run the Host computer as if you were sitting right there in front of it. This is only one situation were Rapid remote would prove very valuable, I'm sure you can think of many more. Helping a friend, helping a family member now is not as cost prohibitive as before

Observations

Remote control works very well in both the Host and Client modes. I found it easy to use, and novice users were able to navigate successfully. Rapid Remote is also secure. The program does address the security worries of users. There is data encryption, and password protection. Rapid Remote comes complete with software and a manual.

I would like to see Quarterdeck include a separate "Host" program that you could send to someone for a one time connection. There is a real need in the Help Desk and Service Tech situations were you need to send only the Host for your client to do the computer repairs. Overall Rapid Remote is a complete package, and it does not take a lot of hard drive space.

Recommendations

If you think you will ever need to access another computer system, this software would be worth your investment. Rapid Remote is reasonably priced and performed well.

Pricing

Available direct from Quarterdeck for $69.95, Local pricing varies. Use your Alamo PC membership card to get a discount at local computer shops.

Quarterdeck Corporation