 When
I was a kid, a friend took me to the regional competition for Radio Control
Airplanes. It amazed me that a person could have complete control over
an object that was up to a 1/2 a mile away. That was over 40 years ago.
Now we can control almost anything from any where. (Just try to get
the TV remote control out of the hands of a die-hard couch potato.) While
controlling an model airplane with a radio transmitter isn't exactly the
same as the Remote Access of a computer, it is along the same general lines.
The concept of remote access software is really quite simple.
In this case it's being able to sit at your local computer and control
a remote computer. The remote unit can be just a couple of feet away or
on the other side of the planet. The connection media between computers
can be via a direct cable connection, a local area network, a modem, or
via the Internet.
The Host computer is the unit you wish to gain access to, while
the Local computer is the one you are sitting at. Both units must be running
the Remote Access software. The remote unit is configured as a Host and
waits for local units to contact it. Once you connect to the Host you can
operate it just like you were sitting in front of it. The Local computer
user will see the Host computers screen on their monitor.
Some of the things you can do are:
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Run applications remotely
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Move or copy files quickly and reliably between computers.
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Synchronize directories between the computers.
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Access the other computer's drives as if they were your own.
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Print your work at either the host or local site.
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Type messages that appear instantaneously at the other computer.
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Automate ReachOut for unattended operation.
Now this is all just find and dandy, but who can really use this in a practical
manner?
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Well you have the Nine To Fiver guy that drags his work home from
the office only to find he forgot the one file that contains the report
he needs to work on because it's due tomorrow.
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The Road Warrior who needs to send reports or orders back to the
main office, check his E-mail and update his laptop files with the company
system.
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And then there's the Telecommuters who actually do work full time
from home, but need to get to the resources at the main office computer.
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Also you have the "Help Desk" type that can use this remote control
feature to support distant users or customers. Help in trouble shooting
and training on new software.
Remote control training is one off shoot that I especially like. It's real
handy to be able to train a new person when you can connect to their system
and see just what they are trying to do. Most times it is near impossible
to determine the solution from their verbal description over the phone.
This way we can both be on the same sheet of music because we are both
seeing the same thing on the screen.
One nice feature is Drive Mapping. It allows you to run an application
locally and access only the data from the distant computer. So you are
running the application on your computer but getting the data from the
other machine.
Remote printing is something I really like. I can complete a project
at home and print it remotely using the office printer. The report is at
the office before I am.
I'm a big believer in backing up all my data. You can backup data
on a remote computer by using a tape drive of other hardware connected
to yours. You can also back up your local computer using a taped drive
of the remote computer.
Synchronizing directories: Some people need to directories between
two computers. You need may want to reproduce a directory from your office
on your home system.
When transferring files between units, a virus check is performed
by the program.
As with anything in life there are limits. No product on the market
today will give you the exact same response as you get when running a application
on your local computer.
Response time will depend on several things:
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Demanding Software Applications.
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Large Graphics Files
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Noisy Phone Lines
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Modem Speed
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CPU speed of both systems
While at times remote access it may seem a bit unwieldy, it does in fact
work quite well for it intended propose. All in all I find the program
a real blessing.
Security
Security is one of the primary concerns when using a program like this.
ReachOut has done an outstanding job in this area.
There are several security features available.
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Password to limit access to the Host. Additional password security will
allow specific privileges such as read/write access to files, file transfer
capability, drive and directory access, remote printing capability , etc.
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You can create a unique security profile for each user.
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Intruder Guard to alert you to unsuccessful attempts. (Number of attempts
can be set)
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Confirmation feature that lets the Host operator/user decide which viewers
can connect.
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The Callback feature will allows a individual to call into the host. The
host will call you back at a pre-designated number. This will insure that
only authorized persons at specific locations have access to the host.
Additionally if any long distance charges are involved then the company
will be charged instead of the employee. The system can also be set up
to allow the caller to provide the call back number. This would be used
for someone on the road and needs to call in from different locations.
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Provides secure remote access to files , applications, and directories
on the Host system.
Installation of the ReachOut was a little more involved than your Run-of-the-mill
programs. Seeing as the software needs to be installed on two or more computers
in different configurations it does take more thought and time. But don't
let that put you off, the program does take you through whole procedure
step by step. I would recommend that you take the time to at least skim
read the manual to become familiar with the program concepts and options
available. It will be time well spent.
The manual provided is very well designed and laid out. It is
actually two manuals in one. The first section covers the Windows 95 version
while the second section covers the Windows 3.1 and DOS version. Each chapter
covers a different area in clear detail. Due to the numerous configuration
options available, the manual layout sure helps in finding what you need
quickly.
At first I thought that this was going to be not much more than
a souped-up file transfer program. Something that I would play with for
awhile then relegate it to the closet with all the other "Maybe I'll Use
Someday" software. The more I use this program, the more uses I find for
it, both in business and personal use. THIS ONE IS A KEEPER !
This review covered version 6.0. The latest version is 7.0
ReachOut 7.0 is available locally from CompUSA for $139.99. It
is also available mail order from Egghead software at $129.95.
What is needed to run this remote access program? The software package
provides you with all software needed to run under Windows 95, or Windows
3.1 and DOS.
System Requirements:
Windows 3.1 needs
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386 or higher
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4 MB RAM (8 meg if Microsoft system files required)
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MS-DOS 3.1 OR 3.11 (Enhanced Mode)
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7 Mb disk space for complete installation
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Modem: Hayes AT compatible 2400 bps (9600 bps or higher is recommended)
Windows 95 needs
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386 or higher
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4 MB RAM
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8 Meg Hard Disk Space
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VGA or SVGA display
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Modem: Hayes AT compatible 14,400 bps or higher is recommended
ReachOut is a product of STAC,
Inc. |
