Best Remote Admin Software?

[GoodRevrnd]

What is overall the best remote admin software out there? I see a ho-hum list here, but I don't particularly trust CNet reviews or user opinions. I hear Timbuktu is good, but I guess CNet had some complaints and other say it is slow. GO2MyPC is not an option--subsciption fees is ridiculous. How bad is the security on VNC? How is LapLink--it doesn't look that fantastic but Cnet (*cough*) seemed to like it. Any other

I suppose my specific needs would be a remote admin tool for a client that can conference and broadcast messages, instant message and MUST have observe mode. It should also run seemless and hidden if possible. Lower cost the better, only one computer needs administration priviliges. The rest should only have messaging.

Second use will be for an admin (myself) for actually troubleshooting as many things as possible via remote offsite. Security should be good, seemless and hidden is not necessary, access from web login would be nice but not necessary and not at the expense of features.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ameesh]

if you are trying to manage a windows XP box then remote desktop is the best

 

[Electric Amish]

We use Timbuktu. It does seem slow, but I'm never used anything else, so it may be normal.

amish

 

[vash]

I've used:

VNC
PCAnywhere
Timbuktu
Tivoli's RC
Terminal Services

All of them work quite well and my favorite had to be PCA. However, Terminal Services has got to be 10x as powerful for a Win32 machine than PCAnywhere. Unfortunately, you need a little bit more to get Terminal Services going, but its very worth it.

If controlling some end-user's desktop is an absolute must, VNC, PCA or Timbuktu is very good.

vash

 

[AmigaMan]

I use PCAnywhere through a VPN connection to connect my laptop (WinXP) to my work machine(WinNT4). Works great except on occasion I'm not able to do a "log off user" remotely. It leaves my machine un-locked, but I'm not too concerned about it. I haven't tried VNC over the VPN, but I have used it within our network to control a lab machine. Works ok, but I'd rather use PCA. It seems more well-put-together and has several options for security.

 

[Tiranee]

We use VNC here at work, very nice little proggie.

 

[DAM]

we use vnc, or tightvnc (a lot better). aboslutely love them.




dam()

 

[geekender]

Absolutely Tightvnc on everything but XP/Win2k Machines Remote Desktop/Terminal Services.

 

[Paulson]

VNC here...

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: Paulson
VNC here...

here too

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Will the newest version of PCAW work in an observe-only mode and can it run hidden?

 

[rh71]

Nobody here uses Remote Administrator ? I find it extremely simple to use... much of it is like pcAnywhere, except without the fluff and even faster. All transmitted data is auto-encrypted. Very light client.

 

[Parrotheader]

Another VNC user.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

I just VPN to the network then use VNC for administering. I use GoToMyPC for administering some of our remote users.

 

[Beau]

I used to run Seagate Proxy, and it seemed pretty good, but I doubt that it is still around.

 

[tommigsr]

vnc! all the way babie!!!