Before starting JumpstartMyPC.com I spent a lot of time working with computers just for fun. My addiction to technology and gadgets took me to sites where I found new and exciting ways to get the most out of my PC. One of my favorite finds was a site called LogMeIn.com. LogMeIn is a service that allows you to access other computers remotely, across a broadband connection. This is something that I was familiar with, through my job, but I was unaware that there were tools that would allow the average user to access computers remotely for FREE. That is exactly what I found in LogMeIn Free.
The idea behind LogMeIn Free is very simple and it is very easy to use. Installation requires a few minutes of setup and access to the computer you want to control remotely. When I first stumbled on this service I installed it on my laptop at home and then used my work computer to access and control that laptop from my office. This allowed me to use my free time at work for something productive and gave me on-the-go access to files and favorites that I had stored on my personal computer. I soon found myself using my lunch break to organize my iTunes library, clean up the hard drive, and perform basic maintenance on my personal computer from 27 miles away. But this got me to thinking “what else can I use this tool for?” I bet you are asking yourself a similar question like “why would I use or need this?”
1) Multiple Computers – If you own more than one computer or have a personal and a work PC (like I did) you probably find yourself hunting for files, trying to remember the web site you recently visited or wishing you could use a program that you only have on one computer. Using a software like LogMeIn Free allows you to do this from any computer with a high speed connection.
2) Home Networking – Maybe you have more than one computer at home. Setting up a home network is not the easiest task in the world, so do away with the complications and just use LogMeIn Free to access the other computers in the house. Not only will you be able to access the files, but you can take full control of the other computer, just as if you were sitting right in front of it.
3) Music – Take an older computer and turn it into an iTunes PC. Having only iTunes and a large hard drive, you can use that PC in conjunction with your home stereo system as a jukebox. Now any other computer becomes a remote control, from anywhere in the house.
4) Family IT – A one time install of LogMeIn Free on your relative’s PC allows you quick and easy access to their computer. Now you can solve those PC problems without getting in the car and driving over. Just log in and see what they see. You could even take control of their computer and use it to do a little remote training.
5) Sensitive Information – Do you have private information that you don’t want others to access? Maybe you are afraid that your company is checking on the contents of your work computer or you have to turn over your computer for repairs and you aren’t sure who will be looking at it. By keeping your files on your personal computer, you won’t have to worry.
6) Insurance – Who knows what is going to happen at work next? You could be part of the next layoff. It’s a horrible thought, but are you prepared to hand over your work computer? What is on there that you won’t have access to any longer? Pictures, music, movies, etc. By keeping these types of files at home, you won’t have to worry if that day ever comes.
LogMeIn Free does have some limitations, but what do you expect for the price of $0.00? LogMeIn offers other products, in case you need a bit more control. I actually ended up upgrading to LogMeIn Pro, which allows me enhanced file transfer features, printing capabilities and more. I would say that the average user won’t need these features, but you never know. Start with the FREE version and see what you think. You will not be disappointed.
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Tags: iTunes, LogMeIn Free, LogMein.com, Networking, Remote Access
