GoToMyPC is an award winning software title from Citrix Systems, the Californian based software house. Citrix specialise in simple-to-use remote connectivity software, of which GoToMyPC is a flagship example.

The product is clearly a best-of-class. Despite the name, the product can be used on both PC and Mac platforms. It?s so simple to use that anyone who can browse the internet can remotely control their chosen machine. In fact you don't need to limit yourself to your home computer - you can log in to 20 computers from a single GoToMyPC account.

So how does GoToMyPC stack up against our Remote Access buyers criteria?

Ease of setup and use

GoToMyPC features a 2 minute setup which is slick and ultra simple. Simply download the installer and execute on the computer you wish to access. Then simply leave the machine on and plugged in to the web (if you have broadband then you literally have nothing to do!).

Next, log in to the GoToMyPC website on any computer or smart phone using your username, password and access PIN. You will see your desktop immediately, ready to use. It?s child?s play.

Security

The data exchange to and from the remote machine is protected with AES encryption using 128-bit keys. The login system uses dual password protection and end-to-end user authentication. If you would like to further enhance security you can set up one-time password protection.

Remote access features

Once connected you can pretty much do anything that you would normally want to do. Print files to a printer nearby (no more forgotten hard-copies). Sync files with those on both computers, view photos, listen to music - anything.

You can also invite guests to view your desktop. Great for showing a presentation or share notes during a phone call.

Price

GoToMyPC is priced as a service, and therefore has a monthly (or yearly) cost. To view one computer (from anywhere) costs $19.95 per month or $179.40 per year (a saving of 25% if paid yearly).
If you want to be able to access more than one computer the price comes down. The company offer special deals for those that need to monitor 3 to 20 machines, 20 to 50 machines or 50+ machines.

The price includes all updates to the service, so you will never have broken, out-of-date or incompatible software.

Help and support

Support is very strong. 24/7 telephone and email support is provided, and the company website contains FAQs and tutorials to help you get the most from your software.
In summary, this is a very, very strong contender in the remote access field. It is simple enough for the home user, and yet powerful enough to be used by large IT departments that need to maintain control of many distributed computer.