 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group pcANYWHERE 9.0 Bernadette Houghton bernieh@iaccess.com.au |
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With pcAnywhere, you can dial up a host computer and work on it just as if you were physically present - transfer files, run applications, access the network and so on. If you're a technical support person, you can use it to troubleshoot remote PCs and deliver training materials and pre-configured software updates - all without moving from your desk.
pcAnywhere supports a variety of connection methods, including
modem-to-modem, ISDN lines, TCP/IP and IPX/SPX networks, direct cable and infrared connection. You can even
initiate pcAnywhere sessions over the Internet using Yahoo! Pager, a copy of which is on the installation CD.
The great thing about all these connection options is that you can choose whichever method best suits your
current situation, particularly useful if you're on the road a lot. You can also connect to multiple host
computers, even if they run on different platforms; ignoring security considerations for the moment, the only
stipulation is that each PC has a version of pcAnywhere installed and active.
When you install pcAnywhere, you configure it as either a host or remote; both, if you like. Once installed, you set up each 'connection item' you wish to use; this just means choosing the type of connection (Host, Remote, File Transfer or Gateway) and connection method (modem, direct cable etc), then entering any other pertinent information such as phone numbers. The process is simple and straightforward using Quick Start Wizards. The Gateway feature enables network users to share communication devices (e.g. modems) attached to any PC on the network. It also means you can access one network from another as long as both networks have gateways.
Once you've configured a connection and established communications with a host PC, the host's desktop appears in a window on your (remote) screen. From this point on the host PC is yours, access rights permitting. Apart from running applications and transferring or synchronising files, you can swap clipboards back and forth and establish chat sessions with the host operator either on-screen or by voice. The host operator can still use the host PC just as usual.
You use pcAnywhere's File Manager to transfer or synchronise files by drag and drop or copy and paste; unless you've set up an automatic process, in which case it's simply a matter of pressing a button. Automatic processes are useful if you regularly perform the same actions during pcAnywhere sessions; they can disconnect you from the host when completed, so you need not be present for the whole session. Norton AntiVirus scans for viruses before downloading files, and you can speed up transfer time by activating the SpeedSend feature; this transfers only the changed parts of files present on both host and remote PCs.
pcAnywhere incorporates a good selection of security precautions. Apart from
assigning access rights, you can encrypt data during transfer, set callback options and blank the host screen
during connections among other safeguards. You can bar access to remote callers outside a specific IP address
or address range, and pcAnywhere warns of security breaches as they occur. Version 9.0 includes several new
audit features, such as support for central logging, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) messaging and
a MMC (Microsoft Management Console) Snap-In which can retrieve log files from remote PCs.
pcAnywhere ships with several add-on utilities not mentioned so far -
- pcAConfig enables administrators to configure pcAnywhere before distributing it remotely.
- Host Administrator facilitates control of multiple hosts.
- Norton System Centre facilitates the distribution of new and updated software to remote sites.
- LiveUpdate updates pcAnywhere to the latest version.
- CheckPoint SecuRemoteVPN Client authenticates users when they attempt to cross a firewall.
I've been using an older version of pcAnywhere on a remote host for a year without problems (accessing the host with pcTelecommute, reviewed PC Update, December 1998). Nor did I experience any glitches with pcAnywhere 9.0, which I tested under an IPX network. It seems to be a fairly robust piece of software and the installation process is quick and fuss-free; once I had installed it on both host and remote, I had a connection established within 5 minutes.
I have no problem recommending pcAnywhere as a reliable and stable remote connection program.
Cost and Availability
$269 estimated retail price for 2 licenses. Upgrade from previous versions for $159. Available from your local software reseller; otherwise contact Symantec Australia ph (02) 9851 1101, www.symantec.com.au.
Minimum System Requirements
486SX-25 processor, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 (other platforms are supported by different versions of pcAnywhere), 16 MB RAM (20 MB recommended), double-speed CD-ROM drive, 32 MB free hard disk space.
Reprinted from the February 2000 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
