The last 2 weeks were devoted to Client Management. I’m following up with some of my favorite tech tools.  These aren’t necessarily used for managing projects (like the tools I shared last week) but they have made my life a LOT easier and a LOT more efficient.  Next up… GoToMyPC!

Access Your PC or Mac from ANYWHERE

Today’s tech tool is probably my favorite.  It’s revolutionized my life in a lot of ways.  GoToMyPC allows you to remotely access your computer from anywhere.  This is especially important when I’m traveling.  No more bringing laptops on vacation with me!

How it works:

After enrolling in GoToMyPC (there’s a free trial), you’ll download some basic software to your computer.  Whenever you want to access that computer from a secondary computer all you do is login to gotomypc.com, input your username and password.  In your web browser, a real-time image of your computer screen will be visible.  You will be able to access your computer’s desktop and all your files from your web browser.

Why I love GoToMyPC:

OH – let me count the ways!  Here are the reasons why I love this tool:

  • No more shlepping around laptops on vacations “JUST IN CASE” a client has a panic attack.  I know I can access my computer and all its software and client files from any internet cafe (or family member’s home computer) in the world.
  • No more bringing CDs and thumb drives with files “JUST IN CASE”.
  • I have a MAC desktop computer and PC laptop (that I only use for Quickbooks).  I used to have them both turned on and fumble between the two depending on what I was working on.  Now, I leave the PC laptop on in the other room.  When I need to access it, I use GoToMyPC from my Mac.  I no longer have to mentally shift gears between 2 computers.
  • I can give other people access to my computers.  I outsourced some of my accounting a few months ago.  GoToMyPC allowed me to give the bookkeeper access to my laptop and Quickbooks.  I set up a separate PC user login and away she went… inputting transactions as I slept.
  • If you have an office and want to work from home one day, but need to have access to your office files, you can now do that.  (This is such a lifesaver for designers who often have fonts and design files on one computer, but may want to work out of the office from time to time.)
  • The web interface is incredible.  When using it, I completely forget that I’m accessing a separate computer.  The resolution is the same.  And, the computer speed is the same.
  • Even though it’s called “Go To My PC” there is a PC version and a MAC version.  (I have one on each computer.)  And, they are developing an app for the iPad.  You’ll be able to access your computer from your iPad soon.  BRILLIANT!

I love GoToMyPC so much that I can’t think of anything I don’t love about it.  The only thing is that you have to remember to leave your computer on while away.  GoToMyPC cannot turn on your remote computer.  I should also note that there is another program that is similar called “LogMeIn“.  I also liked LogMeIn.  It is a tad less expensive and there was a longer trial period.  But, I didn’t like the resolution on the computer screen as much.  LogMeIn already offers an iPad app for their site.

The lowdown on GoToMyPC:

Go To My PC offers a free 30-day trial.  After that, plans begin at $10/month for one computer and one user.  If you travel occasionally and/or work from two locations (home and office) GoToMyPC is a lifesaver!