Computer to Computer

I thought I'd share some sites and programs used for accessing a computer without being at the computer (cryptic, huh?).

ShowMyPC: Greatest remote assistance tool since sliced bread, if sliced bread did that sort of thing. Simply download and run a small executable, click a button, and provide an automatically generated number. Now the other person (the person you trust to fix your computer) can enter the number and remote control your computer. It's free and it works. Wow. Oh yeah, they just added a feature where you can share files over the 'net. Double wow.

Edit: ShowMyPC now has a Windows service that can be installed to connect to your remote home or work PC, also free. Triple wow!

SkyFex: This is sorta like the above site, but no download. Just load the plugin for Internet Explorer and provide the code to the person helping. If you're the one that's going to be helping, you can create a free account. You can only watch the person's screen for thirty minutes and control the computer for five, so it's not as useful, but it's there as a backup.

LogMeIn: Use two computers, one at work or home, and one on the road? You can use LogMeIn to access them remotely as if you're actually there. Just install the software and set it up. Keep in mind that it does require an always-on internet connection. It doesn't connect with magic, you know. Useful for looking at an important document you forgot to put on your USB drive or as a VPN connection (access your other network resources remotely).

MojoPac: Ever wanted to take your computer to a friend's house, but it's too freakin' heavy? Or how about trying to run programs from a USB drive, but they have to be installed to work? Answer: MojoPac. It's like a virtual PC you take with you. I'm very tempted to install some games, Outlook, and some cool software to take with me for use in the myriad of computers I use everyday (I do fix computers for a meager living).

Mozy: Sort of like being at your computer. With Mozy (free edition), you install a program, set it up, and it backs up your files online. EVERYONE USE MOZY NOW. They give you 2GB of free space. If you've ever had your computer crash (or stolen), you know how it feels to lose everything. The best part of it is that it works automatically. Everyone knows to keep a copy, but no one does it because of the hassle. And if that day does come when you lose everything, install Mozy again or login to the site to restore all those files. This should be the one thing you check out, if nothing else.