Remote-Control Software for Your PC or Mac

PC (and Mac) remote control software is nothing new, but seeing that mouse cursor fly around the screen by itself still gives that old "look ma, no hands!" feeling. But remote-control software isn't only cool; it's also seriously useful. It's more powerful than ever, and easier to use, too. No longer relegated to support technicians or businesspeople with their own personal IT staff, the new generation of products like as TeamViewer 5 are easy enough for anyone to set up. And software like LogMeIn Pro2 and can even do tricks like printing or playing the remote computer's (the "host's") sound on the computer you're sitting in front of (the "guest").

App to get some remote control abilities

You don't actually have to install an app to get some remote control abilities, if you have Windows 7 installed. Microsoft's latest operating system offers users remote-control with its Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Assistance apps. The commercial products in this roundup offer easier setup and more advanced tools, however, like file sharing, clipboard sharing—and in the case of TeamViewer—even VOIP and webcam viewing. Another neat trick of these services is that most let you simply email an invitation for an acquaintance to take control of your machine for a specified period of time.

The remote-control game isn't just for Windows PCs, anymore either. Apple offers the Back to My Mac remote-control feature as part of its MobileMe service ($99/year). All of the software in this roundup has at least some Mac OS functionality, and you can even remote-control a full-fledged PC or Mac from your iPhone, using apps from TeamViewer and LogMeIn. A couple of the products also offer some level of Linux support.

LogMeIn Pro2 $69.95 per year LogMeIn Pro2 gives you an easy way to remotely control a PC or Mac and adds tons of new features, but TeamViewer goes even beyond this, with VOIP and VPN capability and a simpler setup.

TeamViewer Free for non-commercial use   If you're looking for feature-packed remote control, desktop sharing, and presentation software, TeamViewer 5 is both the simplest and most powerful option. Businesses will have to shell out a bunch up front, but individuals can use it free. Either way, it's a very good deal.