Does GoToMyPC Really Work?

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If you need remote access to your computer, GoToMyPC has been the go-to for nearly 10 years now. The idea is that it allows you to access the desktop, and all of the files and applications, just like you were sitting in front of your computer. This could come in handy if you are traveling on business, or just need to use your regular PC from wherever you are. But does it work the way it’s described, or should you search for an alternative.

Overview
Working remotely is something that most business people will be required to do at some point. It is hard enough having a work computer and a personal computer, but when you’re on the go there’s no telling where you might have to log on from in order to get your work done. When you’ve forgotten to transfer that important file, or you need to access a specific program in order to proceed with a project, getting to your regular computer can be vital.

The Claim
GoToMyPC, as the name implies, allows you access to your home or office computer, and all of the files and applications it contains. It says that it can do this without breaching your privacy or security, allowing only you access to your computer. The desktop window of your PC is supposed to pop right up on your screen from wherever you are, just by logging in from the GoToMyPC website.

The Cost
You can try out the service, and all of its features free for 30 days. After that it’s just my 95 a month to stay on with it. You don’t have to sign a contract, or be obligated to use the service for any length of time, you’re basically on a month-to-month basis.

The Commitment
In order to use GoToMyPC you have to take the time to set it all up, and you also have to have a way to turn your computer on at your home, or else it won’t work.

Evaluation
Setting up GoToMyPC is easy enough, it simply involves downloading the application and installing it on the computer you want to access. Once that’s completed you enter your login credentials from the computer you’re currently at, from the GoToMyPC website. You don’t need to install the application on the computer you’re at, which comes in very handy when you’re at a public computer, or at a computer that won’t let you install software to it.

I’ve previously used GoToMyPC, and can vouch for the fact that it does work. I was in Michigan and was able to use my old computer in Florida, just as if I were sitting at it. This included the software I had installed on my old computer, which was a lot of image editing programs. It came in handy, since I didn’t have to take the time to download all of my old programs, I could just use them remotely. It wasn’t a long term fix, but I was able to get the work done that I needed to, when I needed to.

Some people might say that it doesn’t work, but they really just need to glance over the system requirements because not everyone will have what it takes to get the service to work properly. The biggest stumbling block for many will be having an Internet connection that is always on. This includes a cable modem, DSL, or a T1 line like they have on college campuses. You also need to have Windows 2000 or newer. Many people are still using Windows 98 which is incompatible. If you’re a Mac user you need to have version 10.5 of Mac OS X or newer. Your browser is also something that needs to be updated, and many people are not using the latest browser. It also doesn’t support Google Chrome.

Final GoToMyPC Review

If the situation arises that you need to use your home or office computer from

another location, GoToMyPC is the answer. We give it our Thumbs Up because it’s far and away the best, most secure way to do this. They’ve been doing this for several years, and have got it down to a science. There are other ways to produce the same result, but they aren’t as secure, or as reliable.

Our Recommendation
Since it’s free to try out for an entire month, there’s no harm in taking it for a test drive to see how well it works. After 30 days you’ll definitely know if you want to stay on with it for $10 a month. We like how they send you an email before you’re trial ends, because in 30 days we always forget about free sign ups. They also allow you to cancel online, within your membership area, so you don’t even have to call or worry about getting a high pressure pitch to stay on.

What do you think? Does GoToMyPC work or not?

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View Comments

Cook Brocks says:

April 25, 2014 at 7:18 am

Yeah, GoToMyPC is a good remote support tool. But recently, I have discovered another very good alternative: RHUB`s remote support servers. It works from behind the firewall, hence total security.