GoToMyPC review: GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC 5 from Citrix improves on what was already a strong remote access program. This latest release is significantly speedier than past versions, which is an important consideration in remote control programs, where sluggishness can be a real issue. Citrix offers three levels of service: GoToMyPC Personal with access to up to 20 individual PCs from one account, GoToMyPC Pro with administration tools for up to 20 individual users, and GoToMyPc Corporate with administration tools for more than 20 individuals. GoToMyPC Personal 5 is available for a 90-day free trial, but once you're hooked, you'll have to fork over fees starting at $19.95 per month, or $179.40 if you choose the annual subscription route instead. Competitor 3am Labs LogMeIn offers an unlimited free personal version, which we recommend for individuals wanting remote access. But for small and medium-size businesses, GoToMyPC 5 makes sense.

To get started, designate one computer that is always on and connected to the Internet as your host PC (the one you'll want to access remotely), then install a small GoToMyPC agent on that computer. No configuration is needed on the host computer beyond installing the program and creating an account by entering your e-mail address, an account password, and a host-system access code (another password). On the remote end you simply access the GoToMyPC Web site from any Windows-, Mac-, or Linux-based computer with a browser, log in to your account, and after a thin Java Web client launches, you'll enjoy full access to your remote PC. GoToMyPC 5 is preconfigured at the highest security setting--AES 128-bit end-to-end encryption--so you don't need to worry about compromising your system or data on a public terminal.

Besides being able to control your host PC remotely, GoToMyPC 5 also now features drag-and-drop transfer of files between computers, remote printing, and multimonitor support. Version 5 finally adds true 24-bit color display of your remote desktop, something that competitors such as LogMeIn already have. There's also a performance-tuning slider control within GoToMyPC 5 to adjust the balance of speed and appearance. Another neat feature is guest access, where you can invite others to directly access files on your host system.

Support is free and plentiful--but at GoToMyPC's subscription rates, it better be! There is an extensive online help section, with program guides and FAQs, as well as e-mail and telephone technical support. There are less expensive remote access alternatives out there, such as LogMeIn, but GoToMyPC 5 is a fast, secure, and easy-to-use solution that's scalable for most small to medium-size businesses.