Thomas Daly, Remote Desktop Mythbusters (Static IP Address)
TechnoLawyer Benjamin Edwards asks:
"I am interested in accessing my computer when I am away from the office. I have tried various programs for that purpose, including LapLink, but none seems to work. Are there any suggestions?"
Caren Schwartz responded:
"In response to Mr. Edwards I would suggest GoToMYPC...."
Howard Raab wrote:
"The Remote Desktop Access program built into Windows XP (both Professional and Home) has worked very well for me, with no fee at all...."
Andrew Willinger responded:
"There are two significant problems with using Windows XP's built-in Remote Desktop Access over an Internet connection.... The cost of a static IP address from most ISPs is not minimal in most cases. In fact, many large DSL and Cable providers — especially those at the low end of the price range — do not offer a static IP at all...."
I respectfully point out in response to Mr. Willinger's comments about Remote Desktop concerning a static IP address, that you can use a free redirection service that gives you a static IP address even if you have a dynamic IP address. I use www.No-IP.com and it has worked very well. No-IP.com gives me a static address which I use for Remote Desktop.
Also, I have never used GoToMyPC and do not know about its effectiveness, but you can print remotely and transfer files with Remote Desktop by setting the level of control of the host machine before activating Remote Desktop. I transfer files and print remotely all the time.
Attorney Thomas J. Daly
North Haven, CT
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