Remote-access software can save the day. We looked at four services that promise to help you reach your PC's precious documents and programs, or share its functions with others, at any time. Two services, GoToMyPC and LogMeIn Pro, offer similar benefits: For a monthly fee you can take remote control of a configured computer from just about anywhere. Symantec's pcAnywhere charges just one fee, and offers many IT-friendly features best suited to managing multiple machines in the same network. Finally, Microsoft's free SharedView application allows you to share views of your individual applications or your entire desktop with colleagues you invite, or even to permit other people to take control of your PC.

PCANYWHERE

Symantec's pcAnywhere is typically the favorite of IT departments in larger businesses, and setting it up can take a little techie know-how. But its one-time cost, as compared to the recurring monthly fee charged for services like GoToMyPC and LogMeIn Pro, could make it an attractive option for smaller companies and for on-the-go professionals.

A single license runs $200, and allows you to connect to one computer (the host) from another. (Both PCs must have the pcAnywhere software installed.) Symantec offers volume pricing and other licensing options for large installations, and thin clients that allow for remote-control connections without full administration options are available for Linux and Mac computers.

Once pcAnywhere is installed and set up, you can fire it up to connect to another computer. If that host is on the same network, it will be located in a 'Quick Connect' list.

If the host is not in the same network, you'll need to know its network name or IP address. In addition to a full remote-control session, where you can see and control a host's desktop as if you were at the PC, you can choose to transfer files or perform remote-management tasks such as file or Registry edits without starting a full remote-control session. Many of the available features, such as setting up remote-command queues, are particularly useful for help-desk or IT users.