Anyone who faces the unhappy reality of leaving a work PC behind regularly will need a remote control utility. There are two good applications to consider: PC Anywhere 10.5 and GotoMypc.

Pc Anywhere 10.5 is the world's leading remote control software. It lets you securely access remote computers optimize remote control performance and transfer files quickly and easily.Works with WIN 95 98 2000 ME & XP. With powerful encryption and authentication, it gives you peace of mind that your remote sessions will be secure. Its optimized design ensures high performance at any connection speed, across a wide range of connection methods-including standard modems, ISDN lines, TCP/IP and SPX networks, cable, and infrared connections.

Gotomypc works on a different idea: it is less powerful than PcAnywheere, but incredibly easier. After you have registered, you need only an access code that allows you to control your host PC when you're at another computer with a Net connection and a Java-ready browser (almost any browser, like Explorer, Netscape, etc.). The whole process takes only 10 mins. Unless the host has an always-on connection to the Internet, such as a LAN, DSL, or cable, GoToMyPC simply won't work. Unlike pcAnywhere, GoToMyPC doesn't offer a modem-to-modem option that lets you "call" a host not currently connected to the Net. You can open documents, retrieve e-mail, run any program that resides on your host machine, and print to a printer attached to the remote PC. You can move files between the two machines, as well as a text chat function (good if you're using GoToMyPC to provide or receive support). The security is good (128 bit encryption), even not so good as Pc Anywhere. Before buying you can have a 'so-called' free trial (free for 60 minutes of connection time or 30 days, whichever comes first). They ask your credit card number, but you can simply cancel anytime during your trial and your credit card will not be charged. It costs about 15$/month (if you sign-up for one year).

I like more Pc Anywhere, no doubts, but it needs a lot of time and effort to master. Gotomypc is powerful and easy, and if you need only to control a pc currently connected to the net, it maybe your choice (and -before buying- you can try it for free)

 OVERALL: Excellent (Pc anywhere 10.5) and Very Good (Gotomypc)