LogMeIn – Remote Desktop Made Easy

Have you ever been away from home and found yourself needing to access a file or document on a computer at home or perhaps an important e-mail that you don’t seem to have on your phone? Perhaps you are one of those people that is often called upon to help people with their computer problems but would give anything just to see their computer let alone control it?

I have found myself in both of these situations, particularly the second situation.

There are numerous remote control solutions available in the market at present but the one that I have been using for the last few years is LogMeIn. I regularly use the free version which can be used via the LogMeIn website as a session inside your web browser. Via a convenient interface on the website you can see all of the computers under your account along with their online status. You can add computers quite easily by using the “Add Computer” button and you’ll be guided through a simple process to download and install the client software.

All you need to do to connect to a computer is click on it.

LogMeIn (My Computers)

Usually, I prefer to run LogMeIn under Internet Explorer as the ActiveX plugin works far more smoothly than its Java equivalent but you can use Firefox if you prefer. Once you attempt to connect, you’ll be prompted either for a username and password for the computer or (if the computer has users without passwords) a pass code for the computer (which would have been setup during the initial installation of the client software).

LogMeIn (Connection Window)

Once you have connected, you can choose to take control of the computer, adjust the preferences or consult the help documentation. More often than not, you’ll want to go straight for the remote control option.

LogMeIn (Remote Control Connection Status)

Once you are connected, you’ll see the desktop of the computer and, if you usually need a username and password to log into the machine, the usual login prompt. If you have saved these details, you can just click on the login button and you will be logged in straight away.

LogMeIn (Desktop Login Screen)

Once you have logged in, it’s just like using your computer as if you were in front of it. Your mouse and keyboard function exactly the same although if you are doing some cross-platform connections (like controlling a Windows PC from a Mac or vice-versa) you may need to make some slight adjustments. For instance, when remotely controlling Windows from a Mac, the command key (otherwise known as the “Apple key”) is the same as the Windows key on a PC and brings the start menu.

LogMeIn (Remote Desktop)

If you are worried about security, your connection is protected by AES 256-bit encryption which is sufficiently strong enough to prevent people from spying on you (unless they are looking over your shoulder).

Now, if you dislike the idea of having to go through the website to connect to your computers you can use another product called LogMeIn Ignition. Basically, it is an application that runs on your desktop that gives you one click access to your computers.

LogMeIn Ignition (Windows)

LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone/iPad provides the same functionality but obviously on your iPhone or iPad. I have found it handy when I am out and about and nowhere near a computer.

LogMeIn Ignition iPhone (My Computers)

LogMeIn Ignition iPhone (Remote Desktop - Zoomed Out)

LogMeIn Ignition iPhone (Remote Desktop - Zoomed In)

So if you have found yourself needing to remotely access a computer, be it regularly or infrequently, LogMeIn could be a potential solution to address your needs.