Many people think that PC Anywhere is the only remote management possibility for Windows. Somewhat surprisingly, there is a free alternative, readily downloaded from our good friends at AT&T Research. (http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/)

It has a lot in common with PC Anywhere-- both tend to be fairly invasive to the system since they replace and/or link into the primary display driver. Often, both PC Anywhere and VNC are unavailable just when you need them the most-- when the system is having problems.

I've also noticed some issues with some database software (especially SOLID) when using both PC Anywhere and VNC.

VNC is unique in that it allows for cross-platform viewing. The same host can be viewed (simultaneously) by multiple people running multiple operating systems.

Since VNC is free and freely redistributable, there are no licensing issues to worry about. The drawback is there is nobody to call and yell at if it is having problems. (However, there are lots of peer-support groups and websites available. In my experience this is as good and often better than the support Symantec provides.)

PC Anywhere seems to have a slight advantage on low-bandwitch connections (e.g. modem). However, a VNC spin-off known as TightVNC (http://www.tightvnc.com/) is working on this issue.


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