Information files are no longer confined to a single computer. With new services, people can quickly access documents, photos, and other content stored on their machines and share them easily.
If you forget to take an important file from your home computer when you go to the office, you can easily access that file as long as the PC is still on and connected to the Internet. Although not as comprehensive as GoToMyPC, the costs of these new services are significantly lower than this remote control application.
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Avvenu’s web interface |
First up is Avvenu, a free, convenient service with numerous features. Users can browse and access files located on computers where the Avvenu software has been installed by logging into Avvenu’s website from any PC, Internet-connected phone, or PDA. If they have Google Desktop installed, they can even enter keywords to search for a specific file. Furthermore, users are allowed to share content by sending a link to friends that leads to a specific file or folder.
Avvenu is highly regarded for its functionality and ease of use. Data transmitted is encrypted; however, if someone knows the username and password, they can also access the user’s files.
The second service, EasyReach, offers a secure solution for business professionals and those who prioritize security above all. This website acts as a gateway to computers where users have installed the software, supporting file access through phones, PDAs, or BlackBerrys. After logging into the site from anywhere, users can search for all content on their computer, including files, emails, and contacts, through an encrypted connection. A separate login mechanism on both the website and the computer running EasyReach provides an additional layer of information security.
However, EasyReach lacks the file browsing feature, so users need to remember the names of the files they wish to find. The service costs $8 per month per PC. Users can install a 30-day trial version and receive a discount if they subscribe annually.
Meanwhile, BeInSync is particularly useful for those who frequently work from home and are building a group project. BeInSync, priced at $7 per month or $60 per year, creates an encrypted peer-to-peer sharing network to synchronize files and folders across multiple computers with a maximum of 10 users.
The software configuration process is relatively complex, but once installed, folder contents will be automatically updated whenever changes are made on any PC. BeInSync’s website also supports logging in and downloading files from synchronized folders. The web interface functions similarly to the desktop application but is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
BeInSync offers a 30-day trial, and users can also install a free version with limited features.
