Mobogenie is a free platform of diverse content for android devices. Allows you to manage the contents of the phone via a computer, correct data and download new ones.

The program is designed to manage the content of devices running Android. If you download Mobogenie for free on a computer or smartphone, you are given the opportunity to synchronize data from your phone to a PC and vice versa, view the contents of memory cards, create backups, edit and sort data, download and delete files.

Media Creation Tool is a free utility that creates an original and verified image of Windows 10. With it, you can quickly update your OS to the latest version by creating distributions.

The software algorithm is simple and straightforward. First, you need to download the free Media Creation Tool to your computer, then determine which operation you need to perform (update the operating system or download the data for a "clean" installation). The user must independently choose the type of loaded objects, language, version and architecture of the device. The ISO image can be burned to a USB flash drive or optical disc.

CCleaner is a popular free Windows optimizer cleaner. This software quickly finds and effectively removes old unused files, temporary data in the browser and other applications that work over the network.

The country of the developer is Britain. The Piriform LTD company takes care of the stable and well-coordinated operation of the system, updates the Siskliner monthly, making the interface more understandable and the functionality increasing. A significant plus in the work is the increase in free space in the process of cleaning and deleting files clogging the system. You can control and choose the files to be destroyed yourself.

IObit Uninstaller is a free uninstaller that removes not only unnecessary, but also resistant utilities and files.

This is a useful program to deal with cleaning up any objects on your hard drive or in the system registry. In addition, it is possible to recover files deleted accidentally, as well as to "clean" those utilities that are not displayed in the list of installed ones and do not have their own uninstaller.

WinSetupFromUSB is a free utility for installing operating systems from flash drives on computers and netbooks that do not have a drive.

November 27, 2014 at 03:31 PM

Free software for remote control of computers

• Server administration,
• Network technologies ,
• System administration

Remote computer control programs allow you to remotely control another computer over the Internet or on a local network. This is convenient when you need to help a not very experienced user, for example, a relative or friend who is poorly versed in a computer to do something on it, without leaving your comfortable chair and without wasting your nerves and time on telephone conversations. Such programs are also convenient to use for remote work, for example, from home to connect to the office and vice versa - to access your home PC, for system administration of a whole fleet of computers and servers.

Let's conduct a comparative analysis of remote control programs, highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

TeamViewer

One of the most popular programs for remote access, it can be quickly downloaded and installed or immediately launched without installation, even an inexperienced user can handle this. When launched, the program displays a window with an ID and password for accessing this computer, and TeamViewer allows you to connect to another computer by specifying its ID and password.

Benefits:
The program has several basic modes of operation: remote control, file transfer, chat, and demonstration of your desktop. The program allows you to configure round-the-clock access to the computer, which will be convenient for system administration. The speed of work is quite decent, there are versions for all mobile platforms, for various operating systems, which is very pleasing. A simple and straightforward interface plus a number of additional utilities to expand the functionality of the program will be useful for remote support services.

Disadvantages:
Although the program is free, but only for non-commercial use, and when working with it for more than 5 minutes, a number of difficulties arise, for example, TV can block a remote connection session, recognizing it as commercial use. For round-the-clock remote access or administration of several computers, a computer network, you will have to pay for additional program modules. The cost of the program is high.

Outcome:
This program is ideal for a one-time remote connection or using it for short periods of time. It is convenient to use from mobile platforms, but not to administer a large number of computers. You will have to pay extra for additional modules.

LiteManager

A simple, but quite powerful program in terms of capabilities, consists of two parts, the first is Server, which must be installed or run on a remote computer and Viewer, which allows you to control another computer. To work, the program requires a little more skills and experience from the manager, although working as a server is even easier than in TeamViewer, the server can be installed once and no more action is needed from the user, the ID will always be constant, you can even set it yourself manually, which very easy to remember. LiteManager Free version is free for personal and commercial use.

Benefits:
In addition to the main modes of remote access: remote control, file transfer, chat, task manager, registry editor, the program also has unique functions, for example: inventory, screen recording, remote installation. The program is free for use on 30 computers, it can be used for round-the-clock access without any additional modules. There are no time limits. It is possible to set up your own server ID to set up corporate support. The program does not have any restrictions on the operating time and locks.

Disadvantages:
There is not enough client for mobile platforms or other systems, there are restrictions on 30 computers in the free version, to administer more you need to purchase a license. Some specific operating modes are available only in the Pro version.

Outcome:
Litemanager is suitable for providing remote support, for administering several dozen computers absolutely free of charge, for setting up your own remote support service. The cost of the program is the lowest in its segment and the license is not limited in time.

Ammy admin

The program is basically similar to TeamViewer, but a simpler version. There are only the basic modes of operation - viewing and control, file transfer, chat. The program can work without installation, free for non-commercial use.

Benefits:
A simple and lightweight program, you can work both on the Internet and in a local network, has minimal settings and does not require any special skills and abilities. Compared to TeamViewer, the licensing policy is milder.

Disadvantages:
A minimum of functions for remote control, it will be difficult to administer a large park of computers, with long-term use, more than 15 hours a month, the session may be limited or blocked, paid for commercial use,

Outcome:
This program is more suitable for a one-time connection to a computer and not very complex manipulations, for example, as an aid to an inexperienced user in setting up a computer.

RAdmin

One of the first remote control programs and well-known in its circle, I could not help but mention it, more intended for system administration, the main focus is on security. The program consists of two: a server component and a client. It requires installation, it will not be easy for an inexperienced user to figure it out, the program is designed mainly to work by IP address, which is not very convenient for providing those. online support. The program is paid, but it has a free trial period.

Benefits:
The program has high operating speed, especially on a good network, thanks to the desktop capture video driver, increased reliability and security. Intel AMT technology is built in, which allows you to connect to the BIOS of a remote computer and configure it. Only the main modes of operation are implemented: remote control, file transfer, chat, etc.

Disadvantages:
There is almost no way to work without an IP address, i.e. connect by ID. There is no client for mobile systems. No free version, only 30 days trial period. Experienced user skills are required to work with the program. When connecting a video, the driver may disable the Aero graphic shell, sometimes the screen flickers.

Outcome:
The program is more suitable for system administrators to administer computers and servers in a local network. To work over the Internet, you may need to set up a VPN tunnel.

version: 5.0.5 from 15 April 2019

A program for accessing a remote PC and sharing files. The application does not require installation and has a high image quality. It is a program for remote PC access. It allows you to use the functions of a remote computer as if you yourself were sitting at it. Eni Desk is distinguished by high quality and stability of the transmitted image, in terms of the speed of establishing a connection, this utility is at the level of the best solutions like Ammyy Admin. The application has the ability to show videos, there is an integrated file manager.

version: 10.0.17763.1 from 09 April 2019

The program for creating an ISO file for Windows 10 - allows you to download a free distribution of the operating system and burn it to an optical disc or flash drive.

Media Creation Tool allows you to instantly update the current version of the OS, download an image in a common ISO format or a distribution ready for transfer to a USB flash drive. The user can choose one of the many official languages \u200b\u200bof Windows 10 - download Russian or another version for free in the required bit depth (64/32 bit). If you plan to install the system on another computer, you can simultaneously download both versions - x86, x64.

version: 8.4.0.7 from 05 March 2019

With this program, you can erase any object from your computer disk - be it a separate file or folder, plug-in, program or application package. Moreover, it does not require installation and can be launched from a USB flash drive or memory card.

Once launched, the utility finds all installed software and components and sorts them into different categories (Large, Recently installed, Rarely used, and so on).

version: 2.0.6 from 01 February 2019

Revo Uninstaller is a professional program uninstaller that allows you to completely remove programs installed on your computer, even if you have problems uninstalling them using a standard Windows uninstaller.

Thanks to its advanced and fast algorithm, before uninstalling an application, Revo Uninstaller analyzes all files to be removed, and only then deletes them. You can also delete unnecessary additional files, folders and registry keys, which, as a rule, accumulate on the computer before using professional uninstallers.

version: 3.8 from 23 January 2019

This small application is used to remotely control other computers or servers. You can control the operation of the mouse and keyboard, run the programs you want, or copy any data to your work system.

The Ammi Admin program is relevant for users who are well versed in computers and can help their acquaintances or work colleagues to understand certain problems. For example, by remotely connecting to another PC, you can install any program, burn a disc, or troubleshoot. In addition, this application will be useful for system administrators who will be able to spend less time at work, managing servers and computers from a distance.

version: 4.6.3055 from 12 November 2018

Program for controlling another PC via the Internet or an internal local network. The app allows you to access all the functions of the remote machine.
With the help of AeroAdmin, you can manage a remote desktop as if you yourself were sitting at a remote machine. When exchanging information, a hybrid encryption algorithm AES + RSA is used.

version: 9.2 from 10 January 2018

AnVir Task Manager is a free system utility that allows you to control everything running on your computer, as well as provides convenient tools for configuring your computer.

A short list of characteristics:

• Managing startup, running processes, services and drivers and replacing the Task Manager;
• Detection and removal of viruses and spyware;
• Fine-tuning XP and Vista, including installing hidden settings;
• Acceleration of Windows loading and computer performance.

version: 5.0.1 from 06 April 2017

A program for administration and network monitoring, containing tools for building visual diagrams consisting of computers, servers and other elements.
Reliable assistant for the system administrator. As the name implies, Friendly Pinger allows you to find out the status of each computer connected to a common network. In addition, using this program, you can take an inventory of the installed software and hardware components of the PC, see a list of users who are currently accessing the administrator's file system, search for network services and set up an alert system, thanks to which you can receive instant notification in case of a stop or start server. The ability to send external commands to other devices (for example, telnet, tracert and others) is supported, as well as the function of creating distributions.

PC remote control programs are well known to any system administrator or technical support worker, since in their daily activities they are constantly faced with the task of administering servers and PCs of local network users. The most common utility for remote PC control is, of course, Remote Desktop Connection, included with the Windows operating system. This fact is explained not so much by its functionality as by the fact that it is an integral part of the OS, and therefore it is not necessary to purchase it separately. As for the functionality of this utility, in practice, as a rule, it is not enough, therefore, specialized software packages from third-party manufacturers are often used. In this article we will look at specialized software packages designed for remote control of computers.

If we try to classify remote control programs, then conditionally they can be divided into two types: utilities that provide access to the desktop of a remote PC, and utilities that provide access to the command line of a remote PC. The first of them provide users with the ability to work with a remote PC in the same way as with a local one. Utilities of the second type allow you to automate the operation of the network by launching the same or different applications on several selected network computers, as well as, for example, create a schedule for launching programs on remote PCs. It is completely pointless to try to compare these two types of utilities as they are used in different situations and for different purposes.

Note that most programs for remote control operate on the "client-server" principle, that is, they imply the presence of server and client parts of the program, which are respectively installed on the controlled computer and on the PC from which the control is performed. To gain control over a remote PC, it is necessary that the corresponding program module (server part) is running on it. Some remote management utilities allow you to remotely install the server part (if you have the appropriate administrative rights), and sometimes this procedure is completely transparent for the local PC user (as a rule, in this case, the server part is installed as a service on the remote PC). But some utilities require "manual" installation of the server part of the program.

In this article, we will present to your attention remote control programs targeted for use with Windows platforms. It should be noted that in the process of preparing the publication, we looked at several dozen utilities for remote control of a PC (fortunately, it is not difficult to find them on the Internet). However, as it turned out, not all utilities are efficient and generally deserve a mention. Therefore, we will focus only on those that are really workable and have been tested by us in a real local network.

Anyplace Control 3.3 (www.anyplace-control.com)

Anyplace Control 3.3 is a client-server application.

The Host module is installed on the controlled PC, and the Program Admin module is installed on the PC from which the control is performed. Of course, it is possible to simultaneously install both modules on any PC in the local network. But the most interesting thing is that the Anyplace Control 3.3 program provides the ability to remotely install the Host-module on any computer on the local network. And all that is needed for this is to select a computer in the local network and start the procedure for remote installation of the Host module. Naturally, for this you need to have administrator rights.

Note that Anyplace Control 3.3 supports the Russian-language interface.

Anyplace Control 3.3 allows you to work in two modes: view and control. In the first mode, it is possible to display the desktop of the remote PC on the screen and observe the user's actions, and in the control mode, it is possible to completely take over control of the remote PC. An interesting feature of the remote control mode is that the work of the remote PC user is not blocked. However, in both modes, the user of the remote PC receives a notification in the form of an icon in the system tray that his computer is “under the hood”.

To connect to a remote PC, you must first select it from the list. The built-in scanner allows you to display all computers on the local network (domain or workgroup), and you can configure the filter to display only PCs that already have the client part of the program installed, that is, those to which you can connect.

After selecting the computers to which you want to connect, they are added to the list and become available for remote control (Fig. 1).

Figure: 1. The main window of the Anyplace program
Control 3.3 with the displayed list of computers,

The undoubted advantage of this utility is that it allows you to remotely control several PCs at the same time. In this case, it is possible to simultaneously execute commands such as shutdown, reboot, and user session termination on controlled PCs.

To prevent unauthorized access to the PC during the installation of Anyplace Control 3.3, you can set a password to access the controlled computer. Other interesting features of the program include setting up encryption of traffic when remotely controlling a PC and using a shared clipboard between the controlled computer and the PC from which it is controlled. True, it will not work to transfer pictures through this buffer, but text fragments are transferred without problems.

In conclusion, we note that the demo version of Anyplace Control 3.3 is valid for 30 days after installation. The price of the full version of the program depends on the number of PCs on which it is installed, at the rate of $ 17.5 per PC.

Access Remote PC 4.12.2 (www.access-remote-pc.com)

Utility Access Remote PC 4.12.2 also belongs to the category of client-server applications and allows you to intercept the desktop and get full access to any PC where the server part of this program is installed from any other computer (Fig. 2). Note that the server part of the program is installed on the controlled PC, and the client part is installed on the computer from which the control is performed. When installing the server part of the program on computers to be remotely controlled, the username for which remote control is authorized and the access password are specified.

Figure: 2. Transferring files between computers
in utility Access Remote PC 4.12.2

Access Remote PC 4.12.2 provides the ability to control computers both over a local network and over the Internet, and even through modem connections. When controlling a computer remotely, the work of the local user is not blocked, but the fact that the computer is controlled from the outside, as well as who exactly controls the computer, the local user can recognize by the icon in the system tray. In addition, the server part of the program allows, if necessary, to disconnect all remote users from the PC, change passwords, view statistics for each remote control session.

Access Remote PC 4.12.2 provides two modes of operation: full control of the remote PC and monitoring mode.

The disadvantages of this utility include the impossibility of remote simultaneous control of several PCs using a single interface. However, you can run several connection sessions at the same time (each of them in its own window), and then the ability to control several remote computers is realized. Another drawback of the program is the impossibility of remote installation of its server part.

The advantages of Access Remote PC include the fact that it can work with firewalls, supports dynamic IP-addresses and, importantly, practically does not slow down even on slow network connections, including modem connections. In addition, this utility allows you to easily transfer files between computers, for which there is a special Transfer Files mode (Fig. 2), and also supports work with the clipboard, that is, it allows you to synchronize the clipboards on the local and remote PCs, which simplifies the transfer of text fragments between PCs. Another advantage of the program is the support for data transmission using the RC4 algorithm with a 160-bit key.

The free version of the program is fully functional, but the number of launches is limited - only 30 times.

LanHelper 1.61 (www.hainsoft.com)

LanHelper 1.61 (Fig. 3) is a small utility that automates the process of managing a local network.

Figure: 3. The main window of the LanHelper 1.61 utility

With its help, you can remotely shutdown or reboot several computers on the network at the same time. Applications can be launched on remote PCs (if they support launching from the command line), in addition, the simultaneous launch of the same applications on a group of controlled PCs is supported.

The LanHelper utility has a built-in set of commands that can be executed on remote PCs (Fig. 4). In this case, it is possible to indicate the time when the application is launched and the time interval in accordance with which applications are launched on the PC (minimum interval 1 min). You can also schedule applications to run on remote PCs. The main advantage of the program is that it does not require installation of the client part on remote PCs to implement all its capabilities.

Figure: 4. Remote command execution
simultaneously on several computers
using the LanHelper 1.61 utility

In addition to remote command execution, the LanHelper 1.61 utility allows you to view, start and stop various services on remote PCs (Fig. 5), as well as send messages to users (to implement this feature, you must activate the Messenger service on all PCs).

Figure: 5. Working with services on a remote PC
using LanHelper 1.61 utility

To implement the capabilities of launching applications and executing commands on remote PCs, you must have administrator rights.

Demo version of LanHelper LanHelper 1.61 has a limited validity period of 30 days, license price is $ 49.95.

DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 (www.dameware.com)

DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 is a powerful system for remote administration of a local area network. It is based on a set of Microsoft Windows NT administration utilities, united by a very convenient single interface. Most of the Microsoft Windows NT administration utilities included in the package have advanced features, and in addition, it contains a number of unique utilities. In particular, the package includes the DameWare Mini Remote Control utility, which allows you to fully control the desktop of a remote PC, as well as a utility for implementing the command line mode on the remote PC.

When the DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 package is launched, the entire network is automatically scanned and the main program window displays all available domains and workgroups, as well as computers in the selected domain / workgroup (Fig. 6).

Figure: 6. Main window of DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2

Let's briefly list the capabilities of the DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 package: with its help you can view information about hard drives on remote PCs, view the contents of the Event Log, view information about connected printers, running processes and services, installed applications, collect detailed information about PC configuration, receive service information about PCs activated by users and much more. There are also additional features: you can quickly edit the registry on a remote PC, send messages to users through the Messenger service, remotely turn off or restart computers and, as already mentioned, get full control of a remote PC through the command line or desktop.

The undoubted advantage of this software package is that to implement remote control you do not need to manually install the client part of the program on a remote PC. When you try to control a remote PC through the desktop or command line, DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 automatically prompts you to install and run the required service on the remote PC. In this case, the user of this remote PC will learn about the interception of control in a pop-up window, which displays information about which PC is being remotely controlled.

The advantages of DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 include the ability to simultaneously connect to multiple computers to manage them, as well as the fact that remote control does not block the work of a local user.

Overall, this software package provides a powerful and easy-to-use network management tool.

The demo version of the program is fully functional, but with a limited 30-day validity period. A single license is priced at $ 289. In addition, the DameWare Mini Remote Control package can be purchased separately for remote control of computers from the desktop, and a single license costs $ 89.95.

Omniquad Instant Remote Control 2.2.9 (www.omniquad.com)

The current version of the Omniquad Instant Remote Control utility - 2.2.9 - is far from new, but it still remains one of the best in its class.

The Omniquad Instant Remote Control 2.2.9 utility allows you to take full control of a remote PC from your desktop. A distinctive feature of this utility is that it does not require the installation of the client part on the controlled PC. When accessing a remote PC, the corresponding service is initially launched in a hidden mode, and the user of the PC controlled with this program does not receive any notification and has no way of knowing that control of his computer has been intercepted. This allows you to use this utility for covert monitoring of user actions. Note that not all remote control utilities have the ability to control a PC without prior notification of the user.

When the program starts, the network is automatically scanned, and the main window of the program displays the computers of the network environment (Fig. 7). After selecting any computer by pressing the Remote Control button, control of the remote PC is intercepted. In this case, the work of the local user is not blocked. In addition, it is possible to run this utility in the remote PC desktop monitoring mode.

Figure: 7. The main window of the Omniquad Instant Remote Control 2.2.9 utility

Note that for remote control, you must have the appropriate access rights to the PC. If you are using a Firewall on the remote PC, you must open port 6003, which is the default for this utility. In addition, you can assign any other port to the Omniquad Instant Remote Control software (open ports can be scanned).

The disadvantage of the program is that it does not support simultaneous connection with multiple remote computers.

The demo version of the utility has a limited validity period of 30 days, the license price is $ 39.

EMCO Remote Desktop Professional 4.0 (www.emco.is)

In terms of the range of functionality, this product (Fig. 8) is to some extent similar to the DameWare NT Utilities 5.5.0.2 package. The EMCO Remote Desktop Professional software package is a set of functional tools for implementing remote control of a local network and monitoring its status.

Figure: 8. Main window of the EMCO Remote Desktop Professional utility

When you start the program, you can activate a network scanner, which allows you to collect detailed information about all computers in the local network, about the applications installed on them, about the running processes, about the versions of the operating system, about the installed hardware, etc. In addition to automatically collecting information about computers on the network (this process takes quite a long time), you can add PCs to the list manually.

The package allows you to remotely start and stop services, restart and shutdown computers. The most interesting feature of this program is the ability to gain full control over a remote computer - just select the desired computer in the list and go to the Viewer tab. If this is the first time the computer is being controlled, then the NetServer service must be installed on the remote PC. This procedure is carried out remotely and is completely invisible to the local user. Once the NetServer service is running on the remote PC, you can connect to it, take full control over the control, and then work with the remote PC in the same way as with the local PC. When managing a computer remotely, the work of a local user is not blocked; however, if you use the mouse at the same time, it is unlikely that anything will work.

Since the local user does not receive any notifications that the computer is being controlled from the outside, the EMCO Remote Desktop Professional software can be effectively used to secretly monitor user activities.

Another important advantage of the program is that it allows you to remotely control multiple PCs at the same time. In this case, a special window is allocated for each session of connection with a remote PC.

Among the shortcomings of this program, we note the complexity of its configuration when using Windows XP SP2 on a controlled PC. Moreover, as practice shows, the need for customization depends on which patches are installed. Of course, the program comes with a step-by-step instruction on the changes that will have to be made in this case (more precisely, the program downloads the appropriate instructions from the site), but all this is rather inconvenient and impractical.

The demo version of the program is designed for 30 days and supports only 25 computers on the local network. The package price depends on the number of computers in the network: 50 computers (minimum number) - $ 135; 1,000 computers - $ 1,295

Radmin 3.0 Remote Control (www.radmin.com)

Famatech's Radmin 3.0 Remote Control utility is the most recent of all the products we reviewed - its new version was released in early 2007.

This utility is designed to monitor and get full control over a remote PC in a local network.

Radmin 3.0 Remote Control is equipped with only the most essential tools for managing a remote PC and is very easy to configure (Figure 9). This makes it easy to master. The utility works on the principle of a client-server application and includes two parts: the first (server) part is installed on the controlled PC, and the second on the PC from which the control is performed.

Figure: 9. The main window of the Radmin 3.0 Remote Control utility

The disadvantages of the program include the lack of built-in tools for remote installation of the server part (Radmin Server) on a managed PC, so if you need to gain control over any PC in the network, you will first have to locally install the corresponding module on it.

In our opinion, a serious drawback of this utility is the lack of a built-in network scanner, which does not allow getting a list of PCs to which you can connect.

Well, the last drawback that was discovered during testing of this program is that for the utility to work correctly, you need to configure or simply disable the Firewall on the managed PC if it uses Windows XP SP2.

The utility works in several modes: file transfer, full control, view only, Telnet, shutdown and command line mode. There is a built-in file manager with which files are transferred from one PC to another. The program keeps statistics on the traffic used and can encrypt data.

With Radmin 3.0 Remote Control, you can control one remote computer or several at once, each with its own password. To provide an increased level of security, you can take additional precautions: turn on brute-force protection and create a list of denied IP addresses.

The latest version of the program has a lot of interesting innovations:

• support for Windows Vista;
• text and voice chat with the ability to hold conferences and exchange personal messages and password protection;
• increased level of security, providing protection against attacks, and protection of active data on the network;
• different access rights for each user;
• IP filters to restrict access to specific IP addresses and subnets.

In general, it should be noted that this utility is inferior in functionality to similar remote control utilities. The lack of a built-in network scanner, the need to locally install the Radmin Server module - all this significantly limits its functionality.

To conclude, the Radmin 3.0 Remote Control license costs $ 49 per PC.

Atelier Web Remote Commander 5.59 (www.atelierweb.com)

Atelier Web Remote Commander 5.59 (Fig. 10) is a small utility that is supposed to provide full control of a remote PC. It consists of two parts and works on a client / server basis. In addition, it is possible to remotely collect information about the hardware configuration of the PC, etc. However, it hardly makes sense to list all the utility's capabilities in this case, since it is so crude that it will hardly be possible to use it.

Figure: 10. Utility information window
Atelier Web Remote Commander 5.59

Of the obvious shortcomings, one can single out the lack of help. In addition, the program does not have a built-in network scanner, which is why you have to explicitly enter the name or IP address of the computer to which you want to connect, which is extremely inconvenient. But the main drawback is that to implement a connection to a remote PC, it is first necessary to install the corresponding program module on it (there are no built-in tools for remote installation) and somehow configure it.

Unfortunately, no matter how we set up the program, we did not succeed in making a remote connection (the connection was made via a local network between two computers with the Windows XP SP2 operating system). Although the program is paid (the demo version has a limited validity period), it is absolutely useless and inoperative. Our verdict is “into the oven” such programs.

Remote Desktop Control 1.7 (www.remote-desktop-control.com)

The Remote Desktop Control 1.7 program belongs to the category of client-server applications, that is, the Host-module of the program is installed on the controlled PC, and the Admin-module is installed on the PC from which the control is performed.

In terms of its interface (Fig. 11) and functionality, the Remote Desktop Control 1.7 package is very similar to Anyplace Control 3.3, but it also has some important differences (and for the worse), for example, it lacks the ability to remotely install the Host Module on any local computer networks. In addition, for the Remote Desktop Control 1.7 package to work, you need to configure a Firewall on the controlled computer (add the program to the list of allowed ones), while Anyplace Control 3.3 does this automatically.

Figure: 11. Main program window
Remote Desktop Control 1.7 with a displayed list of computers,
to which you can connect remotely

In terms of its functionality, Remote Desktop Control 1.7 is similar to Anyplace Control 3.3: it allows you to work in two modes: viewing and control; in the view mode, you can display the desktop of the remote PC on the screen and observe the user's actions, and in the control mode, you can completely take over the control of the remote PC.

The utilities allow you to remotely control multiple PCs at the same time. This provides for the simultaneous execution of commands such as shutdown, restart, and end of a user session on controlled PCs.

In conclusion, we note that the demo version of Remote Desktop Control 1.7 is valid for 30 days after installation. The price of the full version of the program depends on the number of PCs on which it is installed - $ 15 per PC.

TightVNC for Windows 1.3.8 (www.tightvnc.com)

TightVNC for Windows 1.3.8 is an absolutely free utility for remote computer control, which works on a client-server basis and has two modules: TightVNC Viewer and TightVNC Server. The TightVNC Server module is installed on the controlled PC, and the TightVNC Viewer is installed on the PC from which the control is performed. There are no tools for remote installation of the TightVNC Server module. In addition, before starting work, you need to configure the TightVNC Server module by specifying a connection password. To connect to a remote PC, just specify its DNS name or IP address and select the type of connection (Fig. 12).

Figure: 12. Connection to a remote PC using the utility
TightVNC for Windows 1.3.8

The only function of TightVNC for Windows 1.3.8 is to get full access to the desktop of the remote computer and control it using the mouse and keyboard. Considering that the utility is absolutely free, then it can be recommended to home users.

UltraVNC 1.0.2 (www.uvnc.com)

UltraVNC 1.0.2 is another completely free, but nevertheless very effective, client-server utility for remote control of PCs. The UltraVNC Server module is installed on the controlled computer, and the UltraVNC Viewer module is installed on the computer from which the control is performed. There are no tools for remote installation of the UltraVNC Server module in the program, so you need to install the modules locally.

The UltraVNC Server module has a lot of settings (Fig. 13) and allows you to set a password for the connection, select the ports to use, etc.

Figure: 13. Configuring the UltraVNC Server module

When accessing the desktop of a remote PC in full control mode, the work of the local user is not blocked. In addition, the UltraVNC 1.0.2 utility offers a number of additional features. For example, there is a built-in chat, with which you can exchange messages with a remote PC. It also provides the ability to transfer files. In addition to everything, the UltraVNC 1.0.2 utility provides encryption of transmitted data, for which the exchange of keys between computers is provided.

In general, it can be noted that the UltraVNC 1.0.2 utility is a highly effective tool for remote PC control and can be recommended for both home users and corporate use (especially considering that the utility is free).

RealVNC (www.realvnc.com)

There are three variants of the RealVNC program: Free Edition, Personal Edition and Enterprise Edition, which differ from each other in functionality and cost.

RealVNC Free Edition has minimal functionality and is completely free. Actually, in this case we are only talking about the possibility of gaining access to the desktop of a remote PC.

The RealVNC Personal Edition offers a number of additional features. First of all, this is traffic encryption using the AES algorithm with a key length of 128 bits (Fig. 14), and the automatic generation of the encryption key is supported. In addition, it provides the ability to use user authentication, as well as transfer files between computers and much more.

Figure: 14. Configuring traffic encryption
and user authentication
in RealVNC Personal Edition

A distinctive feature of the RealVNC Enterprise Edition is its multi-platform nature. That is, this program, having all the functionality of RealVNC Personal Edition, can be used to remotely manage computers on which both Linux, Solaris, HP-UX and MAC OS are installed, as well as Windows 95/98 / Me / NT 4/2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista.

The cost of RealVNC software depends on the number of licenses (number of computers managed) and on the delivery option. For example, the Personal Edition costs $ 30 per license, and the Enterprise Edition costs $ 50 per license.

Hidden Administrator 1.5 (www.hiddenadm.nm.ru)

Hidden Administrator 1.5 (Fig. 15) is another free program for remote computer management, and, as the name suggests, it allows you to covertly monitor computers.

Figure: 15. The main window of the Hidden Administrator 1.5 utility

The program works on the "client-server" principle. The server part is installed on a managed computer, and there are no tools for remote installation.

In addition to the function of gaining access in full control mode to the desktop of a remote computer, the Hidden Administrator 1.5 program offers a number of additional features: receive information about the configuration of a remote PC, exchange files with a remote PC, send messages to a remote PC, turn off or restart a remote computer, work with the registry of the remote PC, receive and transmit the clipboard, run programs on the remote PC, and much more (Fig. 16). It would take a lot of time to list everything this program is capable of. Note that the only thing she can't do is encrypt traffic. Naturally, it is possible to set a password for connecting to a remote PC and even configure an IP filter on computers from which remote control is possible.

Figure: 16. Selecting an action with a remote PC
in Hidden Administrator 1.5

This utility is the best in its class and can be recommended for home users.

The system administrator is constantly fighting for free disk space. This applies to both user systems and servers. Sometimes you can quickly determine which files are occupying the disk, but in a rush (force majeure situation) or when the problem is not obvious, a free program will come to the rescue - WinDirStat.

With its help, you can quickly determine the size of directories, files, their structure and location on disk. There are several display modes, among them the familiar "Explorer", as well as a graphical image of the occupied disk space.

Analyzing network packets and troubleshooting network infrastructure is a tedious task that requires preparation. The free Wireshark tool makes learning and traffic analysis easier thanks to its many features. One glance at this software will generate interest and desire to install this utility for further acquaintance. On the pages of the project site there will certainly appear materials dedicated to the program Wireshark - stay tuned.

Who doesn't know PuTTY? Perhaps this is one of the few programs that is used by all IT specialists. For those who are not yet familiar with it - here is a brief description. PuTTY is a terminal emulator. If you need to do serial connection (COM), Telnet, SSH, TCP, Rlogin is the program for you.

AMANDA Network Backup is a data backup system that uses a base (central) server and clients for different operating systems: Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X. At the same time, recording to disks, tapes and cloud storage is available. The principle of operation is well illustrated in the figure below:

Nmap - a free utility designed for a variety of customizable scanning of IP networks with any number of objects, determining the state of objects of the scanned network (ports and their corresponding services). The program was originally implemented for UNIX systems, but versions for many operating systems are now available.

PowerGUI - Allows you to simplify building your own PowerShell scripts to simply select the required cmdlets that are appropriate for your task and drag and drop them to the desired locations. Ideal for anyone new to PowerShell but with a basic understanding of the concepts. PowerGUI is an easy-to-use editor that is likely to improve your understanding of assembling more complex and sophisticated scripts, especially if you are best at absorbing information visually.

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VirtualBox - lightweight and affordable virtualization for different operating systems (Windows, Linux, Max OS, etc.) Read more about this software.

ClamWin is a free antivirus for Windows operating systems (all editions). Opportunities include:

• Scheduled Scan Scheduler.
• Automatic updating of the anti-virus database.
• Antivirus scanner.
• Integration into the Explorer context menu in Windows.
• Plugin for Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to work from a flash drive or CD without the need for installation.

Of course, there are many antivirus programs out there, but this product is included in today's article due to open source code and availability.

This add-in allows you to conveniently manage virtual machines in the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Excellent fast multi-platform network scanner.

That's all. Leave in the comments the programs and services that you use in your work. Good luck!