Does the Carbonite remote access feature allow me to view any file or email individually from any computer, similar to the GoToMyPC program?

Posted by kent on March 16th, 2010

The following is an actual user submitted question:

Q: I am considering buying Carbonite and would like to know if I still need GoToMyPC remote access program if Carbonite allows for remote access? Does the Carbonite remote access feature allow me to view any file or email individually from any computer, similar to the GoToMyPC program?

A: Thank you for the question; it's a good one. Both GoToMyPC and Carbonite are invaluable tools for people who are frequently away from their main computer. Both programs allow you to access files remotely, they just do it in different ways. What you're suggesting would absolutely work; Carbonite backs up your emails (at least with Microsoft Outlook, Outlook express and Windows Mail) and you can use the remote access feature to read them. We just tested it, using a Mac to retrieve backed up email on a PC.

There is something to keep in mind, however. Since Carbonite's remote access is only about file retrieval and not remote control, you'll have to leave your email program up and running when you're away from it if you want access to your latest emails. The advantage of a true remote access program like GoToMyPC is that you can check your mail in real time. The other thing we found with our test is that emails are pretty deeply buried in the Windows file structure, so you have to navigate a little way down into the tree.

Remote access software catches a thief

Posted by kent on September 17th, 2009

When we reviewed remote access (a.k.a. remote desktop) software we listed a number of benefits the service provides, but here's one we never anticipated: Using it to get your stolen computer back. According to an article in PCWorld, that's exactly what David Krop did when he had two laptops stolen from his locked SUV.

While leaving the computers in his SUV was not the smartest move, his next move was: he used the LogMeIn remote access software that he had installed to monitor and gather data on the laptop's new owner. He was able to monitor the complete activities of the stranger, activities that included chatting, checking email, making Facebook updates, posting sexually explicit Craigslist ads, and downloading pornography. Eventually Krop had enough information to send police to the home of the suspect. Of course, this is not the intended use of remote access software; Krop was lucky his target wasn't smart enough to realize the software was running.

The suspect turned out not to be the thief, but merely a recipient of stolen property. He had bought the computer at a barbershop, even though he was pretty sure it was stolen, and he already had a laptop:

The buyer already had a PC; but it was infected with viruses, and fixing it would have cost $150. "So instead of paying $150 to get my viruses fixed, I thought I'd buy this one for $300."

The viruses no doubt came from his habit of downloading pornography. Still, he would have probably been better off paying $60 or less for Internet security software, although we don't imagine NextAdvisor is a site he visits much.

NextAdvisor launches remote desktop reviews

Posted by kent on September 3rd, 2009

We are please today to announce the newest review category here at NextAdvisor: Remote Desktop Services (known interchangeably as Remote Access or Remote Desktop Access). Remote Desktop is a technology that allows users to access one PC with another. Once just a tool for traveling professionals to access their work files while on the road, remote access is increasingly being used to manage home networks, control media PCs, and provide remote tech support for less-computer savvy friends and family.

We put the big names like Symantec up against relative newcomers to see which provides the best, most trouble-free service for the money. You might be surprised what our reviews turned up. As always, we offer a comprehensive comparison chart, full reviews, and an FAQ.