Posted by kglee | Filed under Online Services
I am getting a lot of questions about LogMeIn since recently writing about the computer utility that provides remote control functions to any Mac or Windows PC. That many questions about a service usually means I need to dive deeper into how I use it, which I’ve done with LogMeIn — and my top five ways to do so are the result.
LogMeIn’s base function is to allow for the control of any computer remotely from any other one. This control is done securely over the web, and that is the primary strength of LogMeIn. You can sit in front of any computer, anywhere in the world, and control the host computer no matter where it is located. The remote computer screen appears on the local computer, and this is all done through the magic of the web browser.
LogMeIn for computers comes in several versions, with LogMeIn Free available at no cost (naturally). The premium versions add various functionalities, from the ability to copy files between computers to full-blown IT support services. The free version provides the sophisticated remote control functions to any computer, and most folks can likely get by with it.
Each computer that you wish to control remotely must have the local LogMeIn utility installed, to handle the secure login and connection. This only has to be done once and it takes few resources running in the background. Once LogMeIn is installed, that computer can be accessed from any computer, anywhere. Here are the top five ways to get the most out of LogMeIn, based in large part on the questions I am receiving about how to use it to maximum effect.
Display settings are key. When you use LogMeIn to control a remote computer, it uses the web browser as a window into the other computer. The computer you are sitting in front of becomes the de facto screen of the other computer, and you see everything you would see were you sitting in front of the other computer. LogMeIn provides a wealth of settings to handle the way the remote computer screen appears locally, but it is simple to get the maximum functionality. There is now a setting in the display drop-down box that automatically adjusts the remote screen resolution to that of the local computer. This is important as the two computers often have different display resolutions, which left on its own can make things difficult to see.
A common scenario for LogMeIn use has the user controlling the desktop system at home from a notebook computer somewhere else. Since most notebook screens run at a lower resolution than desktops with bigger screens, this resolution switching is critical. LogMeIn handles switching the host resolution (desktop in this example) to that of the notebook used to access it. It does this automatically and importantly it switches it back when you log out. That means the desktop screen switches back to a nice hi-res setting, without any user interaction.
Once that setting is made and the host display is switched to the local resolution, LogMeIn allows for a “full-screen” mode. This lets the remote desktop completely take over the local screen, and once that happens it is just like sitting in front of the host system. There are still accessible controls on the edge of the screen should you need to do something on the local system. It is very well implemented and works seamlessly once set properly.
LogMeIn works in any web browser that supports Java; I have used it in Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox without issues. If you are using a Windows PC to access the remote system, I recommend using Internet Explorer. LogMeIn installs an ActiveX control the first time you do so, and this adds a lot of controls to make the session easier. It still works fine in the other browsers, but the ActiveX control makes it more like a native app in Internet Explorer.
remote iMovie video editing from a Windows system
Tap into computing horsepower. One of the potential benefits of using LogMeIn is to tap into a more powerful computer than the one you are currently using. Say you have a powerful desktop computer at home, but are using a less powerful netbook on the road. Using LogMeIn you can take over the powerful system and do more intensive tasks than the netbook will allow. I have used this method to do video editing and encoding remotely. These tasks are very compute intensive, and typically completely take over the system on which I perform them. Since I am using the compute power of the remote system, my less powerful local system lets me do this without impacting the local work.
November 1st, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Is there the ability to NOT control the computer and just SEE what is going on?
November 4th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Yes Megan, when you are creating a session with a user you can select Launch Desktop Viewing Session, which allows them to share their desktop, but not give control.
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Handheld remote controlis the blast at present. I am always in need of mobility but in addition computing power and remote control is the resolve. Amazing knowledge appreciates