Being away from your computer doesn't mean you can't use it. The best remote access software we've tested lets you control your machine or someone else's from afar.

Funk Software in Cambridge, Mass., has announced Proxy 5.0, a new version of its remote control software designed to make it easier for help desk workers to support remote desktops.

Secure Sockets Layer remote access users who use the technology for getting to their desktop applications might want to try a new product from 3am Labs - it's free.

Users can simply extract the executable to any Windows machine, then run it directly. This lets system builders in the field quickly control a remote system from nearly any Internet-connected PC.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection review: Free, native remote control MRDC obviates the need for third-party remote desktop software if you have decent tech chops—and a pro version of Windows.

AnyViewer Professional is a remote desktop software application that allows users to remotely access and control another computer from the internet.

Products like pcAnywhere also face competition from the free remote-control capabilities that Microsoft Corp. has built into Windows XP, Drake added.

A researcher has created a remote print server allowing any Windows user with limited privileges to gain complete control over a device simply by installing a print driver.