And unattended access is where remote access software truly shines.

But those programs aren’t designed for unattended access, which means accessing a computer remotely without someone else sitting in front of it. Not everyone needs to buy remote access software, however, as it's possible to remotely troubleshoot another computer using programs that come included with Windows PCs and Macs. You can take control of the faulty computer remotely to fix the issue or even show someone else how to navigate similar problems in the future-all as if you were sitting right in front of the device.

In that second scenario, remote access is useful for diagnosing and fixing computer problems, like an application that won’t load or even a hardware driver that isn’t working. Perhaps more importantly, remote access software also lets you take control of someone else's computer when they need help. Your entire desktop is right there, in a window on another device that you have at hand, and you can take control of your computer as though you’re sitting in front of it. Whether you need to quickly check something or grab a locally-saved file, you can. Remote access software makes everything on your computer available to you anywhere you go. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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