This Internet-based remote access service is incredibly easy to use. Log Me In Pro from 3am Labs takes next to no time to set up and you can start immediately using just your web browser.

Like Gotomypc and Laplink Everywhere, you use Log Me In Pro by connecting to an Internet-based server with your preferred browser.

Simply set up an account and click on ‘Add computer’ to make your current PC available for remote access.

At this point you can choose from Log Me In Pro, the version reviewed here; Log Me In IT Reach, which offers additional remote IT support functions; and Log Me In Free, which is a no-cost version with a reduced feature set.

Unlike other trial versions of remote control software, Log Me In Free does not expire and can be used as much as you like – nor are you required to provide your credit card details to sign up (Citrix/Gotomypc should take note!).

The free version includes fully functional remote control and is one of those rare software packages that really does just work.

All the important functions are there: it can scale the remote desktop smoothly to fit your local viewing window.

It’s fast and, if your remote machine is on the same Lan as your client, it will communicate at the full speed of your Lan rather than the speed of your Internet connection.

If the remote machine has multiple monitors, Log Me In will cope with that too, allowing you to either swap between displays or view them as one large, contiguous desktop.

Some other remote control applications simply ignore your second monitor, leaving you unable to access anything displayed on it – if you open a window and it opens on the second display you will simply ‘lose’ it.

Given that it’s free, why would you want to upgrade? Though useful, the free version offers no easy way of transferring files, which is where Log Me In Pro comes in with a selection of useful additions.

An Explorer-style dual-pane file manager can be run independently of the remote control session. From here you can drag and drop files in both directions, as well as synchronise or replicate folders in a single action.

By enabling remote printing you can redirect remote print jobs to your current default printer on the local PC. There’s nothing to configure and there are no drivers to install. Everything happens seamlessly and automatically.

The file-sharing function allows you to create a secure link to any file on your PC which you can then send to a friend or colleague. They can then open the link in their browser and download the file directly from you.

If you want to use your PC to run a demo for a remote user, you can invite a guest to view or remotely control your system using a one-time, time-limited session. This can be sent in the form of an HTTPS link via email or an instant messaging application.

Once they click on the link they gain supervised access to your system complete with whiteboard functions.

You can also set up secondary users for your Log Me In account, giving them access to any or all the computers you have set up without them having to purchase Log Me In Pro themselves.

Log Me In comes in versions to suit everyone from casual beginners to corporate IT professionals. And with such a good free version also available, there’s no reason not to try it – and every reason for it to be our Editor’s Choice.

This is part of a group test on remote access software. Other articles are:
Group Test: Remote PC Access Software 
01 Communique I’m In Touch 5.10 
Anyplace Control 2.12
Citrix Gotomypc 5.0
Laplink Everywhere 4
Symantec PC Anywhere 11.5 
Don’t forget security issues
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