WebEx is tremendously renowned in the web conferencing arena. In fact, 3 million people use WebEx for conferencing, and soon PCNow may become just as popular. WebEx PCNow works with all browsers, web-enabled phones, PCs and even Macs. This highly compatible remote access software easily earns our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award.
WebEx even provides 5GB of free online storage so you can retrieve files without accessing the host computer. You can also share large files with colleagues or friends by sending them a secure link to the file by email. This remote access software renders exceptional host screen images, and we experienced minimal delay during our remote sessions.
What sets this remote access service apart from the rivals are its cross-compatibility features. With WebEX PCNow, you can access your Mac via your PC or vice versa. It is a web-based service and works with all browsers. We tested it on the latest versions of Windows Internet Explorer and Firefox, and it also works with Google Chrome and Safari. Any device that can access the internet can use this service, whether that device is a Blackberry phone, an iPad or a laptop.
When we tested PCNow remote access software it easily connected to our host computer with zero issues. It rendered extraordinary image quality and we could even see our screen saver, which some services did not display. WebEx PCNow can provide full remote support. We used it to access our control panel and remove software with ease; it also performed this process rather quickly. Since this remote service provides above average image quality it is a good choice for those who want to be able to edit images from a local PC. We ran Adobe Creative Suite (CS4) when testing and it worked surprisingly well, with minimal delay. It ran less demanding software like Excel without effort.
However, you cannot stream music to your local device from the host. We tested this, since it can play system sounds such as alerts, but streaming music is not possible. Additionally, remote alert sound is not cross compatible. Currently it only works PC to PC.
The file sharing tool employed by WebEx PCNow is a bit different from other remote access services. Most have a dual-panel file-sharing tool that you can use even when you are not viewing the host screen. Using PC Now you have to log in to view the host computer and then it provides a small toolbar with access to the file sharing tool. When we tested the file sharing tool we found the transfer speeds to be relatively quick. It transferred 1MB images in around 7 seconds and a complete music album in 13 minutes – nearly twice as fast as other services.
Another sharing tool is the ability to invite guests to view your screen. Guests can temporarily view your screen remotely or even control your screen. We like that WebEx also provides 5GB of free online storage. This is extremely useful if the files you want to remotely access are stored on a laptop. If you store those files online, you can access them regardless of whether your laptop is connected to the internet.
WebEx PCNow is astonishingly effortless to install and use. In fact, they are one of the few services that does not require you to supply credit card information to try their product. Since this is a web-based service you only have to install software on the host PC, then you can access your host PC from any device through the internet. A few times, we experienced a delay when attempting to connect, but WebEx linked us to a small executable file that enabled us to connect instantly. We did not have to email them to get this delay fixed; they built it into their website, so we received immediate assistance.
This remote PC software provides complete security for your data transfers and remote access. Data transfers are protected using 128-bit encryption, and logins require two levels of authorization. In addition, you can set it to always blank the screen and lock the keyboard of the remote computer when you are in a session. A feature unique to WebEx PCNow is that it will allow you to password protect files and restrict them from being transferred. Most services require you to use Windows to lock down your host files.
We are pleased to report that WebEx promptly answers their emails and provides courteous, helpful information. We were a bit disappointed that they do not provide instant support by telephone or chat; however, they answer their emails quickly so this eased our trepidation. In fact, they answered all of our email inquiries within 24 hours. WebEx provides helpful FAQs on their website, and if you really want to stay in step with them, you can follow them on Twitter. If they provided chat support, they would be within the vicinity of perfection.
We enjoy writing positive, glowing reviews. We do not always get the opportunity but WebEx PCNow deserves one. They answer their support emails quickly and thoroughly, and their product works. In addition, WebEx is helping bridge the communication gap between Macs and PCs, a tough job to accomplish. With the success of WebEx PCNow, we will see a brave new tech world in which all devices, whether mobile or desktop, will work together with spontaneous ease.
