The work-from-home population just got a huge boost due to the current global pandemic. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available now to make this digital commute to the office a lot easier.

The first step in setting up your remote access is to have the proper tools in your actual office. If you’re connecting to an existing PC in your office then you will have to set up a remote connection tool. There are plenty of options available – some free and some paid.

While there are dozens of tools available here’s a few of our favorite options to check out and get started. We chose these because they are Mac and PC compatible and offer great security.

Chrome Remote Desktop – Free

This is a great first option and will work for most remote workers. It works on Mac, PC, Chromebook and mobile devices. It’s fairly easy to set up and use. In order to get started you must have a Google account (Gmail or YouTube login) and you must install Chrome if you don’t already have it. If you’re computer is part of a domain at work you will need administrator access in order to complete the install.

To get started with Chrome Remote Desktop go here – remotedesktop.google.com/access

Team Viewer – Free / Paid

This tool is one of the most popular remote tools available today and for good reasons. The personal version is free and it provides many more options than Google Remote Desktop. Team Viewer has robust support for multiple monitors, remote printing, Mac or PC access, and easy file transfer. If you’re looking for commercial and full workforce deployment then the paid version is what you will want to explore. It has full feature control for remote access as well as end user support and analytics reporting. Team Viewer is very easy to install and set up on any system.

To get started with Team Viewer visit – teamviewer.com

Splashtop – Free trial / Paid

This is a low-cost easy to deploy solution for individuals or teams alike. It provides many of the same tools as Team Viewer but the paid version is less expensive. It provides high security with two-step verification and HIPPA compliance with 256-bit encryption. The multi-to-multi monitor feature provides for a seamless remote access feel if you must use two monitors at a time. If you require two users to access one computer at the same time this tool has you covered.

To start with Splashtop visit – splashtop.com


VPN – Virtual Private Network

To gain full access to your corporate network without extra client software then a Virtual Private Network is the way to go. In order to set up a VPN you will need some hardware in place at your office, either a Windows Server, Mac Server, or some type of VPN-ready Firewall like a Sonicwall.

A VPN setup will allow you to use your computer’s built-in VPN tools in order to establish a “tunnel” to your work network. This method does not require a computer to be on the other end. If you use a laptop for work and you have taken that laptop home, this is the perfect scenario for you to access your office resources no mater where you are. Establishing a VPN tunnel creates an extension of your office network. You can use all the resources like you are physically in the office. This setup is the most versatile and cost effective solution in the long run for teams. Once it’s set up, it’s easy to add or delete network users from the VPN pool.

If you need help setting up a VPN for your office, contact us, we’re happy to help.

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