3AM Labs LogMeIn review

We might be more mobile than ever, but there are always going to be times when we need remote access to our home PCs. There are plenty of paid-for services available, but LogMeIn is the only service that does it for free.

It works by downloading a small application to your PC. This then communicates with the LogMeIn server as long as your PC is turned on. You can log in using any web browser. The service can use a Java application for the remote control, allowing you to use it from any web browser. However, it works best if you're using Internet Explorer, as this downloads an ActiveX control. As well as being faster to use, it also has more features, including remote synchronisation and local clipboards.

Remote connections are initially made through LogMeIn's servers, but a peer-to-peer connection takes over. It increases speed and takes the pressure off the servers; we tested it using a PC connected to a 750K broadband connection and it felt fast and easy to control. We only lost the connection a couple of times due to a poor internet connection, but we managed to reconnect straight away.

There's a full range of features including the ability to lock the remote computer's keyboard and mouse, and blank out the screen. On disconnection, the software also locks the computer.

This basic version only allows you to remote-control your PC, nothing more. This is fine if that's all you want; you can always email yourself a file you've forgotten. But if you want a bit more control, you should upgrade to the Professional version. This costs $13 (£7) a month or $99 (£55) a year. It compares favourably with its competition, namely GoToMyPC, which is £12 a month. Upgrades are performed through your account so you don't have to install a new client on the target computer.

LogMeIn Pro has some strong features. The file transfer option is excellent and doesn't require you to get a remote desktop first. Instead, it's a separate option from your computer's LogMeIn homepage. The file transfer option uses two windows - one for the local computer and one for the remote - so you can just drag and drop files between the two computers. There's also a synchronise option, so you can keep two computers up to date. This is fast and worked well on our test PC.

If you want someone else to have access to your files, you can share a file and send them an email link. File sharing can be set for a time limit or a maximum number of downloads, so you don't have to remember to turn the option off.

Finally, you can send guest invitations to your PC, which is useful if you want someone to help you fix a problem. It's similar to the Windows Remote Assistance tool, but it works through firewalls without any reconfiguration.

LogMeIn is an excellent piece of free software, and the Professional version is well worth the upgrade if you do a lot of remote work.