Labs

NetOp Remote Control's impressive range of support features makes up for its average performance in the file-transfer tests. It comprises two components: a Guest and a Host. The latter is easily installed on multiple systems using NetOp's deployment utility, which - unlike NetSupport Manager - supports all Windows systems. Platform support is superb, as NetOp includes hosts for Linux and Windows CE along with an ActiveX control for browser-based remote control.

Security options are extensive too. Guests won't allow unprotected access and insist on a password, although you can set a global password at the guest to avoid having to enter it for each connection. If you want to beef this up, the optional Security Server offers support for NT domain authentication and Active Directory, but adds £840 to the asking price.

The main

A scripting tool is provided for automating various tasks, but don't expect any enlightenment from the tedious documentation, as it doesn't provide guidance on performing different tasks and merely lists each NetOp menu option. Although focusing primarily on networks, NetOp supports a wide range of alternative connection methods including modems, ISDN adaptors or a simple local connection via a null-modem cable. You can create different connection profiles and NetOp maintains an extensive phonebook for managing all your hosts for easy selection.

Any system running the host software can be accessed by a browser. A guest just runs the bundled ActiveX control, enters the IP address of the host and remotely controls it from the browser window. Security is good, as even here you need to provide a valid password before the host will accept the connection request.