I'm sure you've heard of the software PC Anywhere that allows you to connect from one computer to another and to be able to see and control the remote PC's desktop. That's all fine and dandy except for one problem...

I'm cheap.

So is there a cheap alternative to this software that allows for a remote connection to the desktop? There sure is and its name is TightVNC.

TightVNC is a free remote control software package derived from the popular VNC software. With TightVNC, you can see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer.

I've been playing with this software for over a month now and to tell you the truth I'm amazed. It's really easy to use, can connect over a local network or even across the Internet and of all things that impress me the most, it's free.

TightVNC is based off the original VNC software. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) software makes it possible to view and fully-interact with one computer from any other computer or mobile device anywhere on the Internet. That's right. You can install this software on a Linux and Windows box and control either from either with a full desktop view.

So to make a long story short. If you're looking for a way to control one computer from another across your local network, or even the Internet, this is the one for you.

The only down side to this software is it's not as user friendly as PC Anywhere, nor does it have PC to PC file transfers. But quite frankly, it's not that hard to use. As for the file transfers, that's what network shares are for.. ;)