We've been using Logmein for accessing a computer in the house while snowbirding. I have a webcam and Davis Instrument weather station for monitoring temps inside and out. Logmein increased its yearly rate from $149 to $249. Really can't justify the cost for five months use a year.Anybody got a suggestion for remote computer access programs that are low or no cost?

Get teamviewer...free for non retail use...works great!

I think TeamViewer is still free for personal use.I use a VPN to dial into my home router and then plain ol' Windows remote desktop to connect to the PC.The router can even wake up my desktop if it shutdown or fell asleep.

If you're using Windows 7 Pro you can use Remote Desktop. You don't say what operating system you're using.

There's really no need to pay for any remote desktop product anymore. There are a half-dozen free ones and, like the previous poster posted, you can just RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL8NuI9C01MWhat you pick will depend on your level of security desired.

pconroy328 wrote:... you can just RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL8NuI9C01M ...With the caveat that you need to be using a Pro version of Windows on the computer you are remoting into. Any version of Windows can act as a client but only Pro (and Enterprise) Windows can act as a host.

Remote computer access | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jan 06, 2017
bucky wrote:
I use a newfangled machine called a laptop.
To connect to your weather station and cameras back at the house?
bucky
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2017
I use a newfangled machine called a laptop.
robreab
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
When DynDNS quit their free version, I went will Google DynDNS. Also Cable internet usually doesn't change their ip addresses for long periods. Depending on how often you're home, you may be able to live without dyndns services.

I've got a router with DDWRT installed and use a VPN. Very handy when you want to do bank transactions from McDonalds wifi. Also would give you access to cameras etc.
garry1p
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
DYDNS provides the service you are looking for.

They do have a free version but no tech support my service is less than $50 a year.

No worry about dynamic or static IP since DYDNS takes care of it for you.

You will have to set up port forwarding but they can help you with that.
AsheGuy
Explorer
Jan 02, 2017
deltabravo wrote:
Teamviewer has the option to connect if no one is present at the other end.
I installed it to do just that, and it worked as advertised.
Exactly.

I leave my home desktop on 24/7 and have for over 10 years. I can get to it with TeamViewer or Google's Remote Desktop from wherever I am. With the alternative of my phone's hotspot available for Internet service, I seldom have problems with Internet access when we travel.

I will say though that with my increasing use of web-based apps and cloud storage I have a need for this remote access less often.
LittleBill
Explorer
Jan 02, 2017
MitchF150 wrote:
Haven't heard of that one, so will have to check that out.. Thanks.

you have to setup Easy Access, as long as the comp is on it works.
MitchF150
Explorer III
Jan 02, 2017
Haven't heard of that one, so will have to check that out.. Thanks.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jan 02, 2017
MitchF150 wrote:

If you use links to remote access programs like gotomeeting or other's, that will get you access, but you have to have someone on the other end to accept the connection/allow access.

Teamviewer has the option to connect if no one is present at the other end.
I installed it to do just that, and it worked as advertised.
MitchF150
Explorer III
Jan 02, 2017
From my experience, you can't just connect to your 'home' network via RDC or other local network remote programs out there.. For one thing, your home ip address is usually a dynamic IP address and not necessary the same from one day to the next.. Also, your ISP usually does not allow for access to your dynamic IP address anyway.. Which is good in a way...

If you use links to remote access programs like gotomeeting or other's, that will get you access, but you have to have someone on the other end to accept the connection/allow access.

Good luck!

Mitch
tvman44
Explorer
Jan 01, 2017
Can you still get win 7? My laptop came with vista and a free upgrade to 7 and it worked great but now I would love to reload 7 and don't think I can get it free anymore.