Accessing a home PC from the road is easy if you've installed the correct software on both computers. The Windows operating system ships with a dial-up networking program, but it's problematic. We recommend a trialware copy of pcAnywhere from Symantec.

It's easy to see why pcAnywhere is so popular with IT professionals. It enables secure PC-to-PC connections through standard modems, ISDN lines, direct cable, and TCP/IP and IPX/SPX networks.

Install pcAnywhere on two machines and designate one as a host and the other as a guest. The guest computer can now transfer files and even use programs installed on the host.

There are three functions commonly required for remote access programs.

• Trade files back and forth.
  If you're at work, but need a necessary file on your home PC, don't fret. As long as pcAnywhere is running on your home computer, and your home computer is on the network, you can open the file and download the file.
  
  
• Gain remote access.
  It's possible to control a remote computer to troubleshoot it. You'll have access to open control panels, modify settings, and perform almost any task just like you were sitting in front of the PC. However, you are not able to tweak hardware remotely.
  
  
• Run programs remotely.
  This is a less common function, but it still works fine. You can run a word processing program via pcAnywhere and the processing is performed on the remote computer's side. What you're working from is a screen that is sent to you.

This pcAnywhere program does have one big drawback. You must leave your home PC turned on and connected to a modem while you're on the road. As a result, your home computer isn't as secure as it should be. If you set up your system software to prompt users for a keyword, though, an unauthorized user shouldn't get very far.