(Click here for a larger view of the NetSupport Manager console)
Like software such as Microsoft's RDC (Remote Desktop Connection), VNC, Symantec's PCAnywhere, and a host of other offerings, NetSupport Manager allows one machine to control another remotely. However, it appears to be much more ambitious in its reach. For example, the program is designed to connect to multiple clients at once, gather hardware inventories, and distribute files to connected systems.
NetSupport Manager's console allows zooming in on or maximizing views of remote clients
(Click to enlarge)
A central control console (above) runs on a Windows desktop computer, providing live thumbnails of connected clients. Remote computers can be running any Microsoft operating system, from DOS on up to Windows Vista, including 64-bit editions. Windows CE, Pocket PC, and Windows Mobile devices are also supported, as are Macintosh, Linux, and Solaris clients.
Exclusive or shared control of a remote system's screen, keyboard, or mouse are provided, regardless of its operating system, resolution, or the network protocol being used to connect, NetSupport claims. The software requires no changes to existing firewalls or network security, the company adds, thanks to a special gateway component. Running on any PC that has a static IP address and will be accessible to both control and client PCs, the gateway will connect only systems that share the same NetSupport license key.
In addition to basic remote control, NetSupport Manager also includes two-way audio and text messaging, file transfer, and folder synchronization. Network management capabilities include gathering a regularly updated inventory of the hardware and software on any client. Via the control console, it's also possible to reboot, power off, or power on clients, including Windows CE, Pocket PC, and Windows Mobile devices.
Special capabilities for Windows Mobile
Apparently, NetSupport Manager allows Macintosh, Linux, and Solaris clients to be controlled, but not to control others. Windows CE, Pocket PC, and Windows Mobile devices (right) have added functionality, however, since they can control, power on/off, or reboot any supported platform. Remote screens are scaled so they can fit onto those of a mobile device.As noted above, version 10.3 of NetSupport Manager also includes a variety of enhancements. For example, it now coexists with Microsoft's RDP (remote desktop procotol) by detecting if an RDP session was already established between the control console and any client. If so, it prompts the user, allowing RDP to continue in "screen scraping" mode, or shutting it down and establishing a native NetSupport connection instead.
NetSupport Manager also has added Smart Card support, allowing a login to any remote client via a reader attached to the control PC. In addition, if a client has multiple monitors, these can now all be viewed and selected via thumbnails. Finally, the control PC now stores commands previously executed at a command prompt on any client, allowing them to be recalled from history and reused elsewhere.
Further information
NetSupport Manager, version 10.3, is available now. The company did not release pricing, but said a fully functional 30-day trial copy can be downloaded from its website, here.
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/
