I have a potential new client who I would like to be able to access their pc and work via that as on top of bookkeeping they will require some updating of schedules etc.
Any recommendations or ones to avoid?
Also having never used this before, can the client allow me access to certain files only as I presume they would wish to?
Hi, I too am very interested in remote access, so I will be watching this thread. I did a job on Sage a while ago and that could be accessed by the owner but can't this cause problems if more than one user?
I use GoToMyPC (am using it now), which I've been very happy with, although I know there are other options. With it, you take over a computer - in my case, I leave my work PC on and am logging in from home (but can log in anywhere through internet access). In your case, you would be able to access as though you were actually sitting in front of the PC.
Also use VNC Server, which I believe is free although it doesn't have as much functionality. With GoToMyPC, I can click print and it will print locally - where I am now - and you can also copy and paste files, or click and drag.
I use clever accounts - but I admit I have the accountants (50 accounts) version rather than the individual company version. They are not promoting it at the moment, but if you are interested just contact the company and they may offer it to you. They do a 10 account version, but the 50 account version is only a little bit extra.
I can't leave my PC on, simply because where I have my office (in Hampshire!) we have the occasional power cut, which is extremely embarrassing when it happens. I can access the accounts even on my Iphone if I want, as the login is via my web site.
I have been offered lots of other online accounts but all of them means it costs my clients and they have to pay the supplying software companies direct. The clever accounts system I use - I pay for and include it in my fees to the clients I use it with. Some clients pay extra to use it - so I actually make a bit on it.
Hi, I have used logmein free remote access. Worked pretty well but have to say did have to squint a lot. Additionally have found dropbox and it has been my life saviour for the last 6 months or so. Can easily save documents in the dropbox and collect on my own pc - its like magic and love it. - and amazingly free. Anyone interested link is: http://db.tt/oZ42Scv
Sync your files online and across computers with @Dropbox. 2GB account is free!
Would appreciate if use the link as I get additional dropbox space - worth its weight in gold.
thank you Donna
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Donna Curling - Complete Book-Keeping Ltd (CBKLtd) - 07939 101900
Like Donna I also use Dropbox and have found this to be invaluable as a backup tool as well as a way of accessing files remotely. I have always been concerned about using logmein or others in case the broadband connection to my office computer is down and I am unable to access the information stored their.
I've been away for sometime but I think I have something to contribute to this thread!
We used the Log Me In free solution for a number of years and found it ok but things like printers would work, but only sparadically and a few other glitches. But for free it was great! After much thought we swicthed to a Citrix solution around 6 Months ago.
The reason we changed is because Citrix appeared to be the most stable Remote Access Solution and also if you get a good provder it will act as a back-up solution too, as most of the companies have to have another back-up centre incase of fire etc.
It means we can work at home, clients premises and wherever and we always log into our own desktop!
The cost of our solution is £ 49 per Month per user, and a one off installation cost. It is not cheap but once you get a good client base we feel that the protection of ours and our clients data is well worth the cost and peace of mind!
There are countless providers and we would recommned this solution once your practice income warrants this investment. If anybody would like to know more, please provide your email address and queries and I'll be happy to send further details.
I use drop box and "share folders" with clients. Using the referral system you can get an extra 8GB - so thats up to 10 GB free. I don't need to referrals as I have been getting clients to use it. It work really well with clients who are really bad at keeping records. They just add the copies of the receipts into the shared folder when they receive them so they can't go missing!
Also I have mine set up so I can see the dates records are added. I have a number VAT registered clients that just keeps adding the files to the shared folder when they have them. When I have nothing to do, I can update the accounts - I keep a record of when I last updated so I just have to do the ones added since then.
I also sometimes work from my laptop when I am out of the office (passworded for security!) - the files automatically update to the laptop too. Its great for sharing files between computers and clients. I rarely send e-mails now - just put payslips, tax returns, invoices etc in the drop box folder. Once in a while I'll just ring a client up now for a chat instead of e-mailing, as it really helps with time management. Clients really prefer it. I also no longer get requests for document supplied before - as there are usually copies in the shared drop box folder. I was introduced to it by a client who translates business documents - she has 3 computers she works from, 1 in her UK office, 1 at UK home and another at her villa overseas! She can work from any of them when she wants. I thought it was a great system and very secure. Dropbox stores the files on a secure server - which also has secure back up copy.
-- Edited by YLB-HO on Wednesday 2nd of March 2011 03:51:01 PM
