Symantec pcAnywhere Version 11 has a comprehensive feature set, although you will need to have Active Directory Services activated to make use of some of them. Those of you without Active Directory or operating a mixed installation need not despair, as the core control features work without it.
The main modes of operation are remote control, remote management and file transfer, and the user can switch between modes. There is also a quick deploy and connect option that will deploy a minimal client program on a selected target that does not have pcAnywhere already installed. This is particularly useful where computers have IP addresses assigned dynamically, or where the target machine would not normally be subject to remote control.
The remote control feature is easy to configure and use, giving full control of the target machine. The remote management features provide a convenient way to troubleshoot problems, with access to diagnostic tools such as task and service management, event logs, registry and system files, and a command prompt all in one place.
It is possible to examine an event log, determine the nature of the problem and make whatever changes are needed, even to the extent of uninstalling the offending program and rebooting the system. All the Remote management output is displayed at the controlling computer, leaving the controlled machine's display undisturbed.
The File Transfer facility offers the normal file handling facilities, and also a command queue structure, enabling commands to be cancelled or re-ordered as needed. This makes it possible to automate a number of administrative tasks that would otherwise need to be scripted.The contents of a command queue can be saved to a file to be used later.
Symantec also provides the Remote Access Perimeter Scanner, which scans and reports any unsecured remote access host machines located on the network.
