Real users tell about their remote access solutions....

Remote Access with Android

Remote Access using the iPhone

I've used logmein.com (free account) for years on various SmartPhones running Windows Mobile 5.x and 6.x to get to QCharts. The pain of it was just getting connected. The speed was good enough on Verizon in Virginia Beach, VA but the device was always the slowest part.

Now I have an iPhone 3GS on ATT. Using my iPhone with LogMeIn is a much better experience overall for remoting into my multi-monitor Qcharts, and my data plan is cheaper then Verizon (iPhone $30 a month vs. $45 for smartphone on Verizon). The iPhone is way faster, slightly bigger screen, but much sharper text. You need to buy the LogMeIn Ignition app from the Apple Store (one time purchase) but it makes getting to your computer so much faster then Windows Mobile. If you use a pin on your phone to prevent someone else from using it, then I'd recommend saving remote control passwords in LogMeIn to give quicker remote access.

Just timing it, from a phone in my pocket, to unlock, run LogMeIn Ignition and connect to my computer was under 30 seconds to see the screen! Want to switch to the next monitor, just shake the phone. The way it works on a iPhone (hard to explain) also prevents me from accidently clicking the wrong stock or dragging a window, which was a constant problem on my old device.

For someone who's used Smarphones to get to Qcharts in 2005, I HIGHLY recommend an iPhone with LogMeIn Ignition to get to your PC for those quick checks of the charts.

BTW, great site. Hope this helps.
BF

Remote Access using the iPhone

Hi,
I am a student of Gary located in Germany. Heard about this website from my brother and wanted to share some experiences with you about remote access with this nice gadget called iPhone.
Having the 3G version since the very first date of availability I was desperately trying to make it connect to my VNC server at home (see www.realvnc.com  ). The iPhone is great for remote access as it has a screen that is twice as big as the screens of Blackberries, Palms etc. Its touch- screen makes it easy to zoom-in / zoom-out and navigate through the screen of your home computer. As it provides both WIFI and 3G it works fast and reliable.

That´s what I have learned so far:
1) Go to the app store (with your iPhone) and search for "VNC". It will bring up 2 results (you can download the free version to make it work; differences between the 2 apps are only minor, though I am using the prof. version now). Click on "download now", type in your iStore password and then download and installation is done automatically.
Very easy.

2) Configuration:
VNC Server: Add your IP address or domain name (like xyz.myftp.org).
If you don´t have a static IP address then you could use a service like www.dyndns.org . It provides you with a subdomian like xyz.myftp.org.
Make sure that you configure router at home so that it updates the dnydns-database with the new IP address.

VNC Server port: Standard port setting of VNC is 5900.
Though this worked well when using WIFI connection it did not work for me using the 3G connection (T-mobile does not allow it!). An easy solution is to simply change the port to 80. Please don´t forget to add a port forwarding rule in your router at home to forward all incoming requests on port 80 to 5900.

Turn off 32-bit color mode (increases speed).

3) Start the screen sharing by simply clicking on "Connect". If you have trouble connecting with the changed port and / or the dyndns subdomain setting, simply add a second connection (see step 2) but use an IP address like 192.168.0.1. Once it says "connecting..." wait 1 sec, click cancel and then connect to the other connection. Now, it works.

Best regards from Heidelberg, Germany.
CS
 

Using Win-Hand with a Treo 650 - http://www.win-hand.com/ 

Hi Bill,
If you've ever heard Gary speak of a student who is a pharmaceutical rep who trades while sitting in doctors' offices...that's me. I use www.win-hand.com on my Treo 650.
It works like a "pc anywhere" program, except you access your home computer from your Treo instead. They have recently added features that allow you to access your home computer from a flash drive or by using another computer, but I only use the Treo.

This is how I have been doing all of my trading for the past 3 years. It works great. It is important to know that your computer at home must be on. As long as it is on, you have complete access to it. (My wife will even call me if she's having computer issues and I'll correct them via my Treo.) It is pretty much as fast as your home computer...slightly slower.
It is smart to arrange your charts so that you can see everything you need on the home computer screen to prevent you from having to scroll too much. It is simple to zoom in and out also.

If anyone is on the road a lot and away from their charts, I highly recommend using win-hand. Let me also say that I am NOT a computer genius by any stretch of the imagination. It is just a simple program to use. I believe it costs $5.99 per month if you sign up for a year.

For the rare times I have experienced problems it was due to my home internet connection getting knocked out. If that happens, you will not have access to your computer.

Bill, let me know if anyone has any more specific questions whatsoever on this topic. I would be more than happy to assist.

Thanks!
Michael from Wilmington, NC

Bill,
I have used Win-Hand software with my Treo 650 for about three years to access my QCharts at home. This required a hot sync with my computer after I downloaded the software and hot syncs every so often to help insure a good connection between the two. I had to give up my Treo in January because I switched carriers and could not use my Treo and decided not to buy another. However, here are some of my comments about the service.
Cost was around $100 + for a year. I don't remember for sure the yearly fee. It was cheaper than a monthly access. The service worked great at about 56K speed, I found that I could not run a screensaver because it would interfere with my connection. If I was going to go on vacation, then I had to turn off any automatic update that would auto restart my computer to insure my connection. Win-Hand had a screensaver that required a password to access my home computer. I left it unattended, but some times that gave me trouble on the Treo end. Other than that I was very well satisfied with the service. I was able to handle my 5 monitor system in that small screen. It just takes a while to scroll across. I primarily used this to monitor trades and close trades. I have entered trades but the entry point I was always a little shaky because of the speed that I was running. At some point I may get data service with my old carrier and use my Treo again because it was just a convenience that I got used to.
I would recommend it to anyone that works 8-5 as a means to access Qcharts and it operates OptionXpress very well too.
DR

Using Win-Hand on a Treo 755

what software you're using to make the remote connection:
Winhand (newest version, not sure the number)

-how you like it I like it now.
I have been using a Treo 650 and it was slow go. The new Treo 755 is much faster.

- how long you've been using it
Started with Treo 650/winhand in 2006. Switched to Treo 755 in January 2008. Still using Winhand, whatever the most up to date version is.

- would you recommend it to others
Yes I recommend it. I like it to check a chart once or twice a day. I'd never go on vacation and expect to use it as a source of checking charts daily. I'd never want to use it to check a whole workspace. its too slow for that (even with the faster Treo 755). But for checking on 1-4 stocks that are already pre-selected by me, it works.

- any problems or issues you've had.
It's just slow overall. Sometimes the computer locks me out. But its better than nothing.

- what your actual monthly cost is :
I really don't remember. in the famous paraphrase of our mentor: I don't know, it goes on my credit card. All I know is I pay the bill. Sorry I don't have the specifics.

Bill,
A friend just told me about logmein.com, it is a free site. its like Go To My PC but its free. I don't know much about it. I think its just PC to PC. The clarity and speed are supposed to be great. If needed, I can have my friend email you. He just learned about qcsoftwarehelp last night in RTP class so I doubt he is on your listserve yet. If you don't have guys emailing you about logmein.com, then I can forward this email to him and have him let you know about it.
J

I use the Treo 700P and connect via Win-Hand. The yearly cost is around $70.
I have been pleased with it. The only downside is you have to periodically reload these access keys and I am not tech savvy so it takes me awhile to do it. I eventually figure it out. The other negative is there is no live tech support so if you don't find the answer on the web you are left to struggle.
EO

Hi Bill,
I have a Treo 700p with Palm OS and I use Win-Hand. It's a little slow responding but the charts are clear. Of course the slow response may be due to the Treo and not the software since I don't know if the small amount of memory they put in it can handle the load. I have a friend that has a Samsung with Windows and he says that my charts are a lot clearer than the software that he uses, sorry I do not know what it is.

I like both the Treo and Win-Hand a lot and would recommend them both to keep an eye on a few stocks but it would drive you crazy if you tried to look at the charts for a lot of them. You would not even attempt to look at all the charts on your workspace, you would need a computer for that. But you can at least see your whole workspace (by scrolling back and forth & up and down) so all the stocks that are on your quote sheets are clearly visible if you just want to see if they are going up or down. You can select stock charts to view by tapping on the screen (on the quote sheet) like you would click a mouse on your home computer.

I've been using it about 4 months.

For price I update every 3 months so I get charged about $10 a month. There may be a way to extend the time and pay less but I could not figure out how, that may be a negative. I had to go through a online store after I clicked buy on the Win-Hand webspace and it was a little confusing and I could not buy more than 3 months of service. But I think that is pretty minor compared to the hassles that QCharts gives me. ;>)

Please let me know if you need any other information, and once again thank you for all the help you give all of us, Bill.

Cheers,
DH
 

I have a Treo 755 and had a 700 previously. I have used Win-hand.com to monitor my QCharts, emails, web, etc. through my desktop in my office for about 2 1/2 years. It does the job and costs me about $100 per year. It can be a little tedious sometimes due to the encryption routine, but I willingly put up with that because it improves security. I used to be able to leave my QCharts on continuously as long as I had a good cell signal, but a year or two ago, Win-hand started dropping you off unless you had an input into your Treo every three minutes. This is a pain when you're on the road or trying to do two things at once, but again it improves security (in case you loose your phone while you're connected). I tried numerous times to have them allow each user to "set" the number of minutes that the program will stay connected without input to your device, but so far - no luck there. Again, however, the service is worth the aggravation. Also, I once ran out of encryptions while on vacation - and there was nothing that I could do. I had no service until my return allowed me to hotsync a supply of encryption codes into my phone. They now have a new version that sounds similar to "GoToMyPC.com" that may eliminate some of these problems, but I have not yet signed up for the free 30 day trial on that.

I would certainly recommend Win-hand to anyone that wants to monitor Q-charts or anything else on their desktop PC.

BH

Using PT Pocket Office with Windows Mobile 5.0 - http://www.parystec.com/ 

My phone is a Samsung i730 (Windows Mobile 5.0). I use "PT Pocket Office" ( http://www.parystec.com/ ) and after buying the software for ~$25, there is no monthly fee. The graphics are not as good as Win-Hand running on a Treo700 (PTPocketOffice has lower resolution) but it loads quick and works great. I've been using it about a year but don't use it unless I'm in a pinch. Obviously, I'd rather be in front of 4 monitors vice a smartphone. But I do have complete control over my home computer using it. I would recommend it, especially since there is no monthly fee.

PTPOcketOffice installs a WinVNC client on your desktop during installation that runs all the time so the software connects right to it. With PTPocketOffice, you have to either enter your IP address or a hostname to connect. I have a dynamic IP through my IP Provider (Cox) but I use a free monthly service to set up a hostname I can always use. https://www.dyndns.com/

PTPocketOffice may be a little harder to setup than Win-Hand but I didn't have any problems with it once I got the hostname.

Thanks,

TF

Using "Log Me In" with a Windows Mobile phone - http://www.logmein.com 
Hi Bill,
I have an 18month old Audiovox PPC6700 PocketPC smartphone running Windows Mobile. Unlimited internet access added $30 a month to my cell phone bill (I use Alltel in Eastern NC).
Logmein.com (www.logmein.com)  is my remote connection software. I LOVE IT. It lets me tap into my home PC from my phone as well as from my laptop. I've used Logmein.com for nearly 2 years now. They have a free version of the software, and I am very satisfied with it. It's totally FREE and allows a remote connection to one computer. I recommend it highly.
Installation and setup are easy and it can be quickly accessed through their website with any internet capable device or computer. You can view multiple monitors: one at a time or all at once.
As with all gadgets and software there is a slight learning curve: setting up your charts to view on a smaller screen and using the stylus to scroll around is different from using a mouse. Making a connection with the phone isn't instantaneous, so I allow more time to check charts. And after a period of inactivity it will log out. Logging in while driving is not recommended. It is possible, but not so smart!
All in all, I've experienced no issues that can't be adapted to. Did I mention that its free?

Another method for remote connections is the Remote Desktop Connection application available (also free) through Windows. It connects with the IP address, so a bit more computer savvyness is required. After connecting with Remote Desktop, the Logmein program won't connect without first logging in manually at the computer... so I don't use it much anymore.

I typed this remotely with my phone from work, so please edit any goofs. Let me know if you have any questions!
-R from Eastern NC

Using Logmein and a Verizon XV6800 Pocket PC

Using Remote Desktop on Windows Mobile O/S

Hi Bill,
I have a Treo 700w that I've used to connect to my pc at home via remote desktop (comes on the Windows Mobile OS) and it works great, although I don't like scrolling around trying to see the charts. I also use the oxwow.com site to place trades. I've recently seen the new iPhone and it's chart capabilities (even though they are 20min delayed) I can see them better and don't have to connect to another pc, etc etc. So I'm gonna try and sell my Treo and get the iPhone so if you hear of anyone that would like a used Treo, please let me know. Let me know if you need more info, I'll be happy to talk to you on the phone if you like.

The data on the Verizon is $50 a month and I believe the iPhone is $20 extra.

KW

Using Palm VNC client with a Treo 650

Bill,
I have been using my Treo 650 (with unlimited internet package) with palm OS running and Palm VNC client to connect to a VNC server on my home computer for about 2 years now with no problems. The software is free and easy to install. If people are looking to use this they will need to download a (free) client at www.no-ip.com to simulate a static IP address for the VNC server which is their home PC. The version of Plam VNC that I run is version 2.2.

Requirements to Use Palm VNC - unlimited Data plan(i use unlimited and it costs roughly 44 a month) with your mobile phone provider and a plam treo 650 or newer running palm OS.

1. Download a (free) client at www.no-ip.com to simulate a static IP address for the VNC server which is their home PC. Instructions on how to set this up are on the www.no-ip.com website - NOTE: Will need to log on every 90 days to keep account active.
2. Download Plam VNC version 2.2 and install on Both

Here are the specifics on  what I do:

Download Palm VNC version 2.2 and install on Treo and on your computer.

Go to www.no-ip.com and create an account for free. You will assign it a unique username.

Next, download no-ip's Dynamic Update Client (DUC) software from their site and install it your PC. This app will get your real IP address and report it to the no-ip servers.

Now you will need to login to your router and do the following:

Go to your routers' port forwarding setup page (probably have to play around until you find it). Make a new entry on this page for your computer you are connecting to as follows:

For "Ext. Port" and "Int. Port" type in 5800.
For "Protocol" choose TCP.
"For the IP Address" enter the last digits of the IP for that PC.
Make sure to click the Enable check box.
repeat the above four steps for 5801, 5900, and 5901

Then click the "Apply" button.

Will also either want to turn off windows firewall or do the following:
start->control panel -> windows firewall
Click the exceptions tab
click the add port
in the name field add palm vnc 1
in the port number field add 5800
make sure tcp radio button is selected
repeat above for 5801, 5900, 5901.
also need to click the add program button to add the following programs as trusted Ultr@VNC Server (App Mode) and Ultr@VNC Viewer.

Now you will need to run the vnc server for the first time on your computer that is done by
start->program files->Palm VNC->Ultr@VNC Server (App Mode)
We need this service to start every time we start our computer so do the following
start->control panel->administrative tools-> services shortcut. Then
start->scroll
until you find VNC server service and right click then go to properties and change the startup type to be automatic.

Setting up Treo VNC application:

On the Treo VNC application create a profile to connect to your home computer. For the Address enter the URL you created at No-IP along with the proper port number for that PC. For example: username.no-ip.info:

It really sounds a lot more complicated than it is. I use this setup and am able to reach myy computer in my house from my Treo from anywhere I am as long as I've got a signal.

CE

Accessing home computer from work computer - not using a smartphone at all.

Bill –
I do not use a smart phone but I do have a similar set up for accessing QCharts from my office.
The company I work for has 23100 blocked therefore preventing QCharts from working through their internet service.  I use “WebEx PC Now” http://pcnow.webex.com  service to access my home computer using my work computer.

Works really well and I would recommend it to others. The only thing I’ve noticed is that it’s a second or two behind my pointer movement. When you click a button you have to wait about two seconds to see the results. However there are additional benefits beyond viewing my home computer like being able to move files from my home to my work computer (pretty cool).

They offer a 30 day Free. Afterward, the cost is $12.95 / month to access one computer. I’ve been using it for two months.

The only issue I have noticed it that if I don’t restart my home computer every 3-4 days PC Now’s website will show it ‘Offline’ when I try to access it. A simple restart has always fixed it.

PC Now website states that their service is compatible w/ a smart phone.

Thanks again!
FR

Remote access using a Blackberry

Bill,
I have tried use RDM+ on my BlackBerry 8830.

This software sells for $50 and does not have a monthly charge. However, it works OK. I have compared it to a friend's TREO/win-hand and it is much slower. We don't know if it is the Blackberry (Verizon) or the software.

Pros:
One time cost
Runs on BB (since that is what I have)
Included in price is a free use of a browser based client from provider's website

Cons:
Must reboot BB periodically
Slowish.
Have multi-monitor system at home, when connected reduces qcharts to a single monitor size.

Overall:
Cheap to experiment with remote access software with no monthly charge and works with currently owned handled. If you own a BB, I have not seen much else out there.

Hope that helps for you data collection. This is a great idea, thanks for putting it together and let me know if you have any other questions.
E

Bill -
Darren here, I have Treo 700w (Verizon).

I use PTVNCWMS5x:
( http://www.parystec.demon.co.uk/pt_vnc_WM5_software.htm )

Its pretty good, would I recommend it, haven't found any others for Treo 700w, if there are, I would consider them or at least compare them. No monthly cost, just a one time fee. Users might have to open up the port for VNC access to their computers though.

Using GoToMyPC

-what software you're using to make the remote connection
GoToMyPC.com

-how you like it
Just started using it but it was very easy to set up and seems to work well.

- how long you've been using it
3 days

- would you recommend it to others
So far, yes

- any problems or issues you've had.
None yet

- what your actual monthly cost is
If you buy it on a yearly subscription it is $15/month - on a monthly basis I believe it is $20/month - there is a 30 day free trial.

By the way, I just got a Palm Treo with Windows Mobile operating system. If I'm understanding things correctly, you must have the windows operating system to work with GoToMyPC. There is a "cheaper" alternative if you have a Palm with the Palm OS, win-hand.com (about $6/month with a yearly subscription)... but I don't know how well it works, etc. You must have the Palm OS to use win-hand - it does not work with the windows OS.
Hope that helps some...

Bill -
I have 2 configurations that I use: 1 for office, 1 for anywhere else.

Office:
I use GoToMyPC.com and it is incredible. My office has the necessary ports blocked for access and QCharts can't be run directly. The best part using GoToMyPC.com, besides getting around the blocked port constraint, is that I can maximize my desktop to cover my 4 monitor setup at home. At my office I have a 2 monitor system (which is great bonus for being in the IT department there) and using GoToMyPC.com allows me to show my entire 4 monitor home system on my 2 monitor system at work. I usually just maximize it full screen and just view 2 monitors at a time though. Setup was real easy and it cost me $180 for the year. I've been told that LogMeIn allows me to do the same thing for free, but I didn't bother to check them out - this one works great for me!

Anywhere Else:
I have a Verizon XV6700 Pocket PC and a laptop running Windows XP Professional. My Verizon plan has Unlimited Data access for $44.95/month. I simply do the following...
1) start the "Wireless Modem" software that comes preinstalled on the Pocket PC.
2) tether the "modem" (aka my cell phone) to my laptop via a USB cable
3) on my laptop, go into "Network Connections" and select the new modem
4) connect to Verizons network, phone number is something like "#777" and username is your phone # "@vzw.net" and password is "vzw"
5) hit "Connect" and in a second or two you are connected to the internet through Verizons network
6) now I can use the same GoToMyPC.com software that I have from above OR I can simply use "Remote Desktop Connection" that comes preinstalled on my Windows XP Professional Laptop OR I can simply run QCharts directly. I always remote into my home PC just so that all my notes, workspaces and other things are immediately available to me, instead of trying to sync them between my home pc, laptop, and work pc - it just gets too confusing - I just leave everything on my home PC - which gets backed up nightly! :)
Only downside to the Verizon setup (as with any cell phone solution) is you are at the mercy of your signal strength. I had to go the route of GoToMyPC.com at work because I only had a single bar on my cell phone and the connection then was very slow. Going through my offices internet connection and GoToMyPC.com was a blessing to be able to see the charts and take action while on a 10 minute break!

Hope this helps some people!
-DB