TightVNC is a great platform-independant remote access application. If you don't know what remote administration tools are, you should start by reading my previous post on the subject. In short, these tools allow you to easily log into and control another computer over a network, or over the internet.

After I did the last article, a couple of people suggested that I mention TightVNC. Well, now I am! They are correct in pointing out that the "Tight" version of VNC is optimized to run faster, as well as run on a variety of platforms. You can use it to control a Windows computer from a Unix/ Linux one, or vice versa. You can use it to control a Mac. You can use it to control any combination of these platforms, with the exception that you cannot control a computer from a Mac yet (unless you run OSX, which is basically Unix, of course).

Programs like this are very handy. I will use it from a clients house to log into my computer to check some information, or to email myself a file. At home, I will log into my living room computer to crank up the music. The possibilities are endless.

TightVNC is absolutley free. If you would like to download it, go to this page and look for the appropiate download for your operating system.