Timbuktu Pro

What: Remote computing software

By: Netopia, Inc.

Cost: $179.95 twin pack for Macintosh; $199.95 twin pack for Macintosh and Windows

Download: www.netopia.com

Timbuktu Pro allows you to control distant computers from your local machine over the Internet, over your LAN, or modem to modem. With it, you can access your files remotely, collaborate with others, or provide technical support by connecting to any other machine that also has Timbuktu Pro installed. You can view others' computer screens or let them view yours. Macintosh users can connect with and control Windows machines and vice versa using Timbuktu Pro. As long as each computer has a copy of of Timbuktu installed, no additional software is necessary.

The figure shows the New Connection and Preferences dialog boxes, along with a menu of action buttons, on the left.

Why I like it: With Timbuktu Pro, you're never too far away to access another computer.