Have you ever received offers by mail, e-mail, or phone to the point you just wanted to scream? I have. It got to the point where no matter what I received I would set it aside for later. (Later being the next day or the next Millennium). I appreciated receiving all the CDs and products for use, demo and evaluation, however, at times.it became overwhelming. Due to this I almost missed one of the most fantastic products I have ever used; CrossTecCorp's "NetOp Remote Access".

My first encounter with NetOp was one of "Okay, when I get around to it I'll load another program that promises this, states that and usually falls short of their published and stated hype." The CD was pre-dated for a certain install time, and expired while in my: "get to it" pile. I received an e-mail from CrossTecCorp asking me if I had tried their product. I told them I had gotten too involved in other things and had not installed their product, but if they wished they could send me another demo CD and I promised them I would try it out. Normally I don't do this, but because of their friendly professionalism I made the effort to match theirs. I was glad I did.

I had used Net-Meeting, PC Anywhere, GotoMyPC, and was disappointed with them all, so I was reluctant to try another "Remote Access" program. I had other things to do and was growing tired of all the "Honeymoonin" software companies lay on you. I loaded the "NetOp" CD in my Windows 2K Professional PC as Guest (controller) and my other box which I have Windows 98SE, Red Hat Linux 7.2 and Windows 2000 Server loaded on their own hard drive. (Yes, I have a triple boot system on my Compaq Prosignia 200 server that I actually use for my trainer and R&D). So I booted into my Windows 98SE on my Compaq and loaded the "NetOp" CD and configured my Win 98SE as HOST (the one to be controlled). I expected to spend several hours fixing this or that, you know all the work-arounds one has to do or so it seems with software programs, even though they state it will practically run itself by itself.

I can tell you that "NetOp" is the first Product to not only live up to their stated advertisement, but surpass it. The Windows Load was fantastic. The speed shocked me. After using the other Remote Access programs I was expecting to be able to take a coffee break on each program/window change. No such luck here. It was just as fast to me as if I didn't have Remote Access. The GUI was bright and clear, matching the Remote computers GUI to a tee. I was totally blown out of my chair with the ease of installation. I was so impressed I dedicated a page on my Web site to this product. (No, I do not receive compensation, They didn't even send me a free copy). You can view my Web site at: www.mediagrafx.com Go to 'Remote Access", where I present to you screenshots of my Windows Load and my Linux Load.

I had promised "NetOp" that I would load up the Linux Guest (controller) and give it a run using my Windows as Host (to be controlled and remote accessed). I was already running my Red Hat Linux 7.2 on my Compaq Prosignia when I inserted the CD. I clicked on my CD icon on my desktop, not knowing what to expect. Previous encounters with Wine and trying to load MS products was an effort in futility for me (in defense of Wine I only had a 1mb Video Card at the time). The program CD opened up my file manager: Konqueror (KDE Desktop file mgr.) and there was a Readme.txt which I clicked open. It told me where to find the executable and instructions in the License.dat file to insert the license key when NetOp asked for it. All went fantastic. I clicked on the rpm thus invoking my Package Manager to take over of the loading and installing of the program. I unchecked my: "Check of Dependencies", "Upgrade" check boxes and off it went. I then opened a Konsole Screen and invoked the command, NetOp, and a graphical screen appeared. I then loaded the CD after removing it from my Linux box and inserted it into my Windows 2K Pro box. for Installation. Upon completion a screen opened up asking if I wanted to allow Remote Access, which I did, and also asked or recommended that I use a password for authentication. I then went back to my Linux box after confirming both Computers were configured for Remote Access, and clicked on the Tab marked "Quick Connect". It asked me for the IP address of the computer I wished to connect, as well as the protocol I wanted to use for this Remote connection. I chose TCP/IP, which is all I use in my Dial-Up to my ISP and my LAN.

I couldn't believe it. Even though "NetOp" performed flawlessly in my initial Windows Install, I expected some trouble with the Linux. It didn't happen. Now I know that this Program is the ultimate in Remote Access. Plus they have other Remote Access Programs: "NetOp Remote Control Gateway", NetOp Security Server", "NetOp Domain Name Server" and "NetOp School". One could easily setup a server (file, print, personal folders, etc..) and use terminals for their workforce, thus allowing all aspects of the desktop to be secured and used only in accordance with the company scope of operations. What an idea for Security, eh? Have complete control over your Wan/Lan through one centralized control center. Also think of the "Help-Desk" situation. No more traveling across town or base to fix one little glitch or an install. All can be done right from the control center at any time, day or night, 24/7-365 days a year. I know I am going to receive flames for this one. This might reduce the Help-Desk staffing and become too efficient. So go check out my screenshots at: www.mediagrafx.com/ra_linux.htm and see for yourself. Better yet, go get your own copy at: www.crossteccorp.com