Remote PC and screen-sharing app

ShowMyPC is a an application designed to help users connect their computers to another via the internet. Free and open-source, it offers remote access and screen sharing services to its users. It is easy to use and even allows you to connect with multiple computers, which is convenient for online conferences. However, it does not offer features common to remote access software, such as file sharing voice over IP.

App setup

Setting up the app is relatively easy. You only need to download and install it on your computer, and you are good to go. However, if you want to use the platform for screen sharing, the meeting participants need to install the software. There is an option to send web links rather than have the participants download the software. Unfortunately, it is only available on the Premium version.

To set up a screen share, click the Start a Meeting button. You can also decide whether you will allow the other participants remote access to your mouse, keyboard, and files. The app will then provide a password, which you can share with the other participants of your online meeting.

As noted, the app also allows remote control access. You only need to click the View Remote PC button and type the password provided by the system. There is no need for an IP since ShowMyPC relies on SSH port forwarding. With this, you will not need to input more information about your target PC besides the randomly generated password.

App features and performance

ShowMyPC comes with a simple, if not outdated, interface. With this, you can set up remote access or a screen share easily. Moreover, you can share your screen with an unlimited number of remote users, so long as they have the app installed and the password. As noted, you can even allow them access to your peripherals, making it useful for live chat.

However, keep in mind that the free version comes with numerous limitations. For one, it does not support audio. Moreover, running a chat through the program is also only available in the premium plan. ShowMyPC does not have any file-sharing tools built into its screen-sharing side. On the other hand, the remote desktop side is a little more functional.

Here, you can create a shared folder that is mirrored on the host and control computers. Using this, you can transfer files between two devices. The program also allows you to print remotely. However, note that the remote access feature is not available on the free version. You need to subscribe to the premium plan to get this service. Also, there is no voice-over IP, and the remote desktop package doesn’t include text chat.

ShowMyPC uses 256-bit encryption for its remote access. Additionally, it does not store passwords on any of the app’s servers. The password for screen-sharing, meanwhile, is generated for every session. However, while establishing a connection is easy, controlling the remote PC is difficult. The connection is slow, and there is a few minutes delay in the action.

In a nutshell

If you are looking for a single platform that handles screen sharing and remote access, ShowMyPC is a good choice. The app is easy to use and allows you to connect to multiple computers. However, it does not particularly excel at any of these functions. Both the screen sharing and remote PC comes with limitations that you can only do a few tasks. All in all, there are better options available that do not cost much.

ShowMyPC combines VNC remote access technology with an open-source SSH forwarding client to provide you with the option to allow other users to view and control your desktop. The remote user needs to have the same ShowMyPC software and can access your computer with just a password (no IP address needed). The temporary session password is automatically generated when you start the viewing session and must be provided to the remote user by email, phone or other means. If you have access to your own SSH server, you can use it instead of the one provided, but notice than then you will need 3 separate machines to test it, SSH Server, desktop sharer, and a remote viewer.

Take a look at what ShowMyPC features:

• No registration, no login, just download and start. Ideal for IT support/meetings
• One shared desktop PC can have multiple remote viewers
• ShowMyPC can access remote PCs across firewalls
• Works through 99% of the firewalls, for now no proxy support
• Based on Open plink SSH client and RealVNC
• No Passwords are kept on any central SSH server