Remobo for Mac

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET Staff on February 27, 2009

One of the few free remote access programs out there, Remobo is in early beta and not quite ready for a big debut. But what it does offer now is interesting, and though the biggest hang-up is all the bugs, there still are plenty of cool features to go around.

In establishing a secure connection, you can transfer files using the Windows native file-sharing or, if you don't have full access to the secondary computer, you can share files using the Remobo system. Wisely, Remobo takes advantage of your BitTorrent client to spread the love around, instantly creating and sharing a torrent file that shares any files you've added to it. The remote access and control works well, allowing the primary user to fully control the secondary computer.

However, it's not flawless. The file sharing is great, but the refresh rate on the secondary machine is sluggish and not really a viable alternative to other remote access applications at this time. Besides slow response time, logging in and creating accounts are both occasionally buggy procedures, as is disconnecting. Remobo has potential, but there's much work to be done before it's ready to leave the starting line--unless you just want the file sharing. That bit works better than expected.