Help Center Services

pcAnywhere FAQs

What is Symantec pcAnywhere?

What information do I need to have before downloading Symantec pcAnywhere?

What happens if I try to connect from home but do not remember my password?

Why should I choose a strong password?

Should I leave my office computer on if I plan on connecting from home?

How can I lock my office pc after I’m finished with my remote session?

How does File Transfer work within pcAnywhere?

 

What is Symantec pcAnywhere?

Symantec pcAnywhere can provide secure, remote access to computers and servers.  It allows you to remotely connect to another computer and perform your work as though you are sitting in front of that computer.  You can view and edit files, run software, print files to a printer at your location or at the host’s location, or access network resources that you have permission to access. 

What information do I need to have before downloading Symantec pcAnywhere?

  • Contact your local support personnel before downloading pcAnywhere because it might conflict with policies or procedures within your department.
  • Ensure workstation is in Compliance with University Policies.
  • Understand the difference between host and remote computers.
  • Know “Host” computer name.

What happens if I try to connect from home but do not remember my password?

The login information cannot be modified or reset by the Help Center.  If you forget the password, you will not be able to connect until you return to your office and reset the password for that account.

Why should I choose a strong password?

One of the easiest ways for someone to gain access to your computer is to determine your password. The best defense is a "strong password".  A strong password is a combination of upper case, lower case, numbers and symbols, with a minimum of 8 characters.

Should I leave my office computer on if I plan on connecting from home?

Yes.  You should lock the pc, but do not turn it off.  If you turn the pc off, you will not be able to connect remotely.  Once you connect remotely via Cisco VPN and pcAnywhere, you will be prompted to enter your network password to unlock the Host machine. 

How can I lock my office pc after I’m finished with my remote session?

From the Remote toolbar, go to Actions, Send Ctr+Alt+Delete.  This will lock the Host computer.

How does File Transfer work within pcAnywhere?

The File Manager lets you navigate to files and folders quickly, and transfer files to and from the host and remote computers.

  **Caution:  If you delete a file during File Transfer, the file will not be sent to your trash can, but will be deleted**