Pixel IT - NetSupport Manager - #1 Secure Multi Platform Remote Control Solution


Secure Remote Control The latest evolution in remote PC support and desktop management. Monitor multiple systems in a single action; deliver hands on remote support or interactive training. Gather real-time inventory and system data. NetSupport Manager provides the ability to support Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris and mobile devices all from a single console.

Remote Control of PCs:- Consistently recognized in comparative reviews as offering the fastest remote control performance available. Watch, Share or Control the screen, keyboard and mouse of a workstation irrespective of colour depth, resolution, network protocol or operating system. Use the Audio functions on multimedia capable PCs' to talk to your users while providing support.

Monitoring Systems with Interactive Thumbnails:- Allows a Control to display a "Thumbnail" view of all connected Client workstations simultaneously. Thumbnail size can be adjusted on the fly, as can the update interval. In addition, the Control users can mouse over a specific thumbnail for an expanded view of the selected PC. This provides a unique feature within Remote Control solutions to allow an IT manager to keep a constant eye over critical systems and immediately identify if systems need intervention. The View also provides key information such as OS type, network address, the current logged on user and the computer name for easy identification.

File Transfer and Distribution:-

File Transfer:- Transfer and manipulate files between workstations using a simple "drag & drop" interface. Synchronise directories on two workstations or edit files and attributes directly. NetSupport Manager utilises intelligent "Delta File Transfer" to reduce data transfer times when overwriting files that already exist by checking individual blocks of data within a file and only transferring changed data. This feature is enabled by default and applies to all file types. The performance benefits are most noticeable on slower connections.

File Distribution:- Distribute files and data from a central workstation to multiple Client workstations simultaneously and with a minimum of keystrokes and effort. Using this feature, you are able to distribute files to:

All connected Clients
Selected Clients;
A pre-defined Group of Clients.

Explorer Desktop Integration:- NetSupport Manager integrates directly with explorer, allowing you to launch key functionality direct from your system without needing to first start NetSupport.

Remote Deployment:-

Remotely Install a NetSupport package on multiple workstations simultaneously.
Create and download specific Client Configurations to multiple workstations.
Remotely update NetSupport License details on multiple workstations.
Remotely Uninstall a NetSupport package from multiple workstations simultaneously.

Show Function:- Show your Screen, a selected monitor or just a selected application to any number of connected computers in real-time. Utilise a range of on screen annotation to tools to aid in your presentation or training. Conduct computer-based training without the need for overhead projectors, video splitters or any additional hardware.

Scripting and Scheduling:- Incorporating a powerful scripting language and scheduler allows you to automate tasks you would normally perform repetitively. Scripting contains a wealth of desktop management functions such as the ability to interrogate Clients and retrieve information such as free disk space; what operating system they are running�

You can even use Scripting to distribute applications by using a combination of file transfer, remotely execute applications and edit the registry. In simple terms, anything you can do manually with NetSupport Manager, you can do automatically with scripting.

Power Management:- If your workstation hardware and software supports "Wake on Lan", you can use NetSupport to Power on / off your workstations over the LAN.

Printer Redirection:-

Capture client print output including support for Network and USB printers.
Use the WMI service (available on XP and above) to create a ""Standard TCP/IP Port"" to provide print capture support.

The Implementation on Window 2000 clients is similar but as the WMI Service is not available as standard the registry is updated by Manager to add the ""Standard TCP/IP Port.

64Bit Support:- NetSupport Manager supports remote control of all x64 (AMD / Intel) platforms, including Windows XP64 and Windows 2003

Chat and Audio Support:- Conduct a two way chat session between selected multiple users in either text or full audio mode.

Should the Chat member not respond, you can send an audible beep to each workstation by selecting "Send Beep". Use the "Invite" function to add Clients when the Chat session is in progress and send a copy of the Chat progress by using the Send discussion history option. The contents of a Chat session can be stored for future reference.

NetSupport Manager also offers Bi-Directional Audio - extended audio support allowing one way talk, listen and full bi-directional audio conversations outside of a remote control session. Audio support is available over all LAN/WAN and Internet based communications

Interactive Whiteboard:- To both aid training and the effectiveness of support, a Whiteboard feature is now available from within a chat / multi-chat session. Similar to Annotate, the Control is able to use a range of screen highlighting tools to visually support.

Launch Applications:- NetSupport Manager includes the Launch Application feature that allows you to remotely start applications on a remote PC, start installer routines and much more.

This feature combined with File Distribution, provides a quick and effective means of providing remote updates.

Messaging:- Send a text message to one or more chosen PC's, or even broadcast to all PCs on the network.

Help Requests:- Send help requests directly to your helpdesk when they need assistance. The help request can either be sent to all available Operators, or directed to specific operators based on user defined accounts.

Multi Platform:- Providing complete compatibility to match today's business environment - NetSupport Manager offers comprehensive multi-platform support for Windows, Linux, MAC, Solaris, CE, Pocket PC and Windows Mobile systems, also offering support for 64 bit Intel and AMD platforms, including Windows XP 64 and Windows 2003 64. The support is available for x64-based systems.

For Microsoft based systems NetSupport Manager supports : Dos, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, 2003, XP and Vista (32bit and 64bit).

Connectivity:- Locate and connect to devices no matter where they are, providing a range of connectivity methods via Local or Wide Area Networks, Remote Devices and Utilising the Internet.

Key Security Features:-

Password Protection of all systems.
Data Encryption - configurable options from 56 bit DES to 256 bit AES.
Security Keys (makes the licensed copy of NetSupport unique to the organisation and non-compatible with other copies of the software).
Record and Replay remote control sessions to keep history of all activity during a session.
Limit connectivity by user account or originating IP address (only allow connections from known locations).
Blank client screen when performing confidential actions.
Auto logout of a remote system on disconnect (avoids a system being mistakenly left in a logged in state).
User defined Inactivity Timeout on open connections.
Dial back security for dialup connections.
Centrally deploy and manage security configurations from a single location.

Integrated Security:-

Integrate with existing NT User profiles to validate an inbound user before a connection request is accepted.
Integrate directly with Active Directory profiles for user validation.
Supplied with Active Directory templates to enable system wide compliance with pre-defined client configurations.
Profiled functionality - allow different functionality to be available depending on the authenticated user making a connection.
Full event and history logs including integration with OS event logs.

Articles

NetSupport Manager 10 Review by PC Authority

Product Manuals

NetSupport Manager 10

Screen Shots

NetSupport Manager 10

Testimonials

"We currently have a help desk of 3 - 4 people supporting approximately 800 - 1000 Nodes and 250 NetSupport Clients over various Sites around the Darwin CBD, Northern Suburbs and in Alice Springs areas. As you can imagine getting to users in short space of time can be difficult.

NetSupport has been a huge relief in terms of accessibility and problem resolution time. Resolution time in the past relied on how busy the Support staff were and whether transport was available to travel to remote sites, resolution time often blew out to a couple of days instead of hours due to the fact transport was simply unavailable. With NetSupport Manager, resolution time is cut to minutes.

Not only have we implemented NetSupport on Users workstations we have installed the client software on our Windows NT Servers for remote administration in the Darwin and Alice Springs centres.

Speed and performance has been very impressive to date, even when dealing with connections in Alice Springs. NetSupport is one of the most affordable alternatives we have seen to remote administration. We have had great feedback from users and hope to extend NetSupport Manager to cover more of Education in the future.

Andrew Luke, IT Support Officer, IT Services, NT Department of Education

"NetSupport Manager quite simply is one of the easiest and most reliable software applications we run in our school. Installation is very simple and straight forward for the client and controller PCs. To make it even better, I have only ever had to give our teachers one small informal training session on how to control, share and watch the student PCs in their labs. It is great for both teaching and auditing. I am happy to recommend this product."

Philip Sherriff, Systems Analyst, Ignatius Park College

"We have been using Net Support Manager since 1997 for remote access to client computers. I am always on the lookout for a better product but have always came back to Net Support for this solution. No other product has come close as far as performance and reliability. Net support is very easy to use and setup with very little training required for new users. We have found Pixel IT to be very professional with each time I have had to contact them and offer service that is second to none."

Phil Hoare, Desktop Systems Administrator, Bundaberg Sugar Ltd

"I first came across NetSupport Manager in 2000 while working for Presbyterian Support Services. I was looking for a replacement product for Reachout, which was not compatible with Windows 2000 machines. Our biggest concern then was the program had to run fluidly over 64K DDS links on our WAN.

Of all the products we trialled, NSM was the only product that operated across the WAN as if you were actually sitting at the remote machine. No lag or delay, extremely efficient, and equally impressive over a dial-up RAS connection. At PSS 75% of workstations and 25% of servers were off-site but on the WAN, and up to 3 hours drive away. Being able to remotely control these machines completely revolutionised our support environment. We no longer had to rely on non-technical people to perform tasks over the phone, and it makes so much difference if a person can show you their problem instead of having to try and explain it.

Our ability to correctly identify and resolve an issue increased dramatically, and the time it took to resolve issues decreased dramatically. And of course, travel costs were practically eliminated.

NSM is not just a remote control solution though. We used it to transfer files between servers, remotely execute batch files for hardware and software auditing, and used the chat feature when phone lines were down.

It is extraordinarily simple to install and use. Remote machines do need a client, but this can be installed remotely as well via the Deployment module. If you don't want the remote user to watch what you are doing, especially important if you have to do administrative type tasks, you can blank the remote screen, and even disable the remote keyboard and mouse if necessary.

18 months ago I left PSS to work for Counties Power Ltd. Here, all machines are on one site, but distributed around several buildings. All the servers are kept in a locked temperature controlled room. I now use NSM to manage these servers, and minimise the amount of time I need to be away from my desk.. I can even remotely manage servers from home via a VPN connection. Its just like being there.

I would certainly recommend NSM to anyone who needs to support machines that are off-site. In my opinion, no other product even comes close. And even if your furthermost machine is only 5 minutes walk away, I would still recommend NSM, because if there is one thing worse than your PC not working, its not being able to find the IT support person either!"

I find it difficult to stop talking about NSM once I start. It’s such a great product, I couldn’t even imagine supporting any IT network without it now. Perhaps that’s the best testimonial of all!

Sheryn Bell, Systems Administrator, Counties Power Ltd

"I have been using NetSupport Manager for over five years and can highly recommend this product as an outstanding remote control application for computer systems. Version updates for NetSupport always deliver improvements to the function and feature set.

In my role as Network Administrator for Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited, NetSupport is used for remote control of network servers and key system PC's both via the Local Area Network and through Virtual Private Network over WAN connections. NetSupport allows me to carry out many of the day to day system administration functions from my desktop PC or a mobile laptop when physical access is not required or not available."

Andrew Hamilton, IT Manager / Network Administrator, Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited

"I would like to take a few moments to express my gratitude to Pixel IT for supplying us with NetSupport Manager. I work in an IT Helpdesk environment. It has helped my team to access and fix remote workstations quickly and efficiently.

We aren't new to Remote Desktop software. The IT team have been using remote management software for many years.The NetSupport Manager software is far superior to any software we have used in the past. The software has many features that we can no longer do without. The NetworkSupport Manager program has far exceeded our expectations.

Thank you, Pixel IT, for your support in helping to make our IT Team professional, efficient and more productive!"

Julie Rockwell, Information Technology Manager, Break Thru People Solutions

"We have relied on NSM's remote system administration capabilities for a number of years. It has proven itself to be reliable & indispensable tool, compatibile with all the versions of Windows we use. Highly recommended."

Dino Bijedic, System Administrator, Eracom Technologies Australia

"AAL have been working will NetSupport Manager for some years now. We believe that having the advantage of maintenance workers being able to log in to our BMS through NetSupport Manager gives us the edge to provide a prompt response to airport breakdowns and thereby affording greater confidence in our clients and the travelling public.

In addition to client satisfaction, and from a corporate view, we can reduce call out time, travel time, and the necessity to even attend the breakdown. This obviously results in cost savings for staff, vehicles, and general equipment efficiency through the ability to random monitor as a tool of 'Whole of Life' philosophy."

Bill Betts, Manager Planning and Engineering, Australian Airports

"NetSupport Manager takes the legwork out of network administration. Our IT department is now much more efficient and productive in solving problem and hence keeping our user base happy. NetSupport Manager enables us to get stuck into the problem immediately, rather than walking there, being stopped or interrupted, and having to coerce people from their PCs".

Jason Thomas, Systems Administrator, Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia