Timbuktu Pro 5.0

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by:
  Gregg Keizer
• Reviewed on: 05/23/2002
• Updated on: 11/24/2009

Timbuktu wins the gold for best-named remote-control program. But it still can't match LapLink's ease of use or GoToMyPC's browser access. Both of the latter utilities better suit at-home users and small businesses--with one exception. If you own Macs or want to control a Mac from a PC, make the $160 to $180 Timbuktu your top destination.Timbuktu wins the gold for best-named remote-control program. But it still can't match LapLink's ease of use or GoToMyPC's browser access. Both of the latter utilities better suit at-home users and small businesses--with one exception. If you own Macs or want to control a Mac from a PC, make the $160 to $180 Timbuktu your top destination.

Wishing for wizards
We love this app's no-reboot installation, and version 5.0 works smoothly under Windows XP, though it's unbearably slow over a 56K modem. It's not hard to make your first connection, however, we wish Timbuktu provided wizards such as LapLink, pcAnywhere, and GoToMyPC do. Instead, you must stumble through tasks such as setting up Timbuktu to take direct, incoming calls.

Timbuktu's plain-Jane interface gets the job done, using tabs for important chores and big toolbar buttons for remote tasks, such as sending files. Unfortunately, Timbuktu spawns a new window for each chore. Controlling a computer, chatting, and exchanging files requires three open windows.

Although it's no match for LapLink in the file-transfer department, Timbuktu offers an intuitive, drag-and-drop file-transfer mode for moving files between host and remote PCs. Plus, you can restrict file-transfer privileges by user to, say, let Judy send and retrieve files from the host but restrict Bob to send-only status.

Mac mavens love Timbuktu
You can't beat Timbuktu for multiplatform control. Although WinVNC comes in Mac versions, only Timbuktu boasts enough security and support to control a Mac from a PC. The newest version also supports Mac OS X.

Secure connections
Timbuktu connects to another computer in two ways: by dialing its modem directly, which is mandatory if you're using a dial-up connection, or by using TCP/IP and either the Internet or your business's intranet. A TCP/IP connection offers a nifty feature: when you link two machines this way, the folks at both ends can chat using text messaging or Timbuktu's Intercomm feature. Of course, you'll need microphones and sound capabilities to talk. Continue reading

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  "You don't need wizards when it's this easy."

  on September 25, 2003

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