Avvenu - Computer Access from...Anywhere?
Probably one of the more interesting aspects of computing that is coming (quite quickly down the pipe) is a style of virtual computing where a person is accessing their computer thru a web browser. While those familiar with the terms VPN and VNC will not find anything "new" about this, the fact of the matter is that for the normal computer user, the ability to access files on a home or work computing without sophiscated software or IT-managed devices is a lot less "new" than we would like to realize.
With that in mind, I took a look at the program/service called Avvenu. Basically, I had never heard of this service until reading a few reviews of Palm's new TX model and how this program is designed of make it quite simple for someone to access files on their home/work computer.
Like most things on the net, you cannot do anything until you signup for the service. So I went to Avvenu and signed up for the service. Upon signing up, I had to download and install a stub program (it runs in the background in the system tray). Then I signed up for the service at Avvenu's website. All basically painless.
After doing that, I fired up my Treo 600 and pointed the web broswer to http://share.avvenu.com and let it take off from there. First I logged in using the user name and password I set up when I registered. And then I was sent to a page that resembled my desktop (withuot the 1280x1024 pixel goodness). Since I only have 7 icons on my desktop, that is all I saw. But from there I was able to get around my computer pretty easily. I was even able to view an image that I had saved on my desktop (and it was resized to fit in the browser window quite nicely I might add).
So why do I write about a program like this. I honestly think that this is a nearly perfect application for people who have a reason to access files, but not the knowhow to manage firewalls and VPN connections (from personal experience they can be a hassle). I also like that Palm is pushing Avvenu with their new TX model. Its not like this wasnt available before, Avvenu just makes it nice and simple.
In reading some forums here and there, I was made aware that for accessing corporate networks, using a program like this could be a problem. So check with your IT person just in case. But for the rest of us, who might have our computers on all day at home just to access that pic of a little one via our PDA or other mobile (Avvenu works on most phones, PDAs, and laptops), this is a pretty kool service, and one that I can see pushing the idea of shared computing just a but further into the mainstream.
With that in mind, I took a look at the program/service called Avvenu. Basically, I had never heard of this service until reading a few reviews of Palm's new TX model and how this program is designed of make it quite simple for someone to access files on their home/work computer.
Like most things on the net, you cannot do anything until you signup for the service. So I went to Avvenu and signed up for the service. Upon signing up, I had to download and install a stub program (it runs in the background in the system tray). Then I signed up for the service at Avvenu's website. All basically painless.
After doing that, I fired up my Treo 600 and pointed the web broswer to http://share.avvenu.com and let it take off from there. First I logged in using the user name and password I set up when I registered. And then I was sent to a page that resembled my desktop (withuot the 1280x1024 pixel goodness). Since I only have 7 icons on my desktop, that is all I saw. But from there I was able to get around my computer pretty easily. I was even able to view an image that I had saved on my desktop (and it was resized to fit in the browser window quite nicely I might add).
So why do I write about a program like this. I honestly think that this is a nearly perfect application for people who have a reason to access files, but not the knowhow to manage firewalls and VPN connections (from personal experience they can be a hassle). I also like that Palm is pushing Avvenu with their new TX model. Its not like this wasnt available before, Avvenu just makes it nice and simple.
In reading some forums here and there, I was made aware that for accessing corporate networks, using a program like this could be a problem. So check with your IT person just in case. But for the rest of us, who might have our computers on all day at home just to access that pic of a little one via our PDA or other mobile (Avvenu works on most phones, PDAs, and laptops), this is a pretty kool service, and one that I can see pushing the idea of shared computing just a but further into the mainstream.
posted by Antoine @ 10/21/2005 04:13:00 PM
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