http://www.getbymail.com
Reviewed October, 2006
 

What’s it do?

This program offers an alternative to traditional remote access, file sharing, and email.


Does it do what it promises?

Reviewer 1: Yes, with GetByMail, it is possible to connect two computers and manage things on the remote computer from the local computer. Because it is passing through email accounts, it can avoid some of the difficulties of other types of remote access and control. Also, for the same reason you must wait for quite long waiting periods for each function to be executed, even though you may have high-speed access to the internet. To be fair, you are warned about this on their site, so it should come as no surprise. Some of the other remote-access programs that are available are considerably more expensive than GetByMail, so if you do not need to hurry, this would be an interesting possibility to explore.

Reviewer 2. Yes, but with one caveat: it is a somewhat unique program that allows remote access to another computer, file sharing, and email but it is not easy to set up as claimed in the Web site.

Reviewer 3: Yes, files that i tried were transmitted completely and accurately using this program.


Was it easy to install?

Reviewer 1: The installation process was fine and allowed me to put the program and icons where I wanted to. The Registration process is quite normal, in that you need to put a User ID and a Registration Code. However, for some reason, I was not able to do a Copy and Paste, so had to enter the string of Numbers that is the Registration Code by hand and eye. Not horribly difficult, but a bit of a hassle.

Reviewer 2: No. The download is a small 1.95MB file and the installation is relatively straightforward but you must install the software on every computer you wish to access remotely as well as on your home computer.

Reviewer 3: The installation procedure was very smooth and straightforward, without confusion or complications.


Good points.

Reviewer 1: The user interface is quite utilitarian. Once I had understood it, it was very easy to use. It is a kind of combination of the old and the new. That is, you can use the mouse, double-click on things that you want done, use the buttons or the menus, right-click and so on. Or, like many programs in the old DOS or early windows programs, use the Function Keys. All the main activities possible are laid out in a row, with a Function key assigned to each one. When you set up the remote computer, you define which folders and files will be available remotely, and what kind of access or functions will be allowed. For example, you may decide that the My Documents folder will be available from afar. You also decide that, again from afar, the person will only be able to Edit/View files - F4, and Copy files (which means, to download them) - F5. Now, when you log onto that computer via GetByMail, when you highlight the My Documents folder, those two F-key buttons will "light up"; the rest will stay gray. So it is clear what you can and cannot do from afar. It is apparent that a lot of thought and planning has gone into this program. There are little touches I found that I like. For example, since it takes quite a long time for each function to be carried out, there is a drop-down list of all the "places" that you have been, both on the Local computer screen (the left side) and the remote computer screen (the right side) similar to the address bar in your Web browser. These remain from one session to the next, and it makes navigation around the computers much more efficient. The fact that GetByMail can use Gmail and some other Web-based email accounts is a considerable advantage. In fact, I set up a couple of Gmail accounts specifically to use for this program. It is important to follow the instructions carefully in setting up the parameters of the Gmail account within GetByMail; here the screenshots in the help file are quite clear. Also, the Gmail account itself has to be set up to allow "POP access"; here again, the documentation is clear. Once I had set up the Gmail account on each computer, I was pleased to discover that GetByMail has its own email client function. In other words, you could use GetByMail to send and receive emails, if you want to. I used this client as a method of verifying that the account I had set up was working properly, and that GetByMail itself was successfully logging on to its own gmail account. The support given by the developers was very good - always quick, courteous and effective. I contacted them a number of times, and always had a response within 24 hours. This includes weekends, not only the "business days" mentioned on their site. There is a users' forum, where I also received help. I think that the replies came mostly from the developers rather than other users, but wherever it came from, I appreciated it.

Reviewer 2: GetByMail does, in fact, offer you a much less expensive way to remotely access another computer than its competitor's monthly service fees; and, in principle does this by utilizing email accounts. In theory, this should make doing so much simpler. It allows you to set up a series of email addresses that are allowed to exchange information and thus allows you full access to all directory listings allowing you perform almost any action as if sitting at the remote computer. It is much more secure than many similar programs as it not only encrypts "messages," but also password protects users and groups. It supports file uploads and downloads, folder browsing, desktop access, and will even allow you to take screenshots. In fact, you can rename or delete files, run applications, even shutdown shutdown/reboot/logoff. Even though you are using your email client for accessing the remote computer, it is surprisingly fast because it not only compresses files, it can split them into smaller data packets as well. It is highly configurable allowing you to use Pop3, SMTP, and IMAP email clients and works well with Google's Gmail which is especially nice because of its large file transfer size. Amazingly, it even works with AOL. It does seem to work best, however, if used with a Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a built in address book as well as a built in mail client. Since it is using email to access remotely you can bypass most firewalls, often a problem with similar software or programs. I found all features worked well as promised. There are help manuals that can be downloaded in standard .doc format as well as PDF (a nice touch) as well as excellent help files accessible through the web site. Support is offered through a very limited FAQ, a very inactive Users Forum, an online form that can be submitted, or through standard email. This is essentially freeware; although, for $24.95 you are given unlimited support as well as an ad-free version.

Reviewer 3: For my intermediate level of use, generally not office-related, a primary strong point was that by using GetByMail, I was able to transmit files that otherwise would not be possible due to size, type or ISP and firewall obstructions. Other handy benefits for my type of use would be to allow synchronization between remote machines and to have access to all the files on my other machine. Actually, with use, I'm sureI would find may other applications using the advantages of access. In all other respects this program, once tamed, the program ran flawlessly, not disrupting other processes. The transfer take a little longer than regular email, but that is entirely understandable given the processes the program is going through. Customer support was remarkably responsive to my needs.


Weak points.

Reviewer 1. For some reason, the initial setup process was very difficult for me. I spent a good many hours trying to get the connection to work at all. I found the documentation on how to get connected very difficult to understand, and wandered down a considerable number of wrong roads before I finally succeeded in getting connected. I would strongly recommend that this part of the documentation be reworked. Once I had the idea, it made sense; but, it took a lot of work to get there. If possible, some kind of flash demonstration of how to connect two computers would be an excellent idea. I am also a bit confused about the license as described in the EULA. There, if you buy one license, the program can be installed on one computer. However, if you are to use the program, you must install it on at least two computers: your local one and the remote one. Would I need two licenses or one? I also found the Edit/View function to be limited to opening the file in Notepad. This will only be useful, of course, if the file is a text file.

Reviewer 2: The biggest drawback to this program is that, unlike similar programs such as Autosend File Sharing, which only needs to be installed on the client side and any email client can be used on the client side, GetByMail must be installed on each computer that you wish to access and on each of these computers you must have Administrator rights to use it. This can be a problem if you work in any medium- to larger-sized business, corporation, or in a university environment such as I do. Furthermore, I found that it does not always work with every exchange server without finding custom workarounds, and trying to get your IT department to allow you not only administrator rights but to assist you in these workarounds is difficult at best. IT departments have many priorities and helping you with, let alone allowing you, a workaround so that you can utilize non-approved, third-party software is not high on their list of priorities (nor should it be.) The other major drawback with GetByMail is that, without regard to what it claims, setup is convoluted, confusing, and complicated. Be prepared to read every help file on the Web site, download and read both user's manuals,, and lots of patience. I found to set up this program on two computers with no exchange server involved and to get the programs configured correctly and up and running was extremely difficult requiring the willingness to make repeated attempts. The developer simply must find an easier way of either setting up the program (drag and drop features would be a start) or possibly offering a video tutorial if it is expected that this software will become popular with the average user. There are also a few additional small but problematic (and annoying) weaknesses: (1) You can't use your email client when using GetByMail, (2) it does not integrate with Windows User Management, (3) it will not work if you are using the popular AVG anti-virus (which is stated on the Web site) and created conflicts with the NOD32 antivirus as well, (4) I experienced a failure rate, i.e. "remote connection error" of about 35%, (5) a less than intuitive interface, (6) works with Windows only (7) if using POP mail accounts there is a very noticeable slow down in every action. Last, and certainly not least, my two attempts to contact support via email was unsuccessful. Notwithstanding a promise of a 48 hour turnaround (quite long as far as I am concerned), I would have been happy having hear something-anything-in 48 hours as I received no response to either of my emails.

GetByMail.com responds: We do the priority for GetByMail Pro version users as it is described on our site so it seems that reviewer did not outline that he is a Pro version user. We are very sorry for possible inconvenience for the reviewer.

Reviewer 3: Although installation was a breeze, configuration and setup in preparation for transmission was a nightmare. I spent many futile hours attempting to make my first transmission. As it turned out, initially I had some settings wrong, as well as a subsequent apparent software conflict. I say apparently, because when installed and used on a friend's machine, everything worked just fine. I had a lot of trouble with the settings, having trouble understanding and following the indicated procedures. I believe the manual could have been clearer. GetByMail offers a paid version and a free version. The free version is fully functional, no limitations of any kind. The only difference between the versions is that the free version displays a nonintrusive banner at the top of the page. Thus a prospective user is able to examine and use the program for an unlimited time, then if pleased, voluntarily purchase it at reasonable $24.95. Seems to me, the program is easily affordable and worth it, as is supporting the designer for his efforts.


Other comments.

Reviewer 1: This is a very interesting program, which could be useful where other types of remote access are not feasible for one reason or another. It is not quite as easy to actually use as some of the others, and I found it to be a bit uneven in its performance. On the plus side, I found the support to be very responsive and helpful. By the way, when you log onto your email account, you will find it filled with very peculiar-looking messages, as, for example: ?>pj/xyu0fszgT (to give you a very short one). I assume that they can all be safely deleted.

Reviewer 2: I applaud the developer for looking for new ways to offer users remote access to other computers through installed software rather than monthly subscription services; however, I think there are currently other programs on the market that, while having a few less features, offer many of the same features in a much easier to use and setup program. The very fact of needing to install the software on every remote computer as well as the client computer makes this program a drawback to all but the very casual user. Generally, the casual user is going to be more interested in sharing files or photos with the distant friend or relative than otherwise and can perform this function with the ubiquitous free file sharing programs that proliferate the Internet. I am also becoming more and more put off by freeware that is really only supported if, in this instance, you pay $24.95. If you believe in your program and do so enough to want to support it, then simply offer it as shareware and sell it. While I realize the popularity of freeware and the ease of marketing it, I also believe that software that is well designed, serves a unique function, and offers good support will always be able to find buyers if priced competitively. Because of all of the above, I am not able to recommend this program at this time. As it stands there are better choices available and, if you are using Windows XP Pro, remote access is a built in function of your OS.

Reviewer 3: What struck me most in addition to the capabilities of the program was the attitude and the energy of the support desk. The developer himself got actively involved, through email and IM, to coach me through my initial miseries. I have never before experienced such superior service. GetByMail offers a paid version and a free version. The free version is fully functional, no limitations of any kind. The only difference between the versions is that the free version displays a nonintrusive banner at the top of the page. Thus, a prospective user is able to examine and use the program for an unlimited time, then if pleased, voluntarily purchase it at reasonable $24.95. Seems to me, the program is easily affordable and worth it, as is supporting the designer for his efforts.

GetByMail.com responds: Thank you very much for your reviews. The review comments are extremely useful for us and for sure will be taken into account during the next GetByMail releases. In general we agree with all comments done by reviewers and we are working hard to improve our product. For example some things that outlined in comments will be in next 1.5 version of GetByMail. This version will support command interpreter. It means that GetByMail could be installed only as a server on remote PC and to connect it no need to install client on local PC. User could use custom e-mail client to sent predefined commands and wait on response.


Will you continue to use it?

Reviewer 1:Yes, I will, in some particular situations, where the others programs available just don't quite work.

Reviewer 2: No.

Reviewer 3: Yes. This is a handy program, reliable priced right.

OPERATING SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REVIEW
Windows XP Pro, XP Home, XP Media Center

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